There are different types of compression socks. Blood flow is pushed upwards from your legs to your heart, which can help to reduce swelling during periods of inactivity, as well as prevent blood clots, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) which can lead to serious medical complications. The compression starts at the ankle with the greatest amount of pressure and gradually reduces as it moves up the leg. Depending on the type of stocking, you may need to know the circumference of your ankle, calf, or thigh and the distance from your knee or thigh to the floor.Ĭontact us at 61 and we can help you find the right compression stockings for you.Compression socks are specially designed garments that help to improve blood circulation by applying gentle pressure on the ankles and legs during the day. Since there is no universal standard for sizing, measurements will have to be taken of different parts of your leg. Anti-embolism stockings, which are intended for people who are bedridden, have a lower rating, usually of 8–18mmHg, while compression stockings have a higher rating, generally of 15–20mmHg or higher, and are meant for people who are ambulatory. The biggest difference is the compression rating. What is the difference between anti-embolism stockings and compression stockings? Higher compression levels (20 to 30 mmHg, 30 to 40 mmHg, and more than 40 mmHg), sometimes referred to as “medical-grade,” are for use in medical treatment. Moderate compression (15 to 20 mmHg) can help with minor leg and foot problems, like mild leg swelling. Healthy people, like workers with tired feet, should choose lighter pressure. The higher the level, the more pressure is applied to your legs. What do the compression ratings mean?Ĭompression stockings come in several different levels of compression, measured in millimeters of mercury or mmHg. For example, some people find that improving blood and lymph flow makes their legs feel less tired. They can also improve the flow of fluid around the cells in your legs, referred to as lymph, which can help reduce tissue swelling. This results in swelling, achiness, and leg fatigue, and can also make you vulnerable to blood clots.īy mimicking muscles and squeezing the leg tissues and walls of your veins, compression stockings help circulate your blood. The pressure of compression stockings acts as an additional layer of muscle.Īnything that impedes blood flow in your legs-circulation problems, being bedridden (especially after injury or surgery), or weakness in the walls of your veins (venous insufficiency)-causes blood to pool in the veins of your lower legs or feet. As you walk, the calf muscles around your veins help move the blood back up toward your heart. How do compression stockings work?īlood has to work hard against gravity to flow back to your heart. The most obvious candidates for compression therapy are people with various leg conditions, including venous problems, like varicose veins patients with leg swelling (edema) people with circulatory problems and those who are at risk for blood clots, also known as deep vein thrombosis.Īdditionally, people who spend a lot of time on their feet, like flight attendants, doctors and nurses, and athletes, like runners and basketball players, wear them to reduce leg discomfort. Who should wear compression stockings?įrom patients recovering from surgery to marathon runners-many people wear compression stockings. They may be prescribed by a doctor to treat conditions that cause poor blood flow return to the heart, like varicose veins or venous insufficiency, or you may choose to wear them to help with a variety of foot and leg complaints, for example to ease swollen feet when you are pregnant.
They come in various styles and sizes from ankle length to full length, different strengths of compression, and many more colours than nude.
Graduated medical compression stocking and socks apply pressure to your legs to improve circulation and reduce discomfort and swelling. Here are some answers to the questions we most commonly get: What are compression stockings?