Types of Compression Stockings - Ortho Health (2024)

FAQs

Types of Compression Stockings - Ortho Health? ›

Compression stockings come in three different categories: graduated compression, anti-embolism, and nonmedical support. Each type has benefits for patients with various circulatory concerns.

Compression Sock Styles

They are available in many colours in open and closed toe styles. Thigh High Compression Garments – are used when full leg compression is required on 1 or both legs. They are also available in open and closed toe, in different fabric options and many colours to choose from.

A good rule of thumb to follow is: 15-20 mmHg: Great for daily wear, travel, and sports. They help improve circulation without being too tight. 20-30 mmHg: Great for sports recovery, daily wear, medical recovery, and to manage mild symptoms of varicose and spider veins.

Class 1 stockings exert pressures below 20 mmHg and are used to prevent oedema. Class 2 stockings exert pressures between 20 and 30 mmHg and are used in the prevention of venous insufficiency and varicose veins.

Below knee length ensures full coverage and support. Class 3 compression level is recommended for severe varicose veins, severe edema, and lymphedema.

Effective Pressure: Medical-grade compression stockings provide higher pressure levels compared to non-medical-grade stockings. The graduated pressure helps counteract the effects of gravity, enhancing blood flow and preventing blood from pooling in the legs.

The LEVSOX 20-30 mmHg Compression Socks for Women and Men met all these requirements when we tried them ourselves, so we've selected them as our best overall pick. The fit, feel, support, and value were all perfect. They weren't hard to wear; they were about as snug and flexible as tights or leggings.

Is there a downside to wearing compression socks? Compression stockings are generally safe but can cause you pain or even cut off your circulation if you don't wear the proper size. The pressure also can cause minor bruising or skin ulcers, and tightly fitting socks also can cause dry skin, redness, and itching.

Compression socks should fit snuggly around your lower limbs and feet but should not feel as if they are constricting you from moving in anyway. The fabric should be breathable and shouldn't make your skin sweat.

15-20 mmHg (medium)

This is most common entry level of compression socks, and most doctors will recommend that you start with 15-20 mmHg if you've never worn compression socks before. These socks also help relieve tired, aching legs and prevent or reduce lower body swelling.

Where does the fluid go when wearing compression stockings? ›

The leg can be so edematous (swollen) that once the sock is on, it will squeeze fluid out of the tissue to above the sock. When the circumference of the leg covered by the sock is reduced, the squeeze becomes less and the remaining fluid in the leg remains.

Compression level Class 4 (>49 mmHg) Unisex stocking for him and her. Suitable for varicose veins.

The general rule of thumb is that class 1 (18-21 mmHg) stockings are best for healthy veins that just need a bit of extra assistance on a flight, while class 2-4 (23-49+ mmHg) are more suited to those struggling with venous and lymphatic disorders.

Taking care of your compression socks

You can wear your compression socks all day by putting them on when getting dressed in the morning, and take them off before bed (unless your doctor advises otherwise).

However, there are times that a compression garment is not ideal. A compression garment should not be worn in the case of circulation disorders in leg arteries or for those with serious heart conditions. Caution is also recommended in the case of sensory impairments due to diabetes and neuropathy (nerve damage).

Compression stockings with relatively low compression levels can be purchased without a prescription at drugstores, medical supply stores, and online. These over-the-counter items usually come in compression levels of around 15-20 mmHg. Compression stockings with higher levels of compression are prescribed by doctors.

Taking care of your compression socks

You can wear your compression socks all day by putting them on when getting dressed in the morning, and take them off before bed (unless your doctor advises otherwise).

Types of socks

There are two lengths of anti-embolism socks: calf length and thigh length. People sometimes use the terms anti-embolism socks and compression stockings interchangeably, but these are actually different products with different uses.