The benefits of compression stockings include improving blood flow from your feet back to your heart, providing relief from swelling, pain, heaviness, and conditions like lymphedema. They can also prevent blood clots, especially in people recovering from surgery or traveling a long car/plane ride or those with certain neurological disorders, including those with lower limb paralysis. However, it's important to know which level of compression is best for your specific medical condition.
Mild/Low Compression (<20 mmHg, Class 1): Great for everyday wear, travel and sports without being too tight. This level can be found over the counter without a medical provider's discretion and is good for preventing swelling, especially for people who stand for long periods, like hairdressers, cashiers, surgeons, and nurses. If you have leg pain, feelings of swelling, or heaviness, wearing stockings with 15–20 mmHg can help. Low level of compression is effective for preventing issues like varicose veins during pregnancy and for preventing blood clots (DVTs).
Moderate/Medium Compression (20-30 mmHg, Class 2): These stockings help with patients with venous insufficiency such as varicose veins, and can provide relief from aching, leg cramps, and restlessness. Medium level of compression is especially helpful in relieving symptoms after procedures like sclerotherapy for Varicose and Spider veins.
Firm/High Compression (>30 mmHg, Class 3): This level is used for serious conditions such as chronic venous insufficiency such as chronic edema, varicose veins, and leg ulcers. They can range from 30-40 mmHg. They are helpful for healing venous ulcers and preventing them from coming back. They can also support people with lymphedema and are useful for patients after surgery.
Very High Compression (>40 mmHg): These stockings are primarily used for severe lymphedema.
References:
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O’Sullivan, A. M., & Williams, K. J. (2013). Compression therapy for the treatment of venous leg ulcers. Journal of Wound Care, 22(5), 229-234. https://doi.org/10.12968/jowc.2013.22.5.229
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O’Connell, S. M., O’Sullivan, J. M., O’Dwyer, P. J., & O’Malley, J. (2019). Effectiveness of compression therapy for the treatment of venous leg ulcers in older people: A systematic review. BMC Geriatrics, 19, Article 17. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-019-1087-1
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Kahn, S. R., & Huo, Y. (2018). Compression stockings for the prevention of post-thrombotic syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Thrombosis Research, 171, 198-203. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.thromres.2018.10.007
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Bérard, A., & Potvin, D. (2008). The role of compression therapy in venous leg ulcers: Current concepts. Journal of Vascular Surgery, 47(3), 628-631. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvs.2007.11.052