Definition

Noun: - Elasticized legwear for medical compression: A type of tight-fitting, stretchy stocking designed to apply gentle, consistent pressure to the legs. Its primary purpose is to improve blood circulation and reduce swelling or discomfort, often used for conditions like varicose veins or edema.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • After her surgery, the doctor recommended she wear support hose to prevent blood clots.
  • Many people with jobs requiring long periods of standing find that support hose help reduce leg fatigue.
  • The compression from the support hose aids in pushing blood back toward the heart.

Advanced Usage

• Therapeutic vs. Preventive Use: While often prescribed for medical therapy, support hose are also used preventively by travelers on long flights or by athletes to enhance performance and recovery.
  • He packed his support hose for the transatlantic flight to minimize the risk of deep vein thrombosis.

Variants and Related Words

• Compression stockings/socks: These are general terms often used interchangeably with "support hose," though compression stockings may indicate a higher, medically-graded level of pressure.
  • The pharmacy carries a wide range of compression stockings, from mild support hose to strong medical-grade ones.

Synonyms

• Compression hose: Emphasizes the medical compression function.
• Elastic stockings: A more general term focusing on the material.

Related Phrases

• Graduated compression: A key feature of many support hose, where the pressure is strongest at the ankle and gradually decreases up the leg.
  • For maximum benefit, ensure your support hose provide graduated compression.

Noun

1. elasticized stocking intended to reduce pressure on the veins of the leg (as in case of varicose veins)