Monday, March 10, 2008

Travel / Deep Vein Thrombosis

 

Deep Vein Thrombosis Prevention

Are you a frequent traveler? Flying long distances? If so, you should know about Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot that forms in the “deep” larger veins, usually in the legs. If the clot dislodges from the vein wall and becomes mobile, it will move through the venous system, and eventually, could block a vein of the heart, brain or lungs.

Who is at Risk for Deep Vein Thrombosis?

At risk are people who fly, sit or stand for long periods of time. Other contributing factors are: smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, being overweight, recent surgery or diagnosed vein disease.

How Can I Tell if I Have Deep Vein Thrombosis?

Unfortunately, Deep Vein Thrombosis is a difficult condition to detect, and is often symptomless. If symptoms occur, they may include intense pain or cramping in the calves, tenderness, swelling, warmth or changes in skin color.

Using Compression Therapy

An effective way to keep your legs healthy during air travel is wearing graduated compression stocking. Compression stockings and socks exert a comfortable pressure on the outside of the leg to support the veins and vein valves. If you think you are at risk for a DVT, consult your primary care provider.


WARNING:
YOUR FEET AND LEGS MAY BE AT RISK!

(learn more here)

Protect your feet and legs.

Order Medical LegWear


This information is from

http://www.juzousa.com/content.asp?id=23EABA13-7ACC-4FB6-9BB1-FDCC9D245FE1

To the best of our knowledge, the information contained herein is accurate. However, neither Binson's, or any of its subsidiaries assumes any liability whatsoever for the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein. This information is for educational purposes only.
 

Diabetes and Medical LegWear

 

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a medical condition involving irregular blood sugar levels and insulin production. There are two kinds: Type 1, which develops in childhood and young adulthood; and Type 2, which develops in adulthood. Risk factors include family history of diabetes, obesity, Hispanic or African American ethnicity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

A common symptom associated with diabetes is having high blood sugar levels, which can breakdown the integrity of blood vessels and nerves in the body. This begins to effect blood circulation, most commonly in the eyes, kidneys and skin.

Learn more about diabetes

How Does Poor Circulation Affect Diabetics?

Over time, poor circulation causes decreased oxygenated blood to reach the skin. Diabetics are at risk for developing wounds and open ulcers in the lower legs and feet. Along with consistent skin care, proper footwear is a must.

Patients with diabetes should be aware of the risk of developing neuropathy--damaged nerves in the feet. This can be very painful, causing burning or stinging in the feet and usually gets worse at night. The feet may become numb. This poses a danger for diabetics who may step on sharp objects or puncture the bottom of the foot and not realize it. Diabetics should examine their feet every night for signs of trauma or redness and call a primary care provider if these signs are present.

How Can Compression Stockings Help?

Compression stockings address circulation problems by supporting the leg veins. This support increases oxygen and circulation to ulcers. Maintaining good circulation is crucial to preventing and managing these types of open wounds.

If you are diabetic or know someone who is, ask your primary care provider about the benefits of wearing graduated compression stockings or socks for preventative and diabetic care.


WARNING:
YOUR FEET AND LEGS MAY BE AT RISK!

(learn more here)

Protect your feet and legs.

Order Medical LegWear


This information is from

http://www.juzousa.com/content.asp?id=00ECC784-216B-46D2-A7EF-1E1F51AE06BB

To the best of our knowledge, the information contained herein is accurate. However, neither Binson's, or any of its subsidiaries assumes any liability whatsoever for the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein. This information is for educational purposes only.
 

Edema (Swelling) Aching Legs

 
Aching legs will come in different forms. Some people will have heavy, tired, aching legs and others will have tingling or cramping of the legs. A common form of aching is associated with swelling of the legs and/or ankles. Your doctor will most likely refer to this swelling as edema.
 

What is Edema?

"Swelling" is clinically referred to as edema. When edema happens, aching is commonly the associated sensation. Edema refers to an increase in fluid under the skin, often seen in the lower legs around the ankles and feet. Edema is very different from lymphedema, a condition involving swelling caused by a build-up of protein-rich fluid in the lymphatic vessels. Over time, if lymphedema is not treated, the affected area will continue to increase in swelling and increase in aching. Edema is a mild swelling condition escorted with mild aching.

What Causes Edema?

Edema may be found in conjunction with sports injuries, hot weather, post-surgery, pregnancy, varicose veins, airplane travel, and standing or sitting for extended lengths of time. Edema or swelling is visibly noticeable on the lower leg and ankle, companioned by aching, especially near sock seams and by how your shoes fit. Sometimes there are underlying medical conditions that contribute to the presence of edema. If your swelling and aching condition continues over a period of time, or if you have questions and/or concerns about your legs' swelling and aching, have a medical professional evaluate you.

Using Medical LegWear

Compression stockings are especially helpful in reducing mild leg swelling or edema. These stockings will give your some relief from aching as well. Swelling will decrease gradually. Compression garments should be worn during the day and taken off at bedtime.


WARNING:
YOUR FEET AND LEGS MAY BE AT RISK!

(learn more here)

Protect your feet and legs.

Order Medical LegWear


This information is from

http://www.juzousa.com/content.asp?id=76BBC8EE-07C4-4E50-BC46-B4D6D75927BC

To the best of our knowledge, the information contained herein is accurate. However, neither Binson's, or any of its subsidiaries assumes any liability whatsoever for the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein. This information is for educational purposes only.
 

Leg Health

 

Healthy Legs

Many factors contribute to the overall health of our legs: heredity, weight, age, diet and activity level. But it’s the internal function of the legs that also plays an important role: calf muscles, arteries, veins, and vein valves – the internal highway of blood and oxygen flow.

Your Circulation

The flow of blood in the veins is assisted by a series of one-way valves. The valves remain open when the blood flows toward the heart, and then closed after blood passes through. Over time, an increase in pressure can stretch the vein walls. If a vein becomes enlarged and over-stretched the valves cannot close properly, causing blood to leak back down into the lower legs, resulting in poor circulation.

If this happens you may begin to develop symptoms, such as:
  • Heavy, tired, aching legs
  • Swollen legs and/or ankles
  • Sensation of warmth in the legs
  • Tingling or cramping of the legs
  • Dull or sharp pain in the calf
  • Small varicose veins and spider veins


WARNING:
YOUR FEET AND LEGS MAY BE AT RISK!

(learn more here)

Protect your feet and legs.

Order Medical LegWear


This information is from

http://www.juzousa.com/content.asp?id=D2839EBE-0604-4E28-8BBE-EF376C4308A0

To the best of our knowledge, the information contained herein is accurate. However, neither Binson's, or any of its subsidiaries assumes any liability whatsoever for the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein. This information is for educational purposes only.
 

Friday, March 7, 2008

Lymphedema

 

What is Lymphedema?

Lymphedema is a highly under-diagnosed condition that affects the lymphatic vessels, which are responsible for transporting protein-rich lymph fluid back into the circulatory system. When lymph vessels are unable to transport this fluid properly, a build-up occurs, resulting in swelling and the thickening of the skin.

Who is at Risk?

If you have had a mastectomy, lumpectomy, radiation treatment, lymph node removal, surgeries, infections, or trauma to the limbs, you may be at risk for developing lymphedema.

How Can I Tell if I Have Lymphedema?

A common indicator of lymphedema is indentations that do not immediately disappear after the skin has been depressed by the hand or fingers. This condition is usually found in the legs and arms; however, lymphedema can affect any region of the body. Many people with lymphedema are labeled over-weight, yet lymphedema is not about fat storage.

Using Compression Therapy

Although there is no cure, lymphedema can be managed. Wearing compression garments is one of the most important aspects of managing lymphedema. Compression garments are designed to keep a continuous pressure on the swollen/affected area to assist the drainage of fluid and minimize swelling.


WARNING:
YOUR FEET AND LEGS MAY BE AT RISK!

(learn more here)

Protect your feet and legs.

Order Medical LegWear


This information is from

http://www.juzousa.com/content.asp?id=12FFE140-8866-4B8C-A03E-34C8912110C0

To the best of our knowledge, the information contained herein is accurate. However, neither Binson's, or any of its subsidiaries assumes any liability whatsoever for the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein. This information is for educational purposes only.