Compression stockings are one of the most effective everyday treatments for varicose veins, tired legs and swelling. They gently squeeze your legs, with the most pressure at the ankle and less moving up the leg. This "graduated" pressure helps your veins push blood back toward your heart instead of letting it pool in your lower legs.
Wearing compression can ease aching, heaviness and swelling, and may help keep vein problems from getting worse.
Choosing the right compression level
Compression is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Higher numbers mean firmer pressure.
8–15 mmHg (light): Tired, achy legs; long days standing or sitting
15–20 mmHg (mild): Mild swelling, travel, pregnancy, early spider or varicose veins
20–30 mmHg (moderate): Varicose veins, moderate swelling, after vein procedures
30–40 mmHg (firm): Severe varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency, healed venous ulcers, lymphedema
40+ mmHg (extra firm): Severe swelling or lymphedema, under a doctor's care
Levels of 20 mmHg and higher are usually prescribed by a doctor. Your fitter will measure your legs to find the right size.
Styles
Knee-high: the most common choice for swelling and veins below the knee
Thigh-high: for varicose veins above the knee
Pantyhose or waist-high: for veins in the thigh or during pregnancy
Open-toe or closed-toe: open-toe can be cooler and easier for people with foot problems
Tips for wearing compression
Put stockings on first thing in the morning, before swelling builds up.
Smooth out wrinkles so pressure stays even.
Use donning gloves or a donning aid if stockings are hard to pull on.
Take them off at night unless your doctor says otherwise.
Wash them often and replace them about every six months, when they start to lose their stretch.
Raise your legs when resting and stay active. Walking helps your calf muscles pump blood.
When to see a doctor
Leg swelling can have many causes, including heart, kidney or liver problems. See your doctor before starting compression, and get care right away if you have:
Sudden swelling, pain or warmth in one leg, which can be a sign of a blood clot (DVT)
Chest pain or shortness of breath. Call 911.
Open sores, skin color changes or skin that feels hard near the ankle
Redness, warmth or fever, which can signal infection
Who should not wear compression
Compression isn't safe for everyone. Talk with your doctor first if you have poor circulation in your arteries (peripheral artery disease), diabetes with loss of feeling in your feet, severe heart failure or fragile skin.
Insurance coverage
Medicare covers compression garments mainly for lymphedema, and coverage for varicose veins or venous swelling is very limited. Some commercial plans cover prescribed compression stockings. Contact us and we'll help you check your benefits.
How Midwest Compression can help
We carry compression stockings from trusted brands like Sigvaris, Jobst, Juzo and Medi in many styles, colors and compression levels. Our fitters will measure you and help you find stockings you'll actually want to wear. Email us at customersupport@midwestcompression.com or call 800-883-1549.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Talk with your doctor about whether compression is right for you.
