Medical View Do Crew and Knee High Compression Socks Have the Same Effect
July 10, 2020
What are the Benefits of Wearing an Open Toe Compression Stocking?
This article explains the Benefits of Wearing Open Toe Compression Stockings. Will they hurt my toes or feet? Are they uncomfortable? Written by LegSmart, article updated on July 10, 2020. View full article →
July 10, 2020
Why should Cyclists wear Compression Socks?
This article explains Why Cyclists Should Wear Compression Stockings, socks, or compression running socks. Written by LegSmart, article updated on July 10, 2020. View full article →
April 16, 2018
Guide to Compression Levels
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15-20 mmHg: Over the Counter
Great for daily wear, travel, and sports, these easy to wear compression stockings help improve circulation without being too tight on your legs. 15-20 mmHg compression garments come in a variety of materials to fit any lifestyle.
20-30 mmHg: Medical Grade Class 1
Ideal for varicose veins, spider veins, swelling (edema) and after surgery. 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: Medical Grade Class 2
This stronger level of compression is recommended for blood clots (DVT), lymphedema, severe swelling (edema), severe varicose veins and post surgery.
40-50 mmHg: Medical Grade Class 3
This very strong compression is for individuals who are under the care of their doctor and have a good understanding of their health and compression. Usually for patients with severe lymphedema, severe edema, and severe venous stasis.
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.
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April 16, 2018
Should I wear Open Toe or Closed Toe Compression Stockings?
Compression stockings come in many different styles and colors. A common question is whether or not people should wear an open toe or closed toe compression stocking. An open toe compression stocking is a sock or stocking that has an opening at the toes. This is great for people with a large shoe size or people with sensitivities in the toes or in the front of the feet.
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Also, open toe compression stockings are cooler to wear in the warm weather. Often people wear an open toe compression stocking and then put on regular socks over it. This allows people to get the compression they need while wearing whatever kind of sock they want. The flexibility of open toe compression stockings make them popular during spring and summer and places with warm weather and for travelers.
Closed toe compression stockings feel more like a regular sock or stocking. Closed toe compression stockings usually feature a bubble toe to give people more room for the toes. Depending on the size and model, closed toe compression stockings accommodate shoe sizes up to 13 in men and 12 in women.
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If you're concerned about your shoe size when wearing a closed toe compression stocking, check the sizing charts or email us if you have any questions.
April 16, 2018
How to Make Your Compression Stockings Last
When you wear compression stockings, there are a few details you should know about how to take care of your investment and make sure it lasts. Each pair of compression stockings should come with instructions for proper care and cleaning, but we have a few general tips you can use.
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Wash Your Compression Stockings the Right Way
Washing your compression garments every time you wear them is extremely important. When you wear the garments, they conform to the size and shape of your legs. A daily or nightly washing will help the garment return to its original size and shape, with the added benefit of keeping the fabric clean and fresh. Some compression pantyhose are washable in your washing machine's delicate cycle, but not all are, so pay special attention to the manufacturer's guidelines.
A few general tips: use cold water and a small amount of gentle soap, avoiding any types of softeners, hot water, and hot dryers. When possible, use a compression stocking washing solution, which is specially designed to clean the elastic fibers of your stockings, without damage. Additionally, avoid wringing out your stockings, instead use a towel to pat your stockings dry, and then hang your stockings to dry. Check out our How to Wash Your Compression Stockings guide for more.
Use Grippy Donning Gloves to help you pull up your Compression Stockings
When you're buying compression stockings, it's a great idea to get yourself some donning gloves at the same time. These are gloves specially designed to help you grip and put on your compression stockings while minimizing damage. When putting on compression socks or compression pantyhose without gloves, it's possible you might damage or snag the elastic fibers with your fingers and fingernails.
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Dealing with Snags
If you find a snag or small run in your compression pantyhose, try not to panic. Use a bit of clear fingernail polish or a non-fray liquid for fabric on the snag to prevent it from getting any worse. You can also try to pull the snagged thread back through the compression pantyhose with a needle to repair it.
April 16, 2018
Measuring for Compression Stockings
Getting the correct measurements for compression stockings is one of the most important aspects to achieving a good fit. Some compression socks size using your shoe size. However most require simple measurements from your leg.
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LegSmart encourages proper fitting because the compression stocking will apply its compression more effectively on the leg and it will be more comfortable when wearing.
This tutorial will guide you step by step in how to measure for compression stockings.
It is recommended that you take these measurements in the morning because it will help avoid your measurements being biased by swelling.
If you have a tape measure, great! If not, use some string and measure the string with a ruler. It is also encouraged that you write down these measurements on a notepad.
LegSmart Customer Care team members are all trained and certified in compression fittings. If you ever need help with your sizing or measurements, feel free to call or email us with your measurements and we can find the right size for you!
Let's start measuring!
Step 1) Ankle circumference
Measure the ankle in the smallest part of the ankle, just above the ankle bone.
LegSmart Pro Tip: If the foot is swollen, measure the circumference above the foot to the heel (red line). This diagonal measurement will determine whether or not you will be able to get your compression stocking or sock over your heel when there is swelling in the foot. If this diagonal measurement is 4 inches greater than your ankle measurement, you will experience some difficulty when putting on your compression stocking. Sometimes you might not be able to get the stocking on at all. If this is the case, you will need to put on your compression stockings when your foot is less swollen.
Step 2) Calf circumference
Measure the largest part of the calf. You may need to search for the largest part of the calf by measuring above and below the middle of the calf.
LegSmart Pro Tip: When measuring your legs, make sure that your tape measure is straight. A twisted or crooked tape measure will get inaccurate measurements.
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Step 3) Knee length
For the knee high compression stocking, measure from the back of the bend of knee to the floor behind your heel. Do not wear shoes as you will get an inaccurate measurement.
LegSmart Pro Tip: When measuring the back of the knee, make sure that you are measuring below the bend of the knee. Measuring too high or too close the bend of the knee may result in a sock that is a bit too long for your lower leg. Please pay attention to this detail, especially if your length measurement is right on the edge of the Short and Long lengths.
Step 4) Thigh circumference
Measure the largest part of the thigh at the top.
Step 5) Thigh length
For thigh high or waist high (pantyhose, maternity/plus size and leotard), measure the length of leg from the top of the thigh to floor behind the heel.
Congratulations!
You're now ready to find your size in the sizing charts using your measurements.
Quick Reference
Knee Highs
- Ankle circumference: Measure the circumference of your ankle just above the ankle bone.
- Calf circumference: Measure the largest circumference of your calf. This is not necessarily at the middle of your calf. Sometimes you need to hunt for it.
- Knee length: Measure the length of your lower leg. Sitting with your foot on the floor (no shoes), measure from the floor next to your heel, up to right below the bend of the knee. Take this measurement on the inside of your leg.
Thigh Highs and Waist Highs (Pantyhose, Maternity/Plus size, Leotard)
- Ankle circumference: Measure the circumference of your ankle just above the ankle bone.
- Calf circumference: Measure the largest circumference of your calf. This is not necessarily at the middle of your calf. Sometimes you need to hunt for it.
- Thigh circumference: Measure the largest part of your thigh at the very top of your thigh.
- Thigh length: Measure the length of your total leg. You may need someone to help you with this measurement. Standing without shoes, measure from the floor up to the top of your thigh, below the fold of the buttock. This is just like measuring your inseam. Take this measurement on the inside or behind your leg. You might knee someone to help you with this measurement.
Shoe Size and Height
- It's also helpful to note your shoe size and height.
- Shoe size: If you have size 14 feet, then it's recommended to consider an open toe compression stocking to prevent your toes from feeling cramped. Unless the sock specifically indicates the size of the foot, people with long feet should be aware.
- Height: Height plays a role in the length of the leg and is a good way to check if your length measurements are consistent with your height. For example: If you're 6' 2" and are considering purchasing a "short" or "petite" length compression stocking, consider double checking your length measurements.
April 16, 2018
How to Put on Compression Stockings
People often have trouble putting on compression stockings. If you know the right techniques, putting on your compression stockings can be easy. We've made this simple tutorial for you and we hope it helps.
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Don't know which knee, thigh, or pantyhose, sock or stocking to get?
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There are so many different models?! Which fabric should I choose?
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It is strongly recommended that you use a pair of Donning Gloves. It protects your compression stocking from any snags or tears that can occur when you're putting them on. It allows your hands to grip onto the stocking with greater ease. It gives your hands the ability to grip the stocking without needing to pinch the stocking. Using the Donning Gloves will help you spread the material smoothly over your leg. And best of all, it saves you time!
Like all things, putting on compression stockings take a little practice. Be patient and your compression stockings will return the favor.
Putting On Compression Stockings
Step 1) Getting ready
The best time to put on compression stockings is during the morning. Make sure that your legs and feet are dry. You may also use some baby powder or talcum powder to help reduce friction. We recommend that you use Donning Gloves when putting on your compression stockings. If you are putting on an open toe stocking, you may use the foot-slip provided to you.
Make sure that the heel and toe are oriented to your leg before putting on your stocking. Remember, try not to bunch up the compression stocking or sock when putting them on.
Step 2) On the Foot
Pull the stocking over the foot until the ankle is completely covered. Bring some material over the ball of the foot. Then gently pull the material past the heel and over the ankle. Gradually send the material up your leg.
For open toe styles only, putting on the foot-slip will help reduce friction around the toes and under the heel.
Step 3) Over the Foot
Pull some of the material over the toes and the ball of the foot. After you've brought some of the material on the foot, pull the material over the heel and over the ankle.
As you ease the stocking over the foot, over the heel and up the calf, pay attention to the placement of the heel of the sock. Make sure that you center the heel of the sock properly.
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Step 4)
If you're putting on an open toe stocking, now is the time to pull the foot-slip off your foot.
Step 5)
Check that the top band of the stocking is where it should be. For knee high styles, the top band should be two fingers below the bend of the knee. For thigh high styles, the top band should be all the way at the top of the thigh. If you are wearing an open toe, the toe band should rest comfortably on the base of the toes. You may adjust the toe band forwards or backwards to your preference.
Taking off Compression Stockings
Step 6)
To take off your compression stocking turn the top band inside-out and peel the stocking off your leg. This will prevent the material from bunching up at the ankle.
Step 7)
Continue pulling the stocking off your leg and foot. Short little pulls will get the stocking off your foot without over stretching the material. Your stockings are now inside out and ready to be washed.
Time to wash your socks!
We hope this tutorial helped. Now you know how to put on and take off your compression stockings, read the How to wash your Compression Stockings guide.
April 16, 2018
Benefits of Wearing Compression Stockings
While some may think that support stockings are only used for medical related circumstances, we are finding that there are more and more benefits and reasons to wear support stockings. Whether you use compression socks, support stockings, or compression stockings, odds are you are referring to the same type of product. With all the new styles, fabrics, and colors available, it has become easier to wear support stockings every day without looking obvious when wearing these special garments. For example, compression stockings for men are typically designed to look like regular men's dress socks and come in popular colors like black, navy, or khaki. Whether man or woman, young or old, compression stockings can help increase blood circulation throughout your body, which helps boost your energy levels and reduce swelling, tiredness, or soreness in your legs and lower body.
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Don't know which knee, thigh, or pantyhose, sock or stocking to get?
Not sure of the differences between the Levels of Compression?
There are so many different models?! Which fabric should I choose?
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Email us: support@legsmart.com
If you travel frequently or only occasionally take long trips by car or plane, there are a number of benefits to wearing compression socks during your travels. There's even something called "economy class syndrome" that refers to the increased risk of blood clots after sitting in the same, cramped positions for an extended period of time. Wearing compression stockings during travel has been shown to help reduce the risk of developing blood clots or Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). Plus, the increased circulation brought on my compression socks can help lessen the feeling on lower body fatigue, achiness, and soreness post-travel. If you are sleeping or lying down for long periods of time, you may want to remove your compression stockings, but do check with your doctor about wearing compression stockings when sleeping or lying down.
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If your job requires you to sit or stand in the same place for extended periods of time, wearing compression socks are very beneficial. The graduated pressure provided by compression socks helps bring relief to tired, achy feet and legs. As mentioned, there are compression stockings for men available that are so discreet that they look very similar to the ordinary socks you might already wear to work every day. You should always check with your doctor to make sure there isn't a limit to the amount of consecutive time you can wear your support stockings during the day. Sometimes, wearing the support stockings in excess of the time indicated by your doctor can worsen symptoms or lead to other complications. Otherwise, you could wear the compression socks all day long to maintain a healthy increase in circulation and ward off swelling or muscle fatigue.
Athletes of all kinds are catching on to the benefits of wearing compression socks during workouts, training and recovery. High tech fibers and materials for sports compression socks provide support for your feet, ankles, calves and legs, while the graduated pressure helps improve circulation in your legs and muscles. Thisallows for faster recovery, better performance during long workouts and reduced muscle fatigue. Compression socks even feature padded foot soles for additional comfort and extra-breathable fibers for advanced heat and moisture management.
For years now, pregnant women have enjoyed wearing maternity compression stockings because of they help prevent varicose veins brought on by pregnancy. Maternity compression stockings can also help with other ailments that come about with the increased strain on an expectant mother's circulation system. Swelling, leg cramps, and general leg achiness are common in pregnancy, but can be eased through the proper use of compression stockings. The extra boost in circulation provided by the support stockings can help to re-energize tired and sore legs, while also helping to relieve the "heaviness" many moms-to-be experience in their lower body.
There are no rules stating that you must have the negative symptoms relieved by compression stockings before you can start wearing them, but you should check with your doctor. Standing for a long period of time can cause blood to pool in your feet, while sitting can cause unhealthy constriction of the blood vessels in your legs. The undesirable effects of these conditions can take a while to show, as can the appearance of varicose veins or spider veins. Wearing compression socks regularly can help to prevent or ward off such circulation issues from becoming a problem for you.
April 16, 2018
My Compression Stockings keep falling down. What should I do?
Compression stockings that don't stay up can be the cause of many different factors. Follow this troubleshooting guide to see if any apply to you.
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Don't know which knee, thigh, or pantyhose, sock or stocking to get?
Not sure of the differences between the Levels of Compression?
There are so many different models?! Which fabric should I choose?
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Email us: support@legsmart.com
1) Have you washed your compression stockings?
They need to be washed every time after you wear them to cleanse the material of dirt, sweat, dead skin and bodily oils. When you wear compression stockings that haven't been washed, the elastic threads are still worn out from the last time you wore them. So wash them and they'll be good as new.
2) Double check the size
Not every compression stocking will fit every person's legs perfectly. Sometimes you'll have to compromise a measurement here or there in order to get the best fitting garment. Double check your measurements and sizing. You might not be wearing the right size and that's why it's not fitting well.
3) Gained or lost weight? More or less swelling?
Compression stockings don't change as much as your body does sometimes so be sure to get your leg remeasured every once in a while to make sure that your compression stocking is still the right size for you. When people first start wearing compression stockings, their legs are swollen. After wearing them for a period of time, their legs reduce in swelling and it's possible that they fit better into another size.
4) Thigh highs giving you trouble?
The silicone band on thigh high compression stockings needs special care every 1-2 weeks. Use rubbing alcohol and a cotton ball to wipe the silicone beads to remove any residue that might have built up that washing doesn't get rid of.
5) Skinny thighs? Chubby knees? Don't worry, everyone has different legs!
Some people have skinny thighs, and thigh high compression stockings often have a hard time staying up. Or for people who have softer skin around their knees, a knee high also has a hard time staying up and could roll. For both of these situations, people find it annoying and sometimes uncomfortable if the compression stockings rolls down.
Are you using Donning Gloves?
Donning Gloves help make it easy to put on your compression stockings. The soft rubber material grips onto smooth compression stockings to easily slide them over your foot and on your legs.
Are you wearing a medical grade compression stocking and you can't seem to pull them up?
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Are you wearing a fashionable sheer fabric and you don't want to get runs and snags in them?
Do you have limited dexterity in your hands such as arthritis?
Do you want to speed up the time it takes to put on your compression stockings in the morning?
Donning gloves help make it easy for you to put on your compression stockings!
Try It Stays - Skin Adhesive:
It Stays - Skin Adhesive is a roll on skin adhesive that can be used for both knee high and thigh high compression stockings. It's easy to apply and washes off with warm water. Just apply a little bit to your skin and stick on the top of the compression stocking to have the sock stay. For best results, use just at the top of the sock or stocking, not the bottom, a little bit at the top is sufficient to hold your compression stockings up.
April 16, 2018
Understanding Levels of Compression for Stockings
One of the confusing aspects of choosing the right compression stocking is to understand the level of compression. Compression stockings have a range of numbers to indicate how much graduated compression the garment has. The standard compression levels for compression stockings are 15-20 mmHg (over the counter), 20-30 mmHg (medical class 1), 30-40 mmHg (medical class 2) and 40-50 mmHg (medical class 3). There are other levels of compression, however these are standardized and the most commonly used.
Get the best discounts on compression stockings!
Get a Free Discount Code, just email us: support@legsmart.com
What the Compression Levels Mean
Compression levels are indicated with a range of numbers like "20-30 mmHg", which means that the amount of compression will not fall below 20 mmHg and not exceed 30 mmHg. The unit of measurement is called "millimeters of mercury" which is a measurement of pressure, also used in blood pressure. Another important detail about compression stockings is that CEP, Juzo, Mediven and Sigvaris all graduate the compression in their compression stockings and socks. Having "graduated compression" means that the compression is strongest at the ankle and gets lighter as you go up the leg. This very special way of knitting a compression stocking allows circulation to improve up and out of the legs. (There would be devastating effects if the graduated compression went down towards your feet instead of going away from your feet.) Not all compression stocking manufacturers properly graduate the compression, so be sure to only wear reputable brands such as CEP, Juzo, Mediven and Sigvaris.
Over the Counter 15-20 mmHg
A low level of compression, such as 15-20 mmHg is a great choice for everyday compression stockings to help with mild swelling and fatigued legs due to long periods of travel, sitting or standing. 15-20 mmHg compression stockings come in knee high, thigh high, pantyhose and maternity pantyhose styles. Available for both men and women, there are many different styles to choose from. There are casual every day compression socks made to look like dress socks and casual cotton socks. There are also sheer fashion styles for women. Sports compression socks are also available in the 15-20 mmHg level of compression. A lot of people choose to wear the 15-20 mmHg compression for flying and travel. They're comfortable and because there are numerous styles, more and more people are choosing to add a little 15-20 mmHg compression into their lifestyles.
Medical Grade Class I 20-30 mmHg
The 20-30 mmHg level of compression is the first medical grade compression. It's the most widely used medical grade because it provides competent compression to your legs without being too strong. The 20-30 mmHg level of compression is great for managing swelling in your legs, spider veins, varicose veins, travel, sports and after certain surgeries. Pregnant mothers are also finding the benefits of compression stockings and are starting to wear 20-30 mmHg to alleviate heaviness, swelling and aching in their legs. The 20-30 mmHg level of compression is available in a wide variety of styles for both men and women in knee high, thigh high, pantyhose and maternity pantyhose styles. There are also sheer fashion styles, dress sock styles, sports sock styles and opaque styles for 20-30 mmHg compression stockings by CEP, Juzo, Mediven and Sigvaris.
Get help from our Certified Fitters
Don't know which knee, thigh, or pantyhose, sock or stocking to get?
Not sure of the differences between the Levels of Compression?
There are so many different models?! Which fabric should I choose?
Would you like to get a coupon code?
Email us: support@legsmart.com
Medical Grade Class II 30-40 mmHg
The 30-40 mmHg level of compression is a stronger medical grade class II. It's recommended for leg health symptoms that range from moderate to severe. The 30-40 mmHg level of compression is also recommended when you have a blood clot or a deep vein thrombosis DVT. Patients with lymphedema are also recommended to use the 30-40 mmHg level of compression. When choosing the 30-40 mmHg compression, also be sure to think about what kind of fabric your compression stocking or sock should be. Because the stocking is providing more compression in the 30-40 mmHg strength, it's a good idea to choose a more durable material. Sheer compression stockings that are 30-40 mmHg may be more prone to snags and holes. Also, if you're considering the 30-40 mmHg for a more severe leg health issue, try picking a fabric that's stronger like the Juzo Varin, the Mediven Plus or the Sigvaris Natural Rubber (caution the Sigvaris Natural Rubber contains Latex).
Medical Grade Class III 40-50 mmHg
The 40-50 mmHg level of compression is a very strong compression. It's strongly recommend that people considering this level of compression have thoroughly consulted their doctor or healthcare professional about compression stockings and their health. This level of compression is used for severe venous stasis, wound management, and lymphedema.
Consult a Doctor
When choosing a compression level for your travel socks or compression stockings, you'll likely want to consult your doctor for recommendations. Depending on your situation, a lighter compression level may be more effective for you than a stronger level of compression.
Also, remember to replace your compression stockings every five or six months in order to assure that they maintain their proper shape and compression level. If your compression stockings start to feel loose, it's time for a new pair.
Thanks for reading and if you have more questions about levels of compression for stockings, contact the LegSmart Customer Care Team at any time!
Medical View Do Crew and Knee High Compression Socks Have the Same Effect
Source: https://www.legsmart.com/blogs/faq