How does sequential compression stocking help prevent venous stasis?

• A. They intermittently inflate to massage the leg and move blood toward the heart
• B. They provide static compression with no movement
• C. They require manual massaging by clinician
• D. They are used only for cosmetic reasons

Answer: (A)

Promoting venous return from the legs is key to preventing venous stasis. Sequential compression stockings do this by providing cyclic, sequential inflation that starts at the ankle and moves upward along the leg. With each cycle, pressure tightens gradually farther up the limb, creating a moving squeeze that propels blood toward the heart. This mimics the natural calf muscle pump that you use when walking, which helps push venous blood back up the leg rather than letting it pool in the veins.

The important part is that the compression is intermittent and organized in sequence, not static. That moving pressure encourages blood flow and reduces pooling during times of limited mobility or prolonged sitting, which lowers the risk of venous thrombosis and related problems. It doesn’t require manual massage by a clinician, and its purpose isn’t cosmetic.