Compression hosiery uses graduated and controlled pressure on the surface veins to provide a therapeutic effect.
The descriptions below are provided for reference only. Ask your doctor which level is right for you.
Extra mild compression, preventative | · Keep legs healthy · Prevention during early pregnancy · Spider veins · Minor swelling, fatigue, cramps |
Firm Support | · Minor ankle, leg, and foot swelling · Tired, aching legs · Minor varicosities · Minor varicosities during pregnancy · Maternity support · Post-sclerotherapy |
Extra Firm Support | · Moderate to severe varicosities · Post-surgical · Moderate edema · Post-sclerotherapy · Aid prevention of recurring venous ulcerations · Superficial thrombophlebitis |
Surgical Weight | · Severe varicosities · Severe edema · Manage active venous ulcerations · Aid prevention of recurring venous ulcerations · Manage PTS, CVD/CVI · Help prevent post-thrombotic syndrome · Orthostatic hypotension · Post-surgical · Post-sclerotherapy |
Gradient compression delivers a squeezing to the leg that is tightest at the ankle. The degree of squeezing or compression gradually decreases up the leg. This compression, generally expressed in mmHg (millimeters of mercury) provides two main benefits.
A complete understanding of precisely how compression works remains unknown. Two actions are generally accepted. Probably the most beneficial effects of compression are its effects on the capillaries and tissue spaces.
Compression is believed to increase the pressure in the tissues beneath the skin thus reducing excess leakage of fluid from the capillaries and increasing absorption of tissue fluid by the capillaries and lymphatic vessels. Compression therefore reduces and helps prevent swelling.
The physical presence of the stocking also helps control the size (diameter) of superficial veins beneath the stocking. The stocking does not allow these superficial veins to over expand with blood. This action helps prevent "pooling". The venous blood then flows more quickly up the leg towards the heart.
Graduated Compression
Compression of a superficial vein