Your physician may tell you that, "if they are not hard to put on, then they cannot be providing the compression needed." That is probably not the answer you wanted. Because gradient compression stockings provide the greatest compression at the ankle this requires the largest part of the foot - the circumference from the top of the foot around the heel - to pass through the smallest and tightest part of the stocking - the ankle.

The first thing you’ll notice is reduced swelling and virtually no pain. Of course, like any new therapy, they may take some getting used to, but you’ll have more energy and feel better almost immediately. (courtesy of Medi-USA) Yes, there is an additive effect with compression stockings. For example, some doctors instruct their patients to wear one level of compression in a pantyhose style and then wear a knee-length compression stocking over the compression pantyhose.

The following instructions are for latex-free stockings. For stockings containing latex (i.e., Sigvaris 500 series, Jobst Vairox), please consult their specific washing instructions. Washing instructions are included with every pair of stockings or printed on the outside of the box. Laundering Instructions are as follows: Wash in warm water (105 degrees F / 40 degrees C); Do not add bleach; Use a delicate fabric detergent; Rinse well; and, Air dry.

Please visit our STEP-BY-STEP MEASURING GUIDE for instructions on taking measurements to ensure a proper and accurate fit. Also every product description comes with a pop up sizing chart for your convience.

Anyone's legs can feel better while wearing gradient compression stockings, especially those of us who spend too much time in sedentary sitting or standing positions. Gradient compression stockings are of most benefit to individuals with the following leg complaints: Tired, aching, heavy feeling legs; Leg swelling; Varicose veins; Venous insufficiency; Post-thrombotic syndrome; Healed venous ulcer; Active venous ulcer; and, Lymphedema.

It is best to measure earlier in the day before swelling builds in the legs. Measurements taken later in the day after swelling is present may result in choosing a stocking size that is too large. Many clinics that are unable to see patients earlier in the day will elevate, bandage, or pump the legs for a period of time before measuring in order to reduce any swelling that is present.

The wearing time for gradient compression stockings is dependent on both the reason for wearing the compression (indication) and the amount of compression (mmHg). An individual's physician or designee best guides this. Bed-bound patients may be advised by their physician to wear anti-embolism stockings (16-18 mmHg) to help prevent blood clots from forming in the deep veins of the leg.

Contraindications (medical conditions in which compression is not recommended): Ischemia (e.g. advanced arterial disease) of the legs; Uncontrolled congestive heart failure; Untreated septic phlebitis of the leg; and, Phlegmasia coerulea dolens. The wearing of compression should also be used with caution in the presence of: Skin infections; Seeping dermatoses; Incompatibility to fabric of garment; Impaired sensitivity of the limb; and, Immobility (confinement to bed).

Patients who have venous insufficiency in one leg are likely, eventually, to develop similar problems in the other limb.1 Scholl recommends that patients protect their legs by wearing graduated compression stockings or socks on both legs.

Your doctor may tell you that, "if they are not hard to put on, then they cannot be providing the compression needed." That is probably not the answer you want to hear, but unfortunetly it is true. Gradient compression stockings provide the greatest compression at the ankle. This requires the largest part of the foot- the circumference from the top of the foot around the heel - to pass through the smallest and tightest part of the stocking - the ankle.

Compression stockings are made of strong elastic material and fit tightly at the feet and gradually become less tight at the knee/thigh. The pressure in the stockings is graded and this allows for the stockings to constantly squeeze the leg muscles. This motion helps to drive blood back to the heart, reduce swelling in the feet and prevent blood clot formation.

Compression stockings are an excellent and simple method of treating disorders such as chronic venous insufficiency, varicose veins, lymphedema, post phlebitic syndrome and prevention of blood clots in the leg. The stockings can be worn as either in-patient or out patient. The stockings do not eliminate the varicose veins but do help reduce the swelling, aching and heaviness feeling that individuals with varicose veins experience.

Blood clot formation is a major cause of deaths in the USA and the majority of hospital protocols recommend that all patients (especially those who can't ambulate), be fitted with compression stockings.

The stockings should be worn daily as long as patient is at increased risk of forming blood clots in the leg. The stockings should be worn during the day and removed at night. For those with varicose veins, venous ulcers and lymphedema, the stockings must be worn for years and even for life. It is highly recommended that whenever possible, individuals keep their legs elevated at night when they do not wear compression stockings.

The stockings should be worn first thing in the morning before one gets out of bed. Some practice is required to wear compression stockings. One may either turn the stockings inside out or apply a small amount of silicone lotion to assist in wearing the stockings. One may also place a rubber glove on the toes and then pass the stockings over them to wear the stockings. A good deal of pulling is required to get the stockings past the ankle.

Knee length gradient compression stockings are often prescribed for a patient who has sustained a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or blood clot in the leg. The stockings are helpful in: 1. Controlling the swelling in the leg that occurs with DVT, and 2. To help prevent the development of post-thrombotic syndrome that may occur several months after the DVT. (provided courtesy of Jobst Q&A system)