Knee High Compression Stockings
Compression Stockings For Edema, Lymphedema, Varicose Veins, Venous Insufficiency And Other Medical Conditions Requiring Graduated Compression Stockings
Knee high compression stockings are a traditional means of providing compression and support to the lower leg in helping to manage and treat a variety of medical conditions including:
- lymphedema
- edema
- varicose veins
- chronic wounds
- venous insufficiency
- chronic venous insufficiency
- venous edema
- other venous conditions requiring compression
- other medical conditions requiring compression
Knee high compression stockings are also a simple, yet effective way to promote vein health or to provide relief for simple swelling or tired and aching feet. There are compression stockings for women and compression stockings for men, but most knee high compression stockings are unisex and can be worn by both men and women. Knee high compression stockings are made in a variety of sizes, colors and styles, and are especially designed to fit the various anatomical structures of the lower leg.
We carry knee high compression stockings made by all of the premier compression stocking manufacturers including:
- Jobst compression stockings
- Juzo compression stockings
- Mediven compression stockings
- Sigvaris compression stockings
Shop all of our knee high compression stockings with pre-tax dollars using your FSA or HSA account!
Compression Stockings For Edema, Compression Stockings For Lymphedema, Compression Stockings For Varicose Veins, Compression Stockings For Venous Insufficiency, Compression Stockings For Chronic Venous Insufficiency, Compression Stockings For Blood Clots, Compression Stockings For Venous Leg Ulcers, And Other Medical Conditions Requiring Graduated Compression Stockings
At Bandages Plus we have a huge selection of knee high compression stockings for the prevention and treatment of a variety of medical conditions such as lymphedema, edema, varicose veins, venous insufficiency, chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), deep vein thrombosis (DVT) as well as other medical conditions requiring graduated compression stockings.
It is important to understand what graduated compression stockings are, what they are used for and the different features of these medical compression stockings to ensure that you get the correct stockings for your particular needs.
Compression Levels Of Graduated Compression Stockings
Medical compression stockings, including knee high compression stockings, are rated as to the amount of compression they apply, and it is important to choose the correct compression level that is required for your particular health condition. Compression is measured in units referred to as millimeters of mercury or "mmHg", and should selected for treatment as follows.
- 8 - 15 mmHg – gentle compression that provides everyday comfort and support.
- 15 - 20 mmHg – mild compression for everyday wear, travel and pregnancy.
- 20 - 30 mmHg – moderate compression for moderate health conditions and post-vein surgical procedures.
- 30 - 40 mmHg – firm compression for advanced health conditions, and general requires a prescription.
- 40 - 50 mmHg – extra firm compression for extreme health conditions, and should be worn only under the supervision of your healthcare provider.
You can also consult the Jobst compression stockings compression level guide to help determine which level of graduated compression stockings is right for you.
Styles And Features Of Knee High Compression Stockings
Medical compression stockings, including knee high compression stockings, are available in a wide variety of sizes, styles, colors and options to suit your individual needs and preferences. While most of the knee high compression stockings on the market are of a unisex design, some are designed specifically as compression stockings for women and compression stockings for men. There are open toe compression stockings as well as closed toe compression stockings. Most knee high compression stockings are also available with an option silicone top band to help keep the graduated compression stockings in place during the day.
When Should You Wear Compression Stockings
There are a variety of medical and health conditions which would indicate the need for medical compression stockings. If you suffer from edema (swelling) of the legs, lymphedema in legs, varicose veins and vein disease such as venous insufficiency, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) which is a blot clot that forms in a deep vein, or a venous leg ulcer, the following medical compression stockings should be considered as part of your treatment regimen.
- compression stockings for edema
- compression stockings for venous insufficiency
- compression stockings for chronic venous insufficiency
- compression stockings for varicose veins
- compression stockings for blood clots
- compression stockings for venous leg ulcers
- compression stockings for lymphedema
If you are looking for lymphedema compression stockings, you should consider your risk level of developing lymphedema in the leg, or the stage of leg lymphedema which you currently have when deciding the appropriate level for your graduated compression stockings as follows:
- Class 0: 15 - 20 mmHg – if you are at risk for developing lymphedema
- Class I: 20 - 30 mmHg – if you are at risk of developing lymphedema, or have early or mild leg lymphedema
- Class II: 30 - 40 mmHg – if you have moderate or severe leg lymphedema
- Class III: 40 - 50 mmHg – if you have severe or extreme conditions of leg lymphedema
Knee high compression stockings are ideally suited for helping to manage edema (swelling) caused by lymphedema in legs. When worn as lymphedema compression stockings, medical compression stockings are usually worn during the secondary, or "maintenance" phase of lymphedema treatment which occurs after completion of complete decongestive therapy, or "CDT".
You should consult your health care provider regarding the appropriate medical compression stockings for your individual health condition.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••FAQs About Knee High Compression Stockings
Compression stockings help reduce swelling in the legs and are often used to treat lymphedema, edema, chronic venous insufficiency, post-surgical swelling, and other medical conditions. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about knee high compression stockings (which are also sometimes referred to as leg sleeves or support stockings).
Are There Different Types of Graduated Compression Stockings For Lymphedema And Venous Disease
- No, there are no specific different types of medical compression stockings for lymphedema and venous disease. All graduated compression stockings are designed to apply graduated compression to the lower leg. These knee high compression stockings can help promote lymphatic and venous flow, and reduce swelling and discomfort.
What Kind Of Venous Disease Do Graduated Compression Stockings Help Treat
- Knee high compression stockings are ideal for helping treat varicose veins, venous insufficiency, chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), chronic wounds, and other venous conditions requiring compression.
How Do Knee High Compression Stockings Help With Lymphedema
- Knee high compression stockings are designed to apply graduated compression to the lower leg, in order to promote lymphatic and venous flow. The stockings can help reduce swelling and discomfort.
Can Knee High Compression Stockings Prevent Lymphedema
- Knee high compression stockings cannot help prevent the onset of lymphedema, but they can help manage the symptoms and help prevent the progression of lymphedema.
What Are The Most Common Levels Of Compression In Knee High Compression Stockings
- Knee high compression stockings are categorized by the amount of pressure they apply to the lower leg, measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). The levels of compression can vary in compression stockings, but the most common compression stockings levels are:
- 15-20 mmHg (mild compression)
- 20-30 mmHg (moderate compression)
- 30-40 mmHg (firm compression)
- 40-50 mmHg (extra firm compression)
What Does mmHg Mean In Compression Stockings
- In compression stockings, mmHg stands for millimeters of mercury and represents the level of pressure (compression) the stockings apply to your legs. This term is borrowed from the same unit used to measure blood pressure, indicating the amount of pressure against the walls of your blood vessels. The higher the mmHg number, the higher the level of compression.
What Does Graduated Compression Mean In Stockings
- Compression stockings are designed to provide graduated compression, which means that the pressure is highest at your ankle and gradually decreases as it moves up your leg. This design on the stockings helps to promote the flow of blood back towards the heart, which can reduce swelling and prevent the accumulation of fluid in your leg tissues.
How To Measure For Compression Stockings
- When it comes to measuring for compression stockings, we have a compression stocking size chart from the manufacturer. For most knee high compression stockings, you will take measurements at your ankle, at the widest part of your calf, and just below your knee. Your healthcare provider will recommend the compression level.
Can I Exercise While Wearing Knee High Compression Stockings
- Check with your healthcare provider. In general, however, wearing compression stockings while exercising can help promote circulation and reduce swelling.
How Tight Should My Knee High Compression Stockings Be
- Your knee high compression stockings should be snug enough to apply the correct level of pressure needed to promote blood and lymphatic fluid circulation, without being so tight as to cut off circulation or cause discomfort. If your stockings are fitting correctly, they should lie smoothly against your skin, without bunching up or rolling down (which can cause pressure points and restrict circulation).
How Long Should You Wear Compression Stockings Each Day
- Your healthcare provider should make specific recommendations. In general, however, graduated compression stockings should be worn during your waking hours.
What About Sleeping In Compression Stockings
- Your healthcare provider should make specific recommendations. In general, however, sleeping in compression stockings is not recommended. In part, this is because the circulatory dynamics of your body change when you are not moving, and the stockings could cause constriction and impede your blood circulation.
If your healthcare provider does recommend compression at night, there are specialized nighttime wear compression garments for this purpose.
How To Put On Compression Stockings
- The best way to put on compression stockings is to roll the stocking down to the heel, insert your foot, and unroll it up your leg. To take off the compression stocking, gently roll it off your leg. Special donning and doffing devices can also make it easier to put on and take off compression stockings.
How Do I Care For And Clean My Knee High Compression Stockings
- Follow the manufacturer’s specific instructions and be mindful of our recommendations for the care and replacement of compression garments, wraps and bandages. In general, you should wash your compression stockings by hand, in lukewarm water, with a mild soap. Air dry the stockings, and avoid wringing them out (which can stretch the fabric).
What Are The Top Brands Of Compression Garments To Chose From
- We carry graduated compression garments, including knee high compression stockings, made by the top manufacturers including these following brands:
How Often Should I Replace My Graduated Compression Stockings
- Due to wear and stretch, medical compression stockings lose elasticity (and effectiveness) over time and generally should be replaced every 3-6 months.
Do I Need A Prescription To Get Knee High Compression Stockings
- No. You can order all of our knee high compression stockings without a prescription. However, we do recommend that you consult a healthcare professional to ensure that you get the recommended garment, if you are unsure as to what you need.
Can I Use My FSA Or HSA To Purchase Graduated Compression Stocking
- The likely answer is yes, you can purchase your graduated compression stockings using your FSA or HSA account. This is especially true if you are purchasing medical grade compression stockings of 20-30mm Hg compression and higher. You will need to check with your FSA/HSA plan administrator regarding the details of your plan.
Do Insurance Companies Cover Knee High Compression Stockings
- Some insurance plans cover compression stockings, with a prescription, depending on your particular condition. Check with your insurance provider for specifics about your plan coverage. We also do recommend that you consider self-pay vs insurance to determine the best option for yourself.
Please note that all of the information above is for general informational purposes. Please consult your healthcare provider for specific information and personalized recommendations for your situation.
For more information about our knee high compression stockings, please call (800) 700-1032, or e-mail info@bandagesplus.com.
About Bandages Plus
Founded in 1992 by a lymphedema specialist to provide products to patients, therapists, and hospitals, Bandages Plus is now one of the nation's leading suppliers of lymphedema products, compression stockings for venous insufficiency, compression stockings for varicose veins and vein disease, and much more! Located in Miami, Florida, we ship products to hospitals, healthcare facilities and customers across the U.S. We are also a Certified Veteran-Owned Small Business (VSOB).
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Medicare Pays For Lymphedema Products
Please note: Thanks to the Lymphedema Treatment Act, which took effect on January 1, 2024, Medicare began to pay for lymphedema products for those who have Medicare B coverage and meet certain other coverage criteria. Please visit our website page covering the details of the Lymphedema Treatment Act to obtain more information about how Medicare pays for lymphedema garments, wraps, and bandages