Anyone’s legs can feel better while wearing gradient compression stockings, especially if you spend a lot of time sitting, standing or in a sedentary position. Gradient compression stockings are most beneficial for the following leg complaints:
- Tired, aching, heavy feeling legs
- Leg swelling
- Varicose veins
- Venous insufficiency
- Healed venous ulcers
- Active venous ulcers
- Lymphedema
It’s recommended that you consult with your doctor before wearing compression stockings 20 mmHg and above. If you have arterial circulation problems, consult with your physician before wearing any level of compression.
What is gradient compression?
Gradient compression delivers a squeezing to the leg that is tightest at the ankle. The amount of squeezing or compression gradually decreases up the leg. Compression is measured in mmHg (millimeters of mercury). The higher the mmHg, the stronger the gradient compression.
What is compression therapy?
Compression therapy refers to the benefits gained from using compression stockings to manage chronic venous insufficiency and lymphedema. Fatigue, heaviness and aching legs are common complaints which compression therapy can address. Compression provides two primary benefits.
The most important effect is that compression increases the pressure in the tissue under the skin, helping to reduce and prevent swelling. The compression of the tissue helps move excess fluid (swelling) back into the capillaries (tiniest of the blood vessels) and helps prevent too much fluid from leading out of these little vessels.
Secondly, compression reduces the ability of the superficial veins in the leg to expand and overfill with blood. This in turn helps prevent blood in these veins from flowing backward and causing congestion. Congestion in the leg accounts for the leg complaints, swelling, and skin changes common with venous insufficiency.
When should I put my stockings on?
Your legs are least swollen when you wake up. The stockings will be easier to put on as soon as you get out of bed.
Contact our office for a complimentary fitting for compression hose or if you have any other questions.
