What compression socks do doctors recommend?

“I usually recommend a lighter compression, like 10 to 15 or 15 to 20, to begin with, and for more moderate to severe swelling, we start to go up in numbers, such as 20 to 30 or 30 to 40, which should be a custom fit and prescribed by a doctor,” Dr. Parthasarathy says.

What strength of compression socks do I need?

Step 1: Choose The Compression Level

A good rule of thumb to follow is: 15-20 mmHg: Great for daily wear, travel, and sports. They help improve circulation without being too tight. 20-30 mmHg: Great for sports recovery, daily wear, medical recovery, and to manage mild symptoms of varicose and spider veins.

What kind of compression socks do hospitals use?

Thrombo-embolic deterrent (TED) hose, or anti-embolism stockings, are designed for after surgery and when you need to stay in bed. If you can stand and move around, graduated compression stockings are better.

Is there a difference between compression socks and medical compression socks?

The Difference

Like the naming insinuates, the main difference between the two is simply the design and the material used in the design. Compression / compressive socks are shorter and cover up to your ankle, while stockings can go as high as your thigh.

What does 20 30 mmHg mean in compression stockings?

Compression levels are indicated with a range of numbers like “20-30 mmHg”, which means that the amount of compression will not fall below 20 mmHg and not exceed 30 mmHg. The unit of measurement is called “millimeters of mercury” which is a measurement of pressure, also used in blood pressure.

The Benefits of Compression Stockings

Is 20 30 mmHg compression socks too much?

Moderate Compression: 20-30 mmHg

Moderate compression is perfect for: Patients with moderate to severe edema, swollen feet and ankles. Suitable to control the progression of varicose veins, DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) and spider veins.

How do you pick out compression stockings?

Which one do I pick? The general rule of thumb is to ask yourself where the affected area is on your legs. If you have swelling only in your ankles, then a knee high sock should be sufficient. If you have swelling on or above the knee, consider a thigh high or pantyhose / waist high compression stocking.

What strength are hospital compression socks?

The standard compression levels are as follow:

15-20 mmHg (Medium support) 20-30 mmHg (Firm compression) 30-40 mmHg (Extra firm compression)

What are Class 2 compression stockings used for?

Vissco Medical Compression Stockings - Class 2 (Knee Length)|Stocking to Improve Blood Circulation, Varicose Vein, Swollen, Aching Legs, Pain Relief, Edema Can Be Used By Men & Women -Small (Beige)

Is there a downside to wearing compression socks?

Can cause itching, redness, and irritation. Compression socks can aggravate skin irritation and also cause itching. When compression socks are improperly fitted, redness and temporary dents in your skin may appear on your legs at the edge of the sock's fabric.

What is the highest mmHg compression socks?

40-50 mmHg

This is the highest level of compression available from most medical supply stores. Also called Class III compression, this high of a level of compression sock should only be worn when prescribed by a doctor.

How many hours a day should you wear compression socks?

You should wear your compression stockings during the day and take them off before going to bed. Put them on again first thing in the morning. You should be given at least 2 stockings, or 2 pairs if you're wearing them on both legs. This means you can wear 1 stocking (or pair) while the other is being washed and dried.

What is the difference between Class 1 and Class 2 stockings?

Class 1 stockings (light compression) exert an ankle pressure of 14–17 mmHg. Class 2 stockings (medium compression) exert an ankle pressure of 18–24 mmHg. Class 3 stockings (high compression) exert an ankle pressure of 25–35 mmHg.

Are graduated compression socks better?

This design means that graduated compression socks provide more support lower on the leg, and that has specific applications. Most notably, graduated compression socks are better for use when gravity is a concern. If you're going to be sitting or standing for long periods of time, graduated socks are usually better.

How often should you change compression stockings?

Replacing Your Socks

Most manufacturers claim that their compression socks last six months before the material breaks down. Most consumers replace their socks and support stockings every three to six months, especially if they're wearing the same few products over and over again.

What does mmHg in compression socks mean?

Basically, the greater the compression level, or compression strength, the tighter the compression stocking. These levels are measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). It's the same scale used to take your blood pressure.

Can compression socks be too tight?

If your compression socks are any of the following, they're too tight! If you have skin discoloration or numbness / tingling – they're too tight!

Who should not wear compression socks?

“If you have peripheral vascular disease affecting your lower extremities, you should not wear compression socks,” he says. “The pressure provided by compression socks may make ischemic disease worse.

What does 8 15 mmHg mean in compression socks?

8-15 mmHg: Provides very light compression. For minor or occasional swelling. Also great for a little extra support if you spend a lot of time on your feet.

What does 15 20mmhg mean in compression socks?

15-20 mmHg: This is the compression range usually recommended to prevent blood clots with long distance travel and to prevent swelling during pregnancy. It is also great for those who suffer from minor swelling and spend a lot of time on their feet. See our selection of compression socks with 15-20 mmHg here.

What are Class 3 compression stockings used for?

Activa® Class 3 hosiery can be used for chronic venous insufficiency, post-thrombotic venous insufficiency and in the treatment and prevention of venous leg ulcers.

What does ccl2 mean in compression socks?

CCL 2 / Compression Class II : 23 - 32 mmHg - Moderate compression for moderate pressure at the ankle.

Should you wear compression socks while walking?

During and After Exercise

There are a great number of medical journals and studies that have shown that wearing compression socks while exercising, specifically running, can greatly reduce the chances of injury and muscle cramping.

What happens if you wear compression socks too long?

Some problems you could experience include: Development of calluses and corns on the feet – calluses and corns can develop if the compression socks are too tight. Numbness and tingling of the lower limbs. Rashes, extreme itching, and skin irritation.