These are the following commonly asked questions we have gathered from customers using and are interested in using compression stockings. Read on to learn the answers.
What are compression stockings?
Compression stockings are medical garments commonly used by Women or Men to enhance blood circulation in legs. Depending on user’s condition and purpose of use, they can be used:
- As support socks in sports like running, to improve athletes performance and recovery.
- For prevention, especially by people who are at higher risk of getting a venous disease: heredity, working in standing position, pregnancy, etc.
- As a treatment for a common venous disorder like Varicose Veins, Phlebitis, Deep Veins Thrombosis (DVT).
- To help in Lymphedema treatment. Lymphedema compression stockings are generally custom made and designed differently from regular compression socks.
How can compression socks help my varicose veins?
Compression socks and stockings uses pressure to help overcome gravity and return the normal blood circulation up to your heart and lungs. This prevents blood clot that causes varicose veins.
Will I always receive the same amount of compression?
No. You may have similar designs but the amount of compression may vary. Ask your doctor regarding the best level of compression you will need.
What does the unit mmHg means?
This is the unit of measurement used in grading the compression level of your compression socks and stockings. It stand of millimeters of Mercury and is also the same unit of measure used in blood pressure measurement.
What is the difference between open toe and closed toe compression stockings?
If you have a large shoe size then you will find the open toe compression stockings more convenient. Nevertheless, your choice will be dependent on the type of footwear you will be wearing for the day.
Open toe socks are very popular with summer shoes.
How long does compression stockings last?
Most manufacturers indicate in their product guide that these compression stockings therapy can last for a maximum of six months, even if the fabric still look good. However, this may vary depending on how frequent you use your compressions socks.
Who wears compression stockings?
Everyone can wear compression socks, especially if you stand or sit for long hours. However, medical grade compression stockings are recommended for individuals who suffer from varicose veins, deem, spider veins, lymphedema, post thrombotic syndrome, leg swelling, deep venous reflux and chronic venous hypertension.
How long should I wear it in a day?
If you are physically active, then it is best to wear it while you perform your activities. However, if you are wearing it due to medical reasons, it is better to consult your doctor on how often and when you should be wearing it.
Is it okay to sleep wearing my compression socks?
No, not all compression socks are designed to provide medical relief, thus not all types of products can be worn while sleeping. If you intend to wear it even while sleeping, it is important to choose models that are especially designed for sleeping, recovery, or resting. Before doing so, you should seek your Doctor’s advice. In general, you should not wear your compression stockings in bed while sleeping at night.
Why do I need to wear compression socks when flying?
Doctors recommend frequent and long flight travelers to wear travel compression socks or stockings to prevent leg fatigue, blood clot (deep vein thrombosis or DVT) or even Phlebitis. This is due to the long hours of travelling and while sitting in the airplane that may disrupt the normal blood flow of your body.
How can I make my compression stockings last longer?
Follow the general care and cleaning tips that comes in the instruction manual of your compression stockings to make it last longer.
How should I wash my compression stockings?
Compression stockings are made from high quality materials. You may wash it nightly or daily to help it return to its original size and shape. However, use cold water and small amounts of gentle soap or baking soda when washing it. Avoid the use of washing machines and dryers because of the delicateness of its fabric. For more information about how to clean your compression stockings, read our following blog: Top 7 Tips On How To Wash Compression Stockings and Compression Socks.
How should I dry my compression stockings?
Never wring it. Rather use a towel to pat it dry and simply hang it to dry.
Should I use donning gloves when wearing my compression stockings?
If you wish to wear your compression stockings easier and to make them last longer, then buying donning gloves is an easy and low cost solution.
Compression gloves, like this one, will also help to minimize damages from frequent wear.
I feel itchy after wearing my compression stockings. What should I do?
This may be due to the sweat that sticks to your skin. Thus, it is important to choose compression stockings or socks that are made from breathable fabric and to be sure that your sizing is right. Also, be sure that your compression socks fabric does not contain any latex, if you are allergic to it.
Should I use thigh high or knee high compression stockings?
This depends on the treatment you need. If the veins to be treated are on the full length of the leg then you need to choose a pantyhose or thigh high compression stockings. If they are located below your knee, at the ankle or the calf level, then knee high compression socks would be enough for your case.
Why does my legs hurt after wearing my compression socks?
You may feel discomfort during the first two hours of wearing your compression socks or stockings. But this should soon be gone as your legs get used to the added pressure on the legs. If you continue to feel pain, consult your doctor about it because among other things you may have chosen the wrong size or wrong level of compression.
I have problems with my compression stockings because it keeps on falling. What should I do?
There are many factors that may result to this. Check if you regularly wash your stockings and if it fits you well. Have you gained or lost weight, which can make your old stockings not fit?
When should I start wearing my compression stockings?
You should immediately wear it in the morning when you go out of bed. This makes it easier because your legs and feet are not yet swollen during this period.
I apply lotion regularly, will this hinder the effect of my compression stockings on my legs?
You should avoid putting oils or lotion prior to wearing your stockings because this can break down your compression garments elastic fibers. It would be better to apply these in the evening so it can be absorbed by your legs, probably after you have removed your compression stockings for the day.
What is graduated compression stockings?
The word graduated means that the gradient compression stockings pressure decreases progressively, starting at the ankle level and going up to thigh or knee. Typically, graduated compression socks made by recognized brands such as Sigvaris, Mediven, applies about 100% of the compression therapy strength at the ankles, 50 to 80% at the calves, and 20 to 40% at the thighs (for Thigh high or pantyhose stockings).
What are measured compression socks?
The measured compression socks are prefabricated stockings made to meet relatively standard women or men measurements. In other words, your measurement should fit within manufacturer’s pre-established sizing chart.
How to find my compression stockings size?
To know your size of compression stockings, you should take all required measurements in Manufacturer’s sizing chart. Input measures and size chart may differ from one brand to another. To size your compression socks and to know how to measure them see the next question below.
How to measure compression stockings?
To measure compression stockings and find your size, follow step by step guide in our How To videos below. We provide three tutorials, one for knee high compression socks, the second one for thigh high, and the third for Pantyhose stockings:
Knee High:
Thigh High:
Pantyhose:
How many compression socks levels do exist?
The most known compression levels are four: 15-20 mmHg, 20-30 mmHg, 30-40 mmHg and 40-50 mmHg.
What is the difference between 15-20 mmHg, 20-30 mmHg, 30-40 mmHg and 40-50 mmHg?
Basically, the main difference between the various levels of compression is based on the degree of graduated compression or pressure that the compression stockings would exert on your legs. The 15-20 mmHg is considered as the lightest level of compression and the 40-50 mmHg is the strongest one. For medical use, 20-30 mmHg and 30-40 mmHg compression levels are the most commonly prescribed by doctors for use as a treatment for Varicose Veins or other types of venous diseases. To choose the right compression level for your case, seek your doctor’s advice.
What is the difference between measured compression stockings and custom compression socks?
Measured compression stockings are pre-sized stockings made to fit within Manufacture’s standard sizing chart. Custom made compression socks are made specifically to fit patient’s specific measures. In other words, they are made specially for you.
How do I know if I need custom compression stockings?
If your measurements do not fit within the manufacturer’s standard sizing charts like Doctor Brace’s chart, then you may need to buy custom made compression stockings.
What is a Lymphedema? Which compression hosiery I would need to treat Lymphedema?
Lymphedema is a swelling in arms or legs, triggered by a Lymphatic system disorder. It happens when there is Lymphatic fluid buildup in arm or leg. This Lymph accumulation is caused by a blocked Lymphatic vessel.
What type of compression stockings I would need to treat Varicose Veins? Spider Veins?
To know which compression stockings level or style to use to treat your Varicose Veins or your Phlebitis, it is highly recommended to seek your Doctor’s advice.
Which compression socks to wear for travel?
If your legs are not showing any sign of venous disorder and you are looking to wear compression socks to travel by plane for prevention purpose only, then you can pick 15-20 mmHg socks. If you are already experiencing some venous problems, like: swelling, tingling, Varicose Veins, Phlebitis or DVT (Deep Venous Thrombosis) ; then you need to see your doctor before buying any medical compression stockings.
Why I should wear maternity compression stockings?
Pregnant women with higher risk of getting a venous disorder, need to wear compression stockings during pregnancy in order to promote a better blood circulation. There is a dedicated type of maternity compression stockings to accommodate the specific needs of a pregnant woman. To avoid any health issue, before wearing any compression hosiery it is important to seek your Doctor’s advice.
Which donning aid to use to put on and remove compression stockings more easily?
The most common compression stockings aids are the compression gloves, and the doffing donning aids. The latter is available in various designs and materials, going from the soft sliding donning aid to the more sophisticated compression stocking helpers like this one.
What is the best way to wear or take off my compression stockings?
To put on your compression stockings more easily without damaging them, read our following blog: Guide and tips on how to wear and remove compression stockings and socks?. See also our videos on how to wear or take off compression socks:
How to wear:
How to remove compression stockings:
Additional tip: avoid rolling or scrunching them up. This only creates a tight band which may result to sores and worst of all cut off blood circulation.
What to do if my thigh high compression stockings are sliding down?
Many reasons may push your thigh high compression stockings to slide down:
- Your thigh high compression stockings are already worn and need to be replaced.
- The anti-slip band is filled with dead skin. If it is the case, then you need to wash it well by following manufacturer’s care instructions.
- Or, you may need to use a compression stockings adhesive like this one here.
Which soap to use to wash my compression socks?
To wash your compression stockings, use a mild natural soap. For better results, use a specialized soap for compression socks, like this one here.
What is the best compression stockings brand?
Well, to answer this question, We will rather list the most recognized brands of compression stockings: Sigvaris, Mediven, Jobst and Bauerfeind.
What I should buy: a knee high , thigh high or pantyhose compression stockings?
Typically, if your Varicose Veins or leg swelling is located between the ankle and the top of the calf, then you may seek to buy knee high compression socks. For above knee venous problems, you may need to wear a thigh high or pantyhose compression stockings. To be sure about choosing the right style for you, do not hesitate to ask your doctor.
