Compression levels and indications

Compression levels explained

What medical issues are the various compression levels used for? Here’s a guide. These are general guidelines. The severity of a certain issue will help determine the level needed.

As mentioned, you should talk to your doctor about which compression level is right for you.

8-15 mmHg

• Mildly aching and tired legs
• Support and comfort for either standing or sitting for long periods
• When just a little support is needed for general health and energy

15-20 mmHg

• Slightly more support, offering day-to-day relief from achy, heavy, slightly swollen legs
• Extra support on busy, active days, or when traveling
• An aid for enhanced circulation, especially in the legs
• During pregnancy, they can help prevent varicose and spider veins

20-30 mmHg

• The most commonly prescribed compression level by doctors
• Used to help a variety of minor to moderate medical conditions
• Used to help chronically painful, heavily fatigued legs
• Helpful in the treatment of varicose veins
• Relief from the swelling associated with mild edema
• Used in combination with elective surgical procedures such as sclerotherapy and phlebectomy
• Used to help treat orthostatic/postural hypotension, a form of low blood pressure

30-40 mmHg

• Relief from moderate and severe edema and lymphedema
• Helps prevent and relieve more serious cases of varicose veins
• Used in the treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and post thrombotic syndrome
• Can help heal active venous stasis ulcers
• Used after bone fractures and orthopedic surgeries 
• Used to treat phlebitis
• Used in treating skin changes with healed ulceration

40-50 mmHg

• Used as part of the treatment for chronic venous insufficiency
• Used for the most severe cases of DVT and post thrombotic syndrome
• Used in treating severe skin changes with active ulceration

Determining the right size for the lower-strength compression stockings you can purchase without a physician:

You can use our sizing wizard to easily find your size online. You can then use that information to make your purchase at a local store or online.

Shoe size is usually a factor in the sizing of compression stockings, as well as measurements of the ankle and calf. When measuring the ankle, measure at the thinnest point. For calf measurements, measure at the thickest point. For calf length, measure from the floor to the right-angle bend of the knee (in sitting position). It’s also best to take measurements as soon as possible after waking in the morning, when swelling is at a minimum.

When should I consider using compression stockings, or see a doctor for their recommendations?

• Legs that are chronically swollen, painful, or fatigued
• Poor blood flow in the legs
• A known risk for blood clots, especially in the legs
• A history/family history of deep vein thrombosis
• Long bed rests, for example after surgery
• Varicose veins or venous leg ulcers

Compression stockings are often used to relieve a minor issue, before it turns into a major one.

What existing health issues could mean that compression stockings are not right for me?

• Arterial insufficiency, intermittent claudication, ischemia
• Uncontrolled congestive heart failure (CHF)
• Acute dermatitis, weeping dermatosis, cutaneous sepsis
• Signs of infection in the legs
• There may be others. Be sure your physician is familiar with your medical history before they prescribe compression socks.

What is the difference between compression stockings and support stockings?

The term “support stockings” is widely known and often also used for medical compression wear. The principles of the two types of stockings are different, though.

Support stockings exert passive resistance to swelling, while compression stockings apply active pressure on the veins of the leg. This prevents them from dilating and facilitates venous return.

Medical compression garments are produced under strict medical and technical specifications to guarantee adequate ankle pressure and graduated compression along the leg.