Medical Elastic Compression Stockings

Abstract

Since ancient times, physicians have used external pressure in their aim to achieve therapeutic goals. Although it was applied for a lot of indications in the past, nowadays it appears that physicians other than phlebologists have forgotten the special qualities of this simple and inexpensive treatment. Today, it is impossible to imagine phlebology practice without compression therapy, because phlebologists consider compression therapy with its many indications as the ‘therapia magna’.1 Compression therapy has improved over the years. It is highly remarkable that evidence-based literature on this subject is sparse and most of it is empirical. Fortunately, in recent years, considerable progress has been made on good quality studies on compression therapy. Patients with venous disease often question the benefit of compression therapy and many of those who prescribe this kind of treatment are not aware of its background and possibilities. For many compression therapy might seem simple, but nothing is further from the truth! Compression therapy with its complex working mechanism depends on many factors. Since compression therapy plays a key role in the treatment of venous disease, principles of this therapy should be taught and research on this fascinating subject should be continued.