Compression Stockings FAQ

Who can benefit from wearing compression stockings?

Anyone's legs can feel better while wearing gradient compression stockings, especially if you spend a lot of time sitting, standing or in a sedentary position. Gradient compression stockings are most beneficial for the following leg complaints:

• Tired, aching, heavy feeling legs
• Leg swelling
• Varicose veins
• Venous insufficiency
• Post-thrombotic syndrome
• Healed venous ulcers
• Active venous ulcers
• Lymphedema

We recommend that you consult with your doctor before wearing compression stockings 20 mmHg and above. If you have arterial circulation problems, please consult with your physician before wearing any level of compression.

What is gradient compression?

Gradient compression delivers a squeezing to the leg that is tightest at the ankle. The amount of squeezing or compression gradually decreases up the leg. For arm sleeves, the greatest compression begins at the wrist and decreases up the arm. Compression is expressed in mmHg (millimeters of mercury). The higher the mmHg, the stronger the gradient compression.

Is uniform compression effective?

Yes, uniform compression is effective clinically in managing edema. However, research has indicated that gradient compression in the legs is more effective than uniform compression in improving venous return.

What is compression therapy?

Compression therapy refers to the benefits gained from using specialized stocking or bandages to manage chronic venous insufficiency and lymphedema. Fatigue, heaviness and aching legs are common complaints.

Gradient compression stockings are the standard of care in the management of chronic venous insufficiency and lymphedema. Compression provides two primary benefits. Perhaps the most important effect is that compression increases the pressure in the tissue under the skin (subcutaneous) helping to reduce and prevent swelling. The compression of subcutaneous tissue helps move excess fluid (swelling) back into the capillaries (tiniest of the blood vessels) and helps prevent too much fluid from leading out of these little vessels.Secondly, compression reduces the ability of the superficial veins in the leg to expand and overfill with blood. This in turn helps prevent blood in these veins from flowing backward and causing congestion. Congestion in the leg accounts for the leg complaints, swelling, and skin changes common with venous insufficiency.

Why are stockings so hard to put on?

Your doctor may tell you that, "if they are not hard to put on, then they cannot be providing the compression needed." That is probably not the answer you want to hear, but unfortunately it is true. Gradient compression stockings provide the greatest compression at the ankle. This requires the largest part of the foot- the circumference from the top of the foot around the heel - to pass through the smallest and tightest part of the stocking - the ankle. Newer knitting technologies, yarns and finishes produce stockings that are easier to put on than the stockings of old. However, for those who have diminished arm or hand strength, or impaired mobility there are items that can make the task easier. These items include:

• Rubber gloves
• Rubber mats
• Donners
• Easy slides

Is there a reason why I should not wear compression stockings? Contraindications (medical conditions in which compression is not recommended):

• Ischemia (advanced arterial disease) of the legs
• Uncontrolled congestive heart failure
• Untreated septic phlebitis of the leg

Compression stockings should be worn with caution with:

• Skin infections
• Weeping dermatosis
• Allergic to garment fabric
• Impaired sensitivity of the limb
• Immobility (confinement to bed)

Please consult with your doctor before wearing compression 20 mmHg or higher.

What is the best time of day to measure for compression stockings?

It is best to measure earlier in the day before swelling builds in the legs. Measurements taken later in the day after swelling is present may result in choosing a stocking size that is too large. Many clinics that are unable to see patients earlier in the day will elevate, bandage, or pumps the legs for a period of time before measuring in order to reduce any swelling that is present.