Compression Stockings Benefits: How to Choose and Use

What are compression stockings?

Compression stockings or socks and hosiery that improve circulation to help control swelling and relieve tired achy legs.


Can I benefit from compression stockings?

People who have or are experiencing any of the following conditions can benefit from wearing compression stockings:

• Expectant mothers

• Tired, aching, fatigued legs

• Swollen feet, ankles, and legs

• Mild to moderate swelling

• Varicose and spider veins

• Stand or sit for long periods

• Frequent travelers

• Overweight

• Other conditions as recommended by a doctor

What medical issues are the various compression levels used for? Here’s a guide.

These are general guidelines. The severity of a certain issue will help determine the level needed.

As mentioned, you should talk to your doctor about which compression level is right for you.

8-15 mmHg

  • Mildly aching and tired legs
  • Support and comfort for either standing or sitting for long periods
  • When just a little support is needed for general health and energy

15-20 mmHg

  • Slightly more support, offering day-to-day relief from achy, heavy, slightly swollen legs
  • Extra support on busy, active days, or when traveling
  • An aid for enhanced circulation, especially in the legs
  • During pregnancy, they can help prevent varicose and spider veins

20-30 mmHg

  • The most commonly prescribed compression level by doctors
  • Used to help a variety of minor to moderate medical conditions
  • Used to help chronically painful, heavily fatigued legs
  • Helpful in the treatment of varicose veins
  • Relief from the swelling associated with mild edema
  • Used in combination with elective surgical procedures such as sclerotherapy and phlebectomy
  • Used to help treat orthostatic/postural hypotension, a form of low blood pressure

30-40 mmHg

  • Relief from moderate and severe edema and lymphedema
  • Helps prevent and relieve more serious cases of varicose veins
  • Used in the treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and post thrombotic syndrome
  • Can help heal active venous stasis ulcers
  • Used after bone fractures and orthopedic surgeries 
  • Used to treat phlebitis
  • Used in treating skin changes with healed ulceration

40-50 mmHg

  • Used as part of the treatment for chronic venous insufficiency
  • Used for the most severe cases of DVT and post thrombotic syndrome
  • Used in treating severe skin changes with active ulceration

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