What is a flat knit medical compression stocking?
Flat knit medical compression stockings are knitted in rows with a flat knitting machine. Increasing the stitches gives the stocking its anatomical shape and pressure curve.
The stitch size remains constant so that the fabric has the same stability throughout. It is then sewn together with a special seam. The process is similar to knitting a jumper, where the individual pieces are sewn together at the end.
Who needs flat knit medical compression stockings?
Flat knit medical compression stockings are mainly used in therapy for lipoedema and lymphoedema. In the second phase of complex physical decongestive therapy (CPD) – the maintenance phase – flat knit medical compression stockings prevent further fluid accumulation in the tissues with their strong material.
Flat knit medical compression stockings are special because of the strong material: they are less stretchy than round knit stockings because of their wall stability. Flat knit compression stockings achieve their unique characteristics because several different knitting threads are knitted together in different knitting systems. The compression thread is loosely inserted into each row.
Find more about the effects of medical compression stockings here.
Are flat knit medical compression stockings custom-made?
Patients with lipoedema and lymphoedema often have very individual requirements for the shape of a medical compression stocking because of their anatomy. Therefore, flat knit mediven compression stockings are always custom-made.
What is a round knit compression stocking?
Round knit medical compression stockings are knitted tubularly and seamlessly on a round cylinder using a circular knitting machine. The number of stitches in each row is usually identical.
The size, the anatomical shape and the pressure curve of the round knit medical compression stocking are determined, among other things, by knitting machines with different diameters and numbers of needles, the variable stitch size, the number of knitted rows and the different pre-tensioning of the compression yarn. This means that there are limits to the shape of round knit medical compression stockings.
When are round knit compression stockings used?
Round knit medical compression stockings together with exercise are the basic treatment for diseases of the venous system. With severe diseases of the venous system and/or strong differences in leg circumferences, called calibre jumps, it may be necessary to wear flat knit medical compression stockings.
Find more about the effects of medical compression stockings here.
Are round knit compression stockings made-to-measure?
Depending on body shape and condition, predefined standard sizes are suitable which cover certain anatomical and frequently occurring proportions. The anatomy of some patients requires a made-to-measure product that is manufactured individually for each patient.
How are measurements taken for medical compression stockings?
When a patient is prescribed compression stockings, a medical retailer will determine the exact measurements: if the patient is prescribed a round knit compression stocking, circumference measurements will be taken in the same way as a tailor would.
The values for flat knit compression stockings are usually determined by a special measuring technique. It is best if the limb to be treated is decongested by the lymph therapist at the time of measurement.
