How do you Measure for Compression Stockings? support when sitting for long periods of time (eg on a flight).support when standing for long periods of time.helps prevent and provide relief for varicose veins and reticular veins.helps prevent and reduce swelling of the feet, ankles and legs.improved blood circulation particularly in the legs.Why wear Graduated Compression?īenefits of wearing graduated compression include Your doctor will prescribe which compression level is best for your individual circumstances. Graduated compression levels above 20mmHg are considered medical grade. Please note that different organisations have their own classification levels so please check with your doctor. over 49 mmHg - class 4 very strong compression for hospital use.34-46 mmHg - class 3 strong compression.23-32 mmHg - class 2 moderate compression.Generally gradient compression is graded as What are the Different Compression Levels? Arteries expand and contract but veins have thin walls and compressing the leg muscles this way helps keep the blood moving. Graduated compression works by squeezing the leg tightest at the ankle and gradually decreasing upwards to help counteract gravity and assist blood flow back to the heart. This is the same type of measurement as when a doctor takes your blood pressure.

The pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury and is denoted as mmHg. Graduated (or gradient) compression means the compression level changes and it exerts the greatest pressure at the ankle which gradually reduces up the leg. This can occur due to the increased volume of blood to help your baby grow, putting pressure on your blood vessels, the surge of pregnancy hormones, the extra weight of the baby, and being less active during pregnancy.

Varicose veins occur when the one-way valves in the veins become damaged and cause blood to pool. Compression therapy can be dated all the way back to ancient Greece and involves exerting a controlled pressure to increase blood flow in the legs back to the heart.

Maternity plus size compression socks