MEDICAL COMPRESSION

COMPRESSION STOCKINGS

Compression therapy is the application of external pressure to the leg to reduce venous pressure and promote blood flow towards the heart. Medical graduated compression stockings have the strongest pressure at the ankles and the pressure decreases as it goes up the leg. By compressing the leg with a graduated compression stocking that is strongest at the ankle and decreases travelling up the leg, it helps venous return, decreases venous pressure, prevents the pooling of blood and the deterioration of venous walls, and efficiently relieves aching and heavy legs by mechanically assisting venous return against the force of gravity.

Medical graduated compression stockings can by used as daily healthy leg promotion or as therapy post treatment of venous disease. They are measured in mmhg and categorized by class.

Grade I are less than 20 mmhg and are recommended as daily wear for healthy leg promotion to prevent venous issues in patients with no symptoms to mild symptoms of venous disease.

Grade II are 20-30 mmhg and are recommended as daily wear for healthy leg promotion in patients with no symptoms to mild symptoms or evidence of venous disease, or as short term therapy post treatment of venous disease.

Grade III are 30-40 mmhg and are recommended as daily wear or post treatment of varicose veins in patients with moderate symptoms or evidence of acute or chronic venous disease or as short term therapy post treatment of venous disease.

Grade IV are 40-50 mmhg and are recommended as daily wear for patients with severe symptoms or evidence of acute or chronic venous disease.

Below the knee compression is generally recommended for healthy leg promotion and daily use, while thigh high or pantyhose compression is reserved for moderate-severe venous disease and post treatment of venous insufficiency. Compression stockings should be put on first thing in the morning and are not normally worn at night. As the stockings are worn, the fibers in the stockings begin to break down and the amount of compression is no longer guaranteed. After about 6 months, they should be replaced.

Compression stockings are custom fit to every patient by our certified fitting staff. We carry Sigvaris stockings and will recommend a specific product style to meet your individual needs.