We often mention Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) when it comes to flying and other periods of immobility. However, it seems the high risk of developing a DVT while in hospital isn’t something that many people are aware of. When asked about DVT, many people mistakenly responded that you were mainly at risk during flying. The “Ask About Clots” campaign was launched in Wales to raise awareness about the potential danger of developing a thrombosis while staying in hospital. Compression Advisory works closely with healthcare professionals and individuals to advise and provide medically correct products once they are discharged to help…

Your legs and calves will only be as fit as your current activity levels. Whether you walk, run, swim or cycle, your legs and calves are an important part of your body which often need special attention to keep in the best possible condition. The more you move your legs, the more they work which is great for blood flow, toxin removal and muscle health. Want to do a little more for your legs? Make sure you stretch them regularly, before and after exercise, especially your calves, which are one of the first places you’ll get tight and sore. Keeping…

Why is fit so important? Fit means providing the correct pressure gradient to improve circulation, while remaining comfortable for the person to wear. In our compression buying guide, we talk about the fact that you should stay away from any compression products, that are sized by shoe size alone, or S, M, L, without taking key leg measurements. In our guide to how compression works, we explain that compression must be firmest/tightest at the ankle and gradually less tight as you move up the leg in order for the product to actually improve blood flow. Logic would follow that you…

On Monday 31st March 2014, Compression Advisory and Dr. Courtney Kipps of the Institute of Sports Exercise and Health (ISEH) spoke at Runner's Need on Great Portland Street about reducing injury before and during the upcoming London Marathon. Here are the top tips from the evening: Injury risks before the event 1) Don't squeeze in missed training now 2) Try out any race day nutrition before race day to ensure your stomach’s ok with it. 3) Strength training will improve your running performance and injury prevention. 4) Don't make any changes to kit (shoes etc.). "If it ain't broke, don't…

At Compression Advisory, we often get calls from people with cotton allergies or who are concerned about sweaty feet and blisters during training. We have done extensive research on the ideal uses for each fabric and how to incorporate them into compression socks. As your feet support the entire weight of your body and contain a quarter of a million sweat glands, it is important that their temperature is kept regulated and that they are kept dry. When creating socks there are two basic approaches to managing moisture. One is to insulate the feet from temperature extremes and thereby reduce…

1. Prevent varicose veins During pregnancy, the weight of the growing uterus puts pressure on the inferior vena cava, the body’s big central abdominal vein which in turn puts pressure on the veins in the legs. Combining this extra pressure with hormonal changes (designed to relax muscles in preparation for delivery) encourages blood pooling and leaves you with dilated, sore, swollen, uncomfortable veins. Graduated compression encourages venous blood to return to the heart, relieving you of these symptoms. If blood pools in your veins, it can cause them to twist and bulge and become unsightly varicose veins. 2. Relieve tired…