Graduated Compression Hose

What are Graduated Compression hose?

Graduated compression hose are special elastic stockings designed to improve blood flow in your legs. They are called “graduated” because the pressure is strongest at the ankle and gradually gets looser as the stocking goes up the leg. This extra squeeze from the outside helps push blood upward toward your heart, preventing it from pooling in your lower legs. Combined with a walking program, these stockings are a common way to treat symptoms like swelling, achiness, and the heavy feeling caused by vein disease.

When and How Graduated Compression are Used

To manage chronic vein disease, it is typically  recommended to wear graduated compression hose during the day while you are active, standing, or sitting for long periods.   When the legs are in bed and no longer in a downward position, the compression can be removed overnight.  The garments are commonly purchased in a knee-high or thigh-high length.  For most patients with symptomatic vein disease, a thigh-high garment is preferred.  For maintenance of vein disease after treatment or with good control of symptoms and swelling, a knee-high garment may be satisfactory.

Why Graduated Compression Hose Fitting is Important

It is very important to get a fitting before purchasing them. If the hose are too tight, they can restrict your circulation, but if they are too loose, they won’t provide enough support to help your veins. A proper fit ensures the pressure is distributed exactly where your body needs it.  For that reason, purchasing these garments online is not recommended unless you can be confident in the proper fit.  The Arrowhead Cardiovascular Consultants team can provide you specific durable medical equipment (DME) vendors that will provide a properly fitted garment to ensure you have the best possible results with graduated compression.

Improving Health and Quality of Life

When you combine wearing compression hose with walking therapy, you create an  effective treatment strategy. As you walk, your calf muscles act like a pump. The compression hose provide a firm surface for those muscles to push against, making the “muscle pump” much more effective at moving blood. Together, these simple steps can reduce pain, prevent skin issues, and significantly improve your daily comfort and overall health.  When symptoms persist, the Arrowhead Vascular & Vein Center offers minimally invasive procedures to support a comprehensive vein treatment strategy to achieve symptom relief and quality of life goals.