Complaints of Elastic Stockings: Difference in Characteristics between Patients with Lymphedema and Varicose Veins

Abstract

Complaints of elastic stockings obtained by questionnaires were compared between patients with lymphedema and varicose veins. The most frequent complaint was "expensive" for patients with lymphedema and “difficulty to apply” for patients with varicose veins, 89% and 63%, respectively. Thirteen of the 21 complaints, such as expensive, not covered by health insurance, too hot, pinch and loss of elasticity, were observed more frequently in patients with lymphedema than in patients with varicose veins. These results might be explained by the specific characteristics of lymphedema; 1) long and continuous use of elastic stockings, 2) high compression pressure and compression of the whole leg, 3) considerations for deformation ofthe leg. From these results it is emphasized that careful support including relief of psychological stress are important in treatment of lymphedema. Although double stockings are useful for patients who have difficulty in applying one strong stocking, some problems should be solved before clinical application.