Flat-knit stockings

[1vern0n]

I keep seeing mentions of flat-knit stockings for compression. What are these please?

[PMRPete]

Flat-knit and circular-knit are two different ways to manufacture compression garments. They significantly differ in their material properties. Flat-knit garments have a stronger ability to bridge skin folds and are stiffer than circulr-knit garments. This makes them more effective for the treatment of lymphoedema and lipoedema.

lymphconnect.co.uk/products...

[1vern0n in reply to PMRPete]

Thank you.

[Perido]

As the name suggests flat knit stockings are made as a flat piece of fabric which is then stitched along the length. The seam is positioned along the back of the leg.

They are made using the patient's precise measurements which enables a perfect fit. In my experience, flat knit stockings work much better than circular knit to control lymphoedema swelling.

[sleeviejeebies in reply to Perido]

Although, as a caveat, it seems (from reading posts) that many people have difficulty achieving that perfect fit. My circular knit fits perfectly but the flat knit doesn't and gets uncomfortable. The flat knit does control the swelling a bit better though. It's a shame there isn't a better solution in terms of compression garments!

[Perido in reply to sleeviejeebies]

I agree it can be challenging to get a perfect fit with flat knit. It took 3 goes for me and was a team effort between me and the nurses, but defo worth the effort imo. I've been very attentive to managing my swelling and haven't needed any adjustments to my flat knit prescription since it started in 2019.

For me circular knit was neither effective nor comfortable. Whilst it allowed for a bit more freedom of movement than my flat knit this was overshadowed by the discomfort of my swelling increasing as the day progressed.

I've wondered whether circular knit arm sleeves tend to be more effective than circular knit stockings?

[sleeviejeebies in reply to Perido]

Interesting, maybe they are! When I asked about flat knit for my arm, the clinic tried to dissuade me - I don't know whether that was in an attempt to save money (maybe because of the trial and error element) or whether they actually thought it wouldn't be of greater benefit. I ended up ordering one through my private practitioner in the end and it's not bad, but could be a better fit, and is comfortable enough to wear for relatively short periods. I don't think I'm going to spend any more money trying to get a better fit (they're very expensive) but I might try to be a bit more persistent next time I visit the clinic (a long way off, though, now that we only get seen yearly...) I'm glad the effort paid off for you! 🙂