Compression therapy is a simple and effective means of increasing blood flow activity in the lower limbs through strengthening vein support. It’s a form of wound care that aims to gently apply pressure to the ankles and legs by wearing specifically designed stockings. Compression therapy is easy, convenient, safe and painless. The therapy assists your body’s cardiac system in moving the fluids from the limbs back to the circulatory system, which in turn removes the unwanted material, such as swelling (edema). Compression garments are also used by many athletes to improve performance by recovering quickly. Compression garments help improve blood flow, decrease muscle soreness after exercise, and reduce swelling as well as muscle oscillations.
Do you need a physician prescription for compression therapy? You do not require a prescription to purchase compression therapy. However, insurance companies usually do not cover costs for compression therapy if it is light compression (8-15mmHg or 15-20mmHg), nor will they cover therapeutic levels of compression without a physician prescription. Light compression normally ranges between $45-$55/pair. Moderated to Firm compression normally ranges between $90-$105/pair. Compression garments normally last 6-12 months with proper care and use. If your insurance company covers compression therapy, they normally cover 2-3 pairs per year, as people normally purchase 2-3 pairs to allow for changing and washing daily.
When should you NOT use compression therapy? If any of the following contraindications are present, compression therapy should be not be carried out; Uncompensated organ failure (i.e., heart, liver, or renal), untreated deep vein thrombosis or phlebitis, severe arterial disease (ABI 0.49 or less) unless ordered by a vascular surgeon or Physician. A patient with severe vascular disease should not use compression wear. Compression socks can be helpful for many people, but you should still talk to your doctor or health care practitioner before making them a part of your health care routine. Properly fitted and prescribed, there are minimal risks with compression therapy.
How many hours per day should you wear compression socks/stockings? Depending on your need, you can consider wearing them all day long or just for a few hours at a time. They should be taken off before bed. That pressure applied to your ankle and calf during the night can cut your circulation off. Some people do need to wear compression socks at night because of health issues or post-surgery according to their doctor’s prescription. Do not wear your athletic compression socks and sleeves to bed as the compression level is too high.
How long does it take for compression therapy to begin working? It may take several days of regular use to enjoy a noticeable reduction in swelling. For best results, put on your compression garment first thing in the morning. This is when your limbs are the least swollen. Visible improvement in the appearance of your veins can take up to six weeks to see.
There are many different types and styles of compression socks/stockings and people routinely ask us how to choose the right one for them. While we strongly recommend coming in to our clinic for a professional compression garment fitting, or consulting with your Family Doctor in advance, we’ve taken your most commonly asked questions and put together 3 easy steps to choose the right compression sock for you.
Step 1: Choose your level of Compression from 5 different levels:
8-15 mmHg: Mild Compression The lowest level of compression
o May minimize and relieve the soreness in tired & aching legs
o May help to reduce minimal swelling in feet, ankles and legs
o May be suitable for short trips, stationary/desk workers, mild relief
15-20 mmHg: Moderate Compression
Great for daily wear, travel, and sports, these easy to wear compression stockings help improve circulation without being too tight on your legs. 1 of 2 most common levels of compression used by people.
o May often be recommended to help relieve swollen ankles during pregnancy
o Potentially useful for minimizing the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
o May provide relief and minimize the pain resulting from average varicose/spider veins
o If standing or sitting for extensive periods of time, they may offer relieve by encouraging blood circulation in the legs. 15-20 mmHg compression garments come in a variety of materials to fit any lifestyle.
20-30 mmHg: Firm Compression
Great for daily wear, sports recovery, medical recovery and to manage mild symptoms. May often be recommended to help relieve swollen ankles during pregnancy.
o Potentially useful for minimizing the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
o May provide relief and minimize the pain resulting from average varicose/spider veins
o If standing or sitting for extensive periods of time, they may offer relieve by encouraging blood circulation in the legs and to reduce swelling (edema) in the legs.
You don’t have to have a condition to wear 20-30 mmHg. People looking for a bit more support than the 15-20 mmHg usually choose to wear 20-30 mmHg.
30-40 mmHg: Extra Firm Compression This stronger level offers an overly firm level of compression.
o Often used while under direct medical supervision
o Helps to relieve lymphedema, severe (swelling) edema and severe varicose/spider veins
o May offer relief from Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)
o If you suffer from blood clots (DVT), Post-Thrombotic Syndrome (PTS) or thrombosis, a doctor may suggest this level of compression for relief
o May be used for post surgery patients
40-50 mmHg: Extreme Compression The most extreme level of compression which is:
o Typically prescribed by a doctor for severe cases of venous insufficiencies
o Individuals at this level tend to lack regular mobility of legs or are bedridden
o May be used for post surgery patients
Pro tip: What does “mmHg” stand for?
The medical abbreviation “mmHg” stands for “millimeters of Mercury”, which is a unit of measurement for pressure. It’s the same unit of measure when you take your blood pressure. Compression stockings use a range for how much pressure it provides because the compression changes depending on your size.
Step 2: Choose if you want a sock or a stocking
Knee High – stops below the knee
Knee high compression socks stop below the bend of your knee, just past the curvature of your calf. Though some compression socks or stockings are stretchy enough to pull up over your knee, please do not do so. Pulling your knee highs over your knee might cause them to roll or slide down, which is uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous depending on your condition and the compression you’re wearing.
Thigh High – worn at the top of the thigh
Thigh high compression stockings cover your entire leg, stopping at the top of your thigh, below the fold of the buttock. Thigh high compression stockings are made to cover your entire thigh because it is intended to improve circulation throughout your entire leg.
Pantyhose / Waist High / Maternity Pantyhose – also includes Plus size pantyhose
Waist high (pantyhose, maternity pantyhose & Men’s leotard) compression stockings have both legs connected by a torso portion. Waist high compression stockings are able to bring swelling up and out of your legs through your hips. This is a key distinction between waist high and thigh high compression stockings. For women, maternity (or plus size) pantyhose have a highly expandable belly portion.
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.
Step 3: Choose what style to wear
Materials that are opaque, leggings or like a Men’s dress socks
These “middle of the road” fabrics are the most common and are ideal for both men and women because they are comfortable, easy to wear and are strong enough to provide enough compression to your legs. Opaque fabrics are more durable than sheer stockings and are ideal for after surgery, varicose veins and swelling.
Sheer fabric styles for Women
Sheer materials are lightweight, transparent and fashionable. Available from all our brands, sheer compression stockings make compression easy to pair with any stylish wardrobe. Sometimes, sheer fabrics do not provide as much containment for swelling and are less durable against snags and runs. The trade off here is that Sheer styles look better, but are not as durable or in some cases effective.
Sports materials that are high tech blend, cotton or wool
Compression socks for running or sports are made of durable materials that control heat and moisture. Because of demanding wear and tear use, sport materials are constructed differently to increase durability. Sport and casual compression socks are still a great choice as a daily wear socks for post surgery, varicose veins, spider veins and swelling. However, these sport materials are generally only available in lower compression levels such as 15-20 mmHg and 20-30 mmHg. For conditions that require 30-40 mmHg or higher compression, opaque fabrics with strong containment is recommended.
Start discovering your options! We carry a wide variety of styles, materials, levels of compression to suit every lifestyle and fashion choice. Visit our Compression Therapy Products page to see a variety of styles available.
Call our clinic to arrange your professional fitting today to ensure you are making the correct choice for you.
HELPFUL TIPS FOR APPLYING & REMOVING COMPRESSION SOCKS
A dusting of talcum powder or cornstarch can help compression socks slide on when your skin is either moist or too dry. If you’ve first put lotion on your legs, rub it in until the skin is good and dry. Put the sock over your toes, then work it up your leg.
To remove your compression stockings, simply fold it down until it gets stuck ( typically above the ankle). Using your thumb, slowly horn it down until it pops of your heel. Now you can allow the rest of it to slide off your foot.
How to Put On Compression Stockings
-Reach into one of your compression stockings with your palm up and gently grab its fabric just above your heel.
-Pull your arm out to separate the leg part of the stocking inside and out until your thumb pops out of it.
-Stretch your stocking as wide as possible.
-Pull it over to your foot and heel.
-Hook your heel and turn it right side out.
-Slowly release the fabric as you pull it up to your knee. ( Remember to keep your heel in place while you do this).
-Smooth out wrinkles and creases appearing on your compression stockings.
-Allow 1 to 2 fingers of space between the bend of your knee and the top of your stocking.
Ask us about these Assistive Devices to Put On Compression Stockings.
Jobst Stocking Donner Frame
Donning Gloves
Sock Slider
COMPRESSION STOCKING CARE
Tips for Compression Users
The goal of compression therapy is to encourage fluid flow in your circulatory and lymphatic system. Because of that, you will likely notice a squeezing sensation in your arms or legs when you’re wearing your compression garment. To get used to this, we recommend easing into your compression therapy. Start by wearing your stocking a few hours each day, until you’re comfortable, and then wear them for longer periods of time. Other things to remember:
-Remember to check your stockings periodically to avoid wrinkles
-Remove your compression stockings before going to bed each night
-Don your compression stockings when you get up before swelling can start
-Wearing your compression garment each day is the most effective way to continue your therapy
-Failing to wear your compression stockings may result in your condition becoming more severe
Caring for Your Compression Garment
You will need to wash your compression garments to help prevent the buildup of bacteria. There are several things to keep in mind when cleaning your compression stockings:
-You can wash your garment by hand or use a washing machine
-Placing your garment in a mesh laundry bag helps protect them during wash cycles
-Use warm water, a mild soap or detergent or Jolastic® Washing Solution
-Do not use chlorine bleach to clean your stocking
-Do not use fabric softeners
Thigh-High Style Compression
For best results, JOBST Thigh-High stockings featuring silicone bands should be turned inside out before washing. Before the main wash, you may wish to hand wash the stocking’s silicone band, focusing on removing any lotion, powder or other foreign materials.
Replacing Your Compression Garment
While JOBST stockings are the #1 physician-recommended compression stockings in the USA, the materials will start to break down after repeated use for an extended period of time. Your garment will last longer if it is properly cared for, but stockings and sleeves will need to be replaced between every three and six months, depending on how often you wear the garment. Custom garments should be replaced every six months for optimal therapeutic benefits.
For assessments and fittings please call us at (780)907-2082 to book an appointment. To learn more about compression garments, please visit our products page
