Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome is a condition that affects the nervous system and how the body distributes blood throughout the body. When the body doesn't properly distribute blood to where it needs to go because of a person having POTS then a number of symptoms can present themselves. The majority of POTS patients experience an increase in heart rate. This is the body's way of attempting to push more blood to the extremities and the brain. Lightheadedness and weakness are also symptoms and most severely, some people faint. Ultimately while POTS episodes may be unpleasant they are the body's way of protecting itself from lack of blood supply or blood pressure.
While there are medications that can help POTS patients function and lead more normal lives there are some drug-free options that can help as well. Since a lot of POTS patients experience blood pooling in the legs many find great relief from using compression stockings during their daily lives. The reason this is effective is that compression stockings squeeze the legs and cause blood to be pushed back up to the upper portion of the body. Rather than allowing the blood to all drop to the legs when a person moves around, compression stockings keep things in a perfect harmony. Many patients who use these stockings can now stand or sit for long periods of time, they can breathe better, eat better and think better.
Of course just about every drug store sells compression stockings and you can also get them through many hospitals and doctors offices but the quality and the attractiveness of the product suffers a bit. These days there are many brands available that make a high quality compression stocking and some even make products in attractive prints and colors. This is especially tempting for younger POTS patients who don't want to be stuck with plain white and nude colored compression stockings.
VIM & VIGR
VIM & VIGR began as a way to bring the benefits of compression stockings to a broader range of people. Whether you simply need a pair of stockings to wear at home or you want something that is work appropriate you can turn to VIM & VIGR for very high quality products. I received the black and purple argyle compression stockings and tried them out. I really liked the material they are made out of. Instead of getting the feeling these socks are more medical-based than style, these compression stockings look like regular socks. There are a number of different colors and styles to choose from and they are really comfortable compression options. VIM & VIGR make compression stockings at a compression level of 15-20 mmHG which is the lowest you will find and a good level to begin with. Sometimes you have to try a few different compression levels to get a good fit.
Sigvaris
Whether you need compression stockings for medical use or athletic use, Sigvaris makes some really great products. Not only do they make knee high stockings but also footless compression stockings, full leg compression products and much more. This is a brand that appeals to many different demographics. You will find older people using their basic stocking line and the younger, more career focused crowd can wear Sigvaris' products to work each day for POTS relief.
Lunatik Athletiks
This is a great brand to look at if you're trying to find stylish compression socks to wear for POTS relief. Lunatik Athletik's new line socks come in the brightest colors and best prints I've seen. I have the Energetic Argyle and they're fantastic. Normally you would want to hide the fact that you're wearing compression stockings but with these choices you actually want to show them off!
Suffering daily from palpitations, breathlessness, dizziness, fainting, stomach issues and more can be extremely stressful and upsetting. Searching for ways to feel better can be tiring as well but trying a pair of compression stockings on can really bring a great deal of relief to POTS sufferers. Of course you should consult your doctor to make sure compression stocking are safe for you to wear and to receive information on what type of compression you should start with. It's also advised to wear the socks early in the morning before getting out of bed to prevent the initial pooling that occurs early in the day. Also, don't attempt to wear the stockings all day everyday when you first start out. Start slow with a couple of hours a day and work your way up.
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