Overview
Compression stockings apply pressure to the legs in order to reduce swelling and improve circulation. The compression is graduated along the leg; providing the greatest amount of compression at the ankle, and the least amount of compression at the top of the leg. Physicians recommend compression stockings to treat venous insufficiency, varicose veins, leg ulcers, and lymphedema.
Detailed Description
Compression stockings are available ready made, or custom to fit a particular patient. The type of stocking for an individual patient depends upon their leg proportions, specific condition, and diagnosis. The advantage to ready–made stockings is that they are quickly available and inexpensive. Custom fit stockings are more expensive, but offer patients a customized level of support or sizing specific to the patient’s legs.
Compression stockings need to contain at least 20mmHG (millimeters of mercury) of compression at the ankle in order to be considered appropriate for clinical use. Support hose purchased in a department store do not qualify as compression stockings, as they comprise far less than the adequate amount of therapeutic compression.
Last updated: 19-May-04
