Medical grade compression stockings are unique in that they provide GRADUATED COMPRESSION, that is, most of the squeeze or pressure is at the foot and the least amount is at the top of the stocking. Therefore, the degree of compression is described by a range.
The higher number is the amount of pressure or squeeze at the foot and the lower number is the pressure at the top of the sock.
- 15-20 mmHg: Great for travel, standing or sitting for long periods of time. Relief from minor swelling and varicose veins, often recommended during pregnancy.
- 15-20 mmHg Medium compression. Indicated for the prophylaxis of venous diseases in risk patients, tired and heavy sensation in the legs, appearance of varicose veins during pregnancy, thrombosis and embolism.
You wear compression stockings to improve blood flow in the veins of your legs. Compression stockings gently squeeze your legs to move blood up your legs. This helps prevent leg swelling and, to a lesser extent, blood clots.
If you have varicose veins, spider veins, or have just had surgery, your health care provider may prescribe compression stockings.
Wearing stockings helps with:
- Aching and heavy feeling in legs
- Swelling in legs
- Preventing blood clots, primarily after surgery or injury when you are less active
- Preventing complications of blood clots in the legs, such as post-phlebitic syndrome (pain and swelling in the leg
