Support Stockings in Practical Management of Varicose Veins

Abstract

Sixty six patients were studied in a randomized trial comparing two types of pressure graduated stockings. The variables studied were age, sex, grip strength and stocking type. These variables were correlated with the patient's willingness to wear support hose (compliance with treatment as judged by random home visit). Of the 66 patients prescribed stockings, 40 patients (18 Medi Plus and 22 Sigvaris) completed the study. Overall compliance with treatment was only 32%. Increasing age correlated positively with usage of stockings. Other variables (including grip strength) had no significant effect in determining likelihood of compliance. Willingness to comply with treatment proved to be a greater problem than ability to do so.