If you are interested in whether compression stockings can help you, read Compression Stockings in our Smart Reference Library. To buy your first pair, here are a few things to get you started:
Degree of pressure: On the packaging you will find there are degrees of pressure, such as 15-21 mmHg, 21-30 mmHg and 30-40 mmHg. The higher the number, the more pressure is sewn in at the foot and ankle and the higher higher the pressure, the harder they are to get on too! Although they start at 8-15 mmHg, the most popular pressure is 15-21 mmHg. 15-21 mmHg gives good pressure control and is not so hard to get on that most cannot do it. The first time you put them on is the hardest. It gets easier after it is stretched on the first wearing.
Sizing: Sizing is based upon a combination of measurements, such as circumference of the ankle, calf, thigh, length of distance from heel to knee, etc. The higher up the leg the stockings must go, the more measurements are needed. Shoe size is included in some measurements but not all.
Since these stockings are not inexpensive, measure before you buy per the the chart on the packaging. An easy way to do this is to take a friend and tape measure with you in case the store where you buy them doesn’t have an associate who knows what to do (which is usually the case). Go to the back of the packaging and see which measurements are required and have your friend do the measuring.
Most of us have some measurements in one size category and other measurements in another size. Rarely do all the measurements go straight down the line on one size. If you have an equal number of measurements in 2 categories, for instance, 2 measurements that render a medium size and 2 that are in the large category, round up to the larger size.
To be safe, you might purchase just 1 pair the first time and when you are certain it fits well, buy more. Most stores don’t let you return or exchange items like this.
Pricing: The socks in catalogs that feature very low pricing usually do not have gradient pressure at all; rather, they are “stretchable” stockings, having the feeling of pressure while providing the least amount of pressure at the swollen areas. This is the opposite of what is needed. Expect to pay at least $18-20 for knee high stocks with 15-21 mmHg. The prices go up from there.
Check the package before you leave: In our store – which isn’t any different than others – customers put the product back in a different place than where it belongs, so don’t assume that if you took a package out of the medium section that it is medium. Look at the package before you buy it! Be sure you have the degree of pressure you want as well as the type and color. You don’t want to leave with black pantyhose if you wanted a pair of beige knee-highs.
Text: Carole Romig Copyright 2011 Image: Gardensveininstitue.com
