Anti Embolism Stockings
Walgreens
Anti Embolism Stockings at Walgreens
Blood clots and embolisms can form for a variety of reasons and can often be dangerous or cause other health problems. A healthcare provider can diagnose a blood clot or identify people at risk of blood clots. They will recommend the best course of action, which may involve the use of anti-embolism stockings, also called compression stockings. This type of stocking gently squeezes the legs to promote blood flow and may help to prevent blood clots, especially after surgery or inactivity. Anti-embolism stockings can be purchased in stores or online at Walgreens.
What are blood clots?
Blood clots are clumps of blood that form when proteins, cells, and platelets in the blood bind together.
What causes blood clots?
A blood clot forms after an injury to help the body stop bleeding. As the body heals, the blood clot is broken down and removed. However, blood clots can also form in abnormal places in the body. In some cases, the body overproduces blood clots, or normal blood clots may fail to break down when they should. These clots can form in areas of the body such as the blood vessels of the lungs, brain, heart, and limbs. The clots can also travel to these areas. This can make for a very dangerous situation.
Certain factors can increase a person’s risk of experiencing a blood clot. These include heart problems, cancer, diabetes, obesity, smoking, certain medicines such as birth control, and a family history of blood clots. Your healthcare provider can help determine if you are at risk for blood clots.
There are some medicines that your healthcare provider may recommend if you have experienced a blood clot. These include blood thinners, which keep blood clots from getting larger or new ones from forming, and thrombolytics, which dissolve blood clots.
Your healthcare provider may also recommend lifestyle changes and products such as anti-embolism stockings to help prevent further complications. Anti-embolism stockings, a type of compression stocking, work by gently squeezing the legs to increase circulation and help prevent blood clots. Graduated compression stockings are another type of compression stocking that offer varying pressure, meaning pressure is tightest around the ankle area and gets looser towards the top of the leg. Many anti-embolism stockings also offer graduated pressure.
What is an embolism?
When a blood clot forms in a blood vessel of the body and then breaks away and travels to another part of the body, this is called an embolus. When an embolus lodges itself in a blood vessel, this may block blood supply to certain parts of the body, and this blockage is called an embolism. Embolisms can cause serious health problems and should be addressed by a healthcare provider right away.
What are the symptoms of blood clots?
Symptoms of a blood clot may vary depending on where the blood clot is located in the body.
References
- Blood clots in the abdomen can cause abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
- In the arms and legs, blood clots can cause sudden or gradual pain, swelling, and tenderness.
- A blood clot in the brain can cause vision problems, seizures, trouble speaking, severe headache, and weakness in one side of the body.
- A blood clot in the heart or lungs may cause symptoms similar to a heart attack, such as chest pain, sweating, pain in the left arm, and shortness of breath.
Consult with your healthcare provider right away if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.
What is a pulmonary embolism?
A pulmonary embolism is a type of embolism that causes a blockage in the lung artery. It is usually caused by a blood clot breaking loose and traveling to the lungs, most commonly from a blood clot in the leg called a deep vein thrombosis. Because a pulmonary embolism blocks blood flow to the lungs, this can be a very serious and life-threatening condition that can lead to permanent lung damage or harm to other organs in the body. Getting treated right away is the best way to prevent long-term damage or death.
What causes pulmonary embolisms?
Pulmonary embolisms are usually caused by a blood clot in the leg called a deep vein thrombosis, which breaks loose and travels in the bloodstream up to the lung. There are factors that put certain people at greater risk of developing a pulmonary embolism, such as certain conditions like cancer, heart disease or lung disease, hormonal medicines like birth control, pregnancy and childbirth, obesity, inactivity for long periods, and certain surgeries. Family history and genetics can also play a role in a person’s risk of blood clots and pulmonary embolism.
How is a pulmonary embolism diagnosed?
To diagnose a pulmonary embolism, your healthcare provider will likely ask about your medical history and conduct a physical exam. They may also order certain tests, such as a blood test, chest X-ray, or ultrasound. There are medicines that your healthcare provider may recommend if you have experienced a blood clot or embolism. These include blood thinners, which keep blood clots from getting larger or new ones from forming, and thrombolytics, which dissolve blood clots. Your healthcare provider may also recommend lifestyle changes and products such as anti-embolism stockings to help prevent further complications.
What type of anti-embolism stockings are available at Walgreens?
There are generally two lengths of stockings, knee-high stockings that reach just below the knee, and thigh-high stockings that extend to the mid-thigh. Anti-embolism stockings are available with an open or closed toe and in different sizes, and the type you select may depend on personal preference and any recommendations from your healthcare provider. Knee-high and thigh-high compression stockings are available for purchase in a variety of styles in stores or online at Walgreens.