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Symptoms of venous disease include pressure, full or heavy sensations and even aching as the day goes on, and later, dryness and itching in the lower leg. The signs of venous disease include spider veins, varicose veins, leg swelling, leg skin changes with thickness, browning and scaling which can progress to lower leg ulcers because the skin becomes brittle.
One must be careful when selecting compression. There are many brands and styles that claim to be “graduated compression” or “compression” socks. Even if a product says graduated compression, it doesn’t mean that it is graduated unless it specifically has a compression class indicated such as 20-30 mmHg.
Compression should be held to a standard and graduated to optimally assist the calf muscle or “calf pump” perform. It works optimally when the compression is greatest at the ankle, 70% at the calf and, if the stocking goes to the thigh, 40% at the thigh.
When shopping for medical grade compression there are several considerations. One should be fitted, or measurements should be taken, early in the day because the leg is its best size. Later in the day, the leg may have swollen and the stocking would potentially be too large.
Stockings are categorized by their degree of compression- 15-20mmHg is the lowest compression one should wear. Most people, especially women after pregnancy and those whose jobs entail significant standing, need 20-30 mmHg. If one has significant skin changes and/or swelling, they may need 30-40 mmHg or Velcro compression wraps. There are now assist devices for those having problems getting the stockings on and off.
To help patients, and the general public who can be seen without an appointment, each staff member at Vascular Vein Centers is certified in fitting compression stockings. Vascular Vein Centers offers medical grade, graduated compression socks & stockings and devises available for purchase at every clinic. We will work with you to help determine the best product for your lifestyle. We also have a 30-day return policy as a courtesy to our clientele to help ensure finding the right stocking for you. Whether you are a patient or someone seeking to prevent a problem, we store your information and can have stockings sent to your home in the future.
