How Compression Stockings Work

Although today’s world is filled with high-tech surgeries and medications, it turns out that simple elastic compression stockings work effectively as varicose vein treatment and treatment for other circulatory problems. One study in the medical journal Phlebology found that 71% of patients who had been prescribed medical compression stockings said their symptoms improved when worn daily or almost daily.

Compression stockings, like those made by Sigvaris, Juzo, Jobst, and Mediven, work by applying pressure to the veins and lymphatic system of the leg.

Because a compression stocking is made of elastic fibers and rubber, it tightly presses against the leg. This added pressure supports the veins, keeps blood circulating more easily, and reduces the risk that clots or swelling will occur in the lower part of a person’s body.

Compression stockings are manufactured in several levels of compression, measured by mmHg (millimeter of mercury).

  • Over-the-counter (support) hose come in 10-15 mmHg or 15-20 mmHg varieties.
  • Medium compression stockings require a prescription and come in 20-30, 30-40, 40-50, and 50+ mmHg varieties.
  • High compression stockings come in 18-21, 23-32, 34-46, and up to 50 mmHg varieties. High compression stockings are usually custom made.

Your doctor or phlebologist (a doctor who specializes in treating vein disorders and varicose vein treatment) may refer to compression stockings as support hosiery, medical compression stockings, anti-embolism stockings, or lymphedema compression stockings.

All of these stockings work on the same basic principle – tightly supporting the veins in the leg to promote better blood flow.

Compression stockings work best when a person has been prescribed the right amount of compression and gets a good fitting compression stocking.

The best way to ensure a good fit is to visit a compression stocking retailer. Compression stocking retailers such as Sigvaris, Juzo, Jobst, and Mediven can tell you where to get fitted for their products through a simple website search.