Choosing The Right Stockings

Support hose have long been in use to treat varicose veins but choosing the right kind in the right size can be a daunting task. You may not even be sure that support hose are right for you. Take a look at some of the tips we've gathered on how to choose the right range of compression for support stockings to help make your purchase a no-brainer.

FDA Regulation

There are many different brands of support hose on the market and they come in a variety of compression ranges. Not all of these are quality products. One tip-off that a product is a reputable one is FDA regulation and approval. Read the labels and if you don't find the information you seek, ask the manufacturer to provide the documentation that proves the product is up to current standards. The main issue is in knowing whether the compression range is as stated on the label. FDA regulation means you're getting exactly what the packaging claims.

The standard compression ranges are measured through millimeters of mercury, which has long been the standard for measuring pressure and which is abbreviated to "mmhg." Support hose come in a variety of compression ranges, such as 8-15 mmhg, 15-20 mmhg, 20-30 mmhg, and 30-40 mmhg.

You don't have to have a doctor's prescription to buy support hose, but it's important to consult with your doctor if you have problems with varicose veins or other conditions for which support hose are indicated. Most of these conditions carry with them serious health implications and require a doctor's supervision.

Leg Fatigue

At the lower end of the compression range in support stockings, you'll find hose that work for leg fatigue and simple spider veins. Use them for traveling to prevent sore and swollen legs. If you're on your feet for most of the day, you'll find these stockings a boon to your general feeling of well-being.

The range of compression 15-20 mmhg is the lowest range considered as "medical compression," and this range is considered to be moderate for that purpose. In order to get stockings in the proper range of compression, you'll need to have your legs measured. Even so, these hose are still terrific for anybody, especially for people who suffer from mild or moderate swelling or varicosities. Sometimes, physicians like to use this range of compression stockings to treat wounds and ulcers, since the hose serve to stimulate blood flow to injuries which can aid the healing process. If you have wounds or venous stasis ulcers, make sure you're seen by a physician before investing in support hose.

Severe Swelling

At the mid-to-upper end of the compression scale, the hose in the 20-30 mmhg range are best for those with moderate to severe swelling and varicose veins.  The hose are also used at times by physicians to treat leg wounds and ulcers.

The firmest compression range, in general from 30-40 mmhg is indicated for those with severe varicose veins, or swelling and leg pain. They may be appropriate for other leg conditions as well.