What are compression stockings?
Compression stockings (a.k.a. compression hosiery) are knitted garments usually made from a combination of nylon, spandex and elastic that provide gradient compression to the wearer. Gradient compression simply means the compression is not uniform within the stocking. Instead, the pressure is greatest in the ankle and gradually decreases as it goes up the leg, thus creating a gradient of compression. Compression hosiery is not to be confused with support hosiery, which do not provide gradient pressure but instead provide a low level of uniform support.
All medically correct compression hosiery are classified by how much pressure they exert on the wearer and this is measured in units of mmHg, millimeters of mercury. The level of pressure created by these stockings varies depending upon the manufacturer but they are generally available in 8-15mmHg, 15-20mmHg, 20-30mmHg, and 30-40mmHg. And remember my telling you that they provide gradient pressure? So, for an example, the 30-40mmHg stockings will provide 40mmHg of pressure at the ankle and it will gradually be reduced to 30mmHg as it reaches the the top of the thigh. The lower compression levels are helpful for people with generally healthy legs that just want some support throughout the day, typically to help with leg fatigue, while higher levels of compression are typically worn by people with varicose veins (or those who are at risk for developing them) and those that have a medical reason for doing so, such as people with lymphedema. See below (Who?) for more information about who wears compression stockings.
Besides choosing what level of compression to wear, there is also the choice of what style of hosiery you prefer/is necessary for your specific condition. The style options include: knee-high, thigh-high and full pantyhose style. A maternity pantyhose is also available to accommodate a baby bump and provide support to the belly and lower back. You also have color options. Most manufacturers offer a couple of what they like to call "skin tone" colors (usually a generic 'beige' and a slightly darker suntan color) along with black and navy blue, and if your lucky, you'll find them in gray. You will also have the option of opaque vs. sheer (ie. slightly less opaque) hosiery, which can also translate to: sturdier vs. slightly more delicate or not-so-fashionable vs. a-little-more-fashionable, depending on what is important to you. I actually own both types and find that each fills a different need and both have a place in my wardrobe. But I digress...more on this in future blog posts.
Lastly, and probably most importantly, you'll need to decide what size to order. A proper fit is the key to effective compression therapy. Most doctors and manufacturers of stockings will recommend going to "get fitted" by a certified fitter in order to determine the correct size of hosiery to wear. The fitter has been specially trained (usually by the manufacturer of the hosiery they sell) to measure the leg at specific points and compare those measurements to charts provided by the manufacturer to then determine the best size and product for the individual.
All medically correct compression hosiery are classified by how much pressure they exert on the wearer and this is measured in units of mmHg, millimeters of mercury. The level of pressure created by these stockings varies depending upon the manufacturer but they are generally available in 8-15mmHg, 15-20mmHg, 20-30mmHg, and 30-40mmHg. And remember my telling you that they provide gradient pressure? So, for an example, the 30-40mmHg stockings will provide 40mmHg of pressure at the ankle and it will gradually be reduced to 30mmHg as it reaches the the top of the thigh. The lower compression levels are helpful for people with generally healthy legs that just want some support throughout the day, typically to help with leg fatigue, while higher levels of compression are typically worn by people with varicose veins (or those who are at risk for developing them) and those that have a medical reason for doing so, such as people with lymphedema. See below (Who?) for more information about who wears compression stockings.
Besides choosing what level of compression to wear, there is also the choice of what style of hosiery you prefer/is necessary for your specific condition. The style options include: knee-high, thigh-high and full pantyhose style. A maternity pantyhose is also available to accommodate a baby bump and provide support to the belly and lower back. You also have color options. Most manufacturers offer a couple of what they like to call "skin tone" colors (usually a generic 'beige' and a slightly darker suntan color) along with black and navy blue, and if your lucky, you'll find them in gray. You will also have the option of opaque vs. sheer (ie. slightly less opaque) hosiery, which can also translate to: sturdier vs. slightly more delicate or not-so-fashionable vs. a-little-more-fashionable, depending on what is important to you. I actually own both types and find that each fills a different need and both have a place in my wardrobe. But I digress...more on this in future blog posts.
Lastly, and probably most importantly, you'll need to decide what size to order. A proper fit is the key to effective compression therapy. Most doctors and manufacturers of stockings will recommend going to "get fitted" by a certified fitter in order to determine the correct size of hosiery to wear. The fitter has been specially trained (usually by the manufacturer of the hosiery they sell) to measure the leg at specific points and compare those measurements to charts provided by the manufacturer to then determine the best size and product for the individual.