There are two types of compression stockings.
1. Uniform compression stockings – these will give the same amount of compression through the stocking and are best for patients who are lying down, such as those who have just had an operation in hospital.
2. Graduated compression stockings – these will give more compression in the ankle than the calf or thigh and are best for people who stand or sit for a long time.
Here we will focus on graduated compression stockings.
Graduated compression stockings benefits
- Improved Circulation: The graduated pressure helps to pump blood from the legs back to the heart, to improve circulation and reduce risk of blood clots.
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Prevention: DVT is a serious condition seen as blood clots in deep veins. Graduated compression stockings may be advised for people at risk of DVT.
- Reduced Leg Swelling: Sitting or standing for long times can mean fluid gathers in the legs, leading to swelling. Graduated compression stockings help reduce leg swelling by promoting blood and fluid flow.
- Support of Varicose Veins: Varicose veins are enlarged veins that can cause discomfort and pain. Compression stockings support the veins, helping to reduce them and relieve symptoms.
- Relief from Leg Fatigue and Heaviness: Compression stockings can provide relief from tired, heavy legs. Especially so for people who spend long hours on their feet or sitting. Workers such as nurses, hairdressers and retailers can benefit from wearing graduated compression stockings.
- Better Performance and Recovery: Athletes may use compression stockings to improve blood flow, reduce muscle vibration and improve performance. Additionally, wearing compression stockings after exercise can help muscles recover and reduce aches.
- Relief for pregnant women: Compression stockings can help to reduce leg swelling and tired legs.
Over-the-counter or fitted?
It is important to get the right graduated compression stockings fit. Following on from this, some over-the-counter stockings have less compression or are ‘one-size-fits-most’. As a result, wearing poor fitting stockings may not give the benefits the person needs. For this reason, we advise seeing a medical person trained in sizing graduated compression stockings. Stockings can also be made to fit a person’s legs. Useful if you fall outside standard sizing.
What do the grades mean?
Graduated compression stockings give more compression at the ankle, with decreases in compression the further up they go. In addition, this helps blood to flow up towards the heart, rather than down or to the side into the veins just below the skin’s surface.
You’ll find stockings come in compression grades from 8 to 50mmhg depending on how much compression is at the ankle. The higher the grade, the more compression. Higher grades are used for wounds and those with severe venous issues. These stockings typically are thick and bulky.
We advise wearing grade 1 compression stockings, or 16 to 21mmhg, for everyday use and for mild vascular and lymphatic issues. This includes for oedema, lymphedema, DVT risks, ulcer healing and after varicose vein treatment. Grade 1 stockings are beneficial, yet at the same time comfortable to wear. We find when stockings are too thick, or hot and uncomfortable, people won’t wear them.
Should I go for thigh high or below knee graduated compression stockings?
Below knee stockings have a similar effect to thigh high stockings but are more comfortable to wear. As well, patients say thigh high stockings may slip down when walking. Silicone dots that keep them up may rub the skin. They may bunch up behind the knee, too. All this means people are less likely to wear them. Some conditions do need you to wear thigh high compression. Discuss this with your doctor.
By helping blood and fluids to flow, reducing swelling and supporting legs, these stockings benefit people at risk of blood clots, varicose veins and tired legs. Following on from this, if you’re think compression stockings would be good for you, talk to a healthcare professional. Important for getting the right size and compression level for your needs. In addition, enjoy the benefits of graduated compression stockings for happy legs.
