Medical Disclaimer
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained on this site is accurate, it is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment, and Mr A. Abu-Own recommends consultation with a doctor or healthcare professional. The information provided is intended to support patients, not to provide personal medical advice. Please see our Terms and Conditions for more information.
Graduated Compression Stockings
What are compression stockings?
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They are the wrong type of stocking -
They are not comfortable -
They are too tight or too loose -
They are too big or too small and do not fit well -
They look ugly -
They do not fit your personal needs -
They are not easy to get on
Types of stockings
Approved medical compression stockings have to satisfy demanding technical specifications and are the result of a manufacturing process aimed at guaranteeing that you receive the appropriate treatment. Medical stockings have:
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A certain level of compression (pressure) at the ankle -
Graduated compression (less at the top of the stocking) -
They keep their pressure up over the lifetime of the stocking - they don't get soggy!
It is important to remember that the level of compression used is directly linked to your measurements. So it is important that you are measured by a qualified professional to make sure the stocking fits you correctly.
Classes of compression
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Class I 18-21mmHg -
Class II 23-32mmHg -
Class III 34-46mmHg
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Class I 14-17mmHg -
Class II 18-24mmHg -
Class III 25-35mmHg
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Varicose veins -
Reversible leg swelling -
Leg swelling and discomfort in pregnancy.
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Severe venous insufficiency -
Varicose eczema -
Post-thrombotic syndrome -
Permanent (chronic) leg swelling -
Following treatment for varicose veins: -
Surgery (vein stripping and phlebectomies), Radiofrequency or Laser Ablation and Foam sclerotherapy. -
For most treatments, Mr Abu-Own often uses a bandage for two days followed by stockings for two weeks. -
For foam sclerotherapy, he uses a combination of a bandage and a stocking for 3-5 days followed by a bandage only for one week.
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Patients who have leg sweling after a deep vein thrombosis. -
Patients with mild/moderate lymphodema.
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Severe venous insufficiency -
Venous stasis ulcers -
Severe post-thrombotic syndrome -
Severe lymphodema
Measuring and fitting
Closed or open toe
There are open or closed toe options available. Open toe stockings may be useful if:
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You have painful toes due to arthritis or infection -
You have large feet -
You want to wear socks over your support stockings -
You prefer them.
How easy are they are to put on
If you cannot put your stockings on, obviously you will not benefit. Modern technology, especially with the introduction of new yarns into graduated compression stockings, allows manufacturers to produce stockings that are much easier to put on while still having the necessary level of compression for medical treatment.
When to put them on
Generally, they should be removed at bedtime and put on first thing in the morning. It is important to put them on before your legs start to swell in the mornings.
Comfort
Comfort is absolutely fundamental. If the stockings are not comfortable, you are not going to wear them all day. Modem technology allows manufacturers to produce stockings that are more comfortable.
Your needs
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Shape: Men tend to have larger feet, wider calves and thinner thighs than women. Some manufacturers deal with this by providing graduated compression stockings that take this into account rather than providing a unisex product which would have implications for fit and comfort for both men and women. -
Lifestyle: Everyone has different needs in terms of their jobs, how active they are and the clothing they may need (or want) to wear. Compression stockings are available in a wide range of fashionable colours and styles, so we encourage you to look for the right pair for you.
Washing
You should always have at least two pairs prescribed so that one pair can be washed and dried while the other is worn.
When to replace them
When stockings should be avoided
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Significant peripheral arterial disease and any leg graft bypass -
Congestive heart failure -
Infected phlebitis -
An oozing skin rash -
An allergy to the material they are made from - if so try another fabric -
Loss of feeling in the legs such as peripheral neuropathy due to conditions such as diabetes
If you are considering stockings, please speak to your doctor first to make sure that there are no reasons for you not to wear them.