WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — VERIFY QUESTION
This time last week, most North Carolinians tapped into their spring wardrobes for a fabulous but fleeting bout of warmth.
Cooler, more seasonable weather calls for warmer clothing, of course. And, could those insulated garments be helping more than just our comfort?
Good Morning Show viewer Tracy Edwards asked, "I have recently been diagnosed with poor circulation, and I have been told by several people that wearing pantyhose could help. Is it true that pantyhose will improve circulation?"
VERIFY SOURCE
- Dr. Phillip Moore - vascular surgeon, Novant Health Vascular Specialists (Winston-Salem)
- National Institutes of Health - MedlinePlus.gov
VERIFY PROCESS
Moore said the answer depends on the product.
"I get asked a lot about things that help with poor circulation. And I can tell you that poor circulation can mean a lot of different things. Now in some patients, one form of poor circulation means leaky veins. And in that case, compression stockings may be helpful," he said.
Compression stockings are not the same as the kind of pantyhose a consumer would buy at a department store. The National Institutes of Health further explains compression (or "pressure") stockings improve blood flow in legs and can prevent or reduce the risk of blood clots. They typically are tightest at the ankle.
A consumer can purchase compression stockings at his or her local medical supply store. Sometimes, they require a prescription, and insurance might cover the cost.
VERIFY CONCLUSION
Pantyhose cannot help circulation, but compression garments can. Talk to a doctor.
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