Summary
Triggered by obesity, venous (obesity-associated dependency syndrome) and lymphatic
drainage disorders (obesity-associated lymphoedema) can develop, which in themselves
require compression therapy, or other comorbidities with indication for compression
therapy may exist. In obese patients, some specific features have to be observed in
compression therapy:
- An adequate initial decongestive phase with padding and bandage materials,
- Compression hosiery with a high degree of stiffness (high-strength materials, where
appropriate, flat-knitted) and optimal fit (meticulous fitting),
- Garment types that are suitable for daily use, if necessary, multi-part garment,
- Need for aids or auxiliary persons to ensure correct use,
- Concomitant consistent, intensive, lipid-replenishing skin care and optimised hygiene
to reduce complications and side effects
- Regular medical check-ups to ensure correct fit of the leg compression garment.
Sometimes, particularly at the initial provision and in patients with a complicated
physical shape, the stockings have to be modified several times before an optimal
fit is achieved.
Keywords
Compression therapy - obesity - complete de-congestive therapy - dependency syndrome
- oedema