Which Compression Level Is Right For Me?

More than 40 million people in the United States suffer from varicose veins. Varicose veins are one of the most frequent things physicians treat. This disorder can be strictly surface-level, primarily visual, while others can find this disorder deeply painful and discomforting. Of the 40 million suffering from varicose veins, 50% have a family history. In contrast, those with both parents suffering from it have a 90% chance of developing it.

One of the most prescribed and advised forms of treatment for varicose veins? You guessed it: compression socks. If you've never had to wear compression socks, you might feel a bit overwhelmed. Finding the right size compression socks is tricky, but deciding what pressure level you need is even more challenging. There are five pressure levels, but the higher pressures usually require a prescription. To figure out the best option for you, the first thing you should do is talk to your doctor. Your doctor will look at your medical history and familiarize themselves with any medical conditions requiring a higher pressure level or putting you at a higher risk for restricted blood flow by wearing compression socks. Regarding compression, it's always better to consult your physician before deciding or purchasing a product.

One of the confusing aspects of choosing the right compression socks is understanding the compression levels. Compression socks or stockings often list numbers to indicate how much graduated compression the garment has and will provide. You've probably noticed that beside each number is the letter ""mmHg,"" which stands for Millimeters of Mercury. A millimeter of mercury is a manometric (a measurement of pressure) unit of force. The higher the mmHg, the more pressure the compression sock will provide.

The lowest level of compression available is between 8 and 15 mmHg. It's gentle enough that almost anyone can wear it, and the people who choose to wear it mostly use it to prevent sore and achy legs after a long time sitting at work or while traveling. People who suffer from occasional swelling or other edema symptoms may find relief from these compression socks, like women in the early stages of pregnancy and people with diabetes.

Providing a bit more pressure than light compression socks but still mild enough to be sold over the counter, compression socks that offer between 15 and 20mmHg are often used by people who travel, sit, or stand for long periods. People with moderate cases of varicose veins or just prone to varicose veins, like pregnant women, might find a lot of relief from mild compression socks.

Doctors may recommend mild compression for people who suffer from some venous insufficiency or have a higher risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), also called a blood clot. Athletes also favor mild compression since it helps reduce muscle soreness and aids post-workout recovery processes.

Even though the level of pressure between 20 and 30 mmHg is the first level of compression to be described as "Medical Grade," it's the most common level of compression that people buy. Moderate compression can be purchased over the counter, but doctors also write prescriptions. It's used to treat various medical conditions, especially varicose veins and post-injury/surgery recovery. Still, it's also a popular option for doctors and nurses who work shifts that last around 16 hours.

This is the first level of compression that needs to be prescribed by a doctor before you use it. High compression treats moderate to severe leg health symptoms, blood clots, lymphedema, chronic orthostatic hypotension, and ulcer prevention. High compression is also referred to as firm compression by some doctors and clinics.

This is the highest level of compression available, and it's only used to treat severe symptoms and injuries. You should only wear very high compression under the direct instruction of your doctor since it can potentially be severely detrimental to the wearer's health. Very high compression isn't prescribed very often due to the severe and uncommon symptoms it's used to treat.

For most people, wearing either light or mild compression socks will sufficiently treat symptoms, especially if you only plan on wearing them during a long flight, while at work standing on your feet, during a car ride, train ride, or a day of working at a desk. Light and mild compression will prevent swelling and achiness; if you want to avoid muscle soreness during or after a workout, you can consider buying either mild or moderate compression socks.

If you suspect you need a higher level of compression than moderate, you must talk to your doctor. Not only will your doctor be able to listen to your symptoms and walk you through your options, but they may also be able to take your exact measurements while you're in the office so that you don't have to do a lot of guesswork. Once you finally have a pair, ensure they don't fit too tightly. You want your compression socks to feel like they're giving you a gentle hug, not squeezing your life out.

Remember that compression socks work against gravity, circulating blood from your legs and feet back up to your heart to promote healthy blood flow. Every person's situation is unique, meaning everyone needs a different compression level. It's good to listen to your body, but if you've never worn compression socks before and you're trying to decide on pressure, it's better to trust the instincts of a trusted medical professional than your own. If it takes some time to find the right pair for you, don't be discouraged. Once you find your perfect pair, you may never want to "More than 40 million people in the United States suffer from varicose veins. Varicose veins are one of the most frequent things physicians treat. This disorder can be strictly surface-level, primarily visual, while others can find this disorder deeply painful and discomforting. Of the 40 million suffering from varicose veins, 50% have a family history. In contrast, those with both parents suffering from it have a 90% chance of developing it.