Graduated Compression Stockings
Whether you’ve heard about the health benefits of compression stockings from your doctor or elsewhere, there’s no doubt that this safe, effective and easy-to-use product is a good choice. With benefits such as boosting circulation, reducing pain and swelling and preventing blood clots, compression wear should be a feature of everyone’s sock drawer. If you don’t already own compression socks or stockings though, you might not know that there’s a difference between graduated compression stockings and uniform compression stockings.
The Difference Between Uniform and Graduated Compression Stockings
Compression garments are sold in a variety of pressure ranges measured in mmHg, which stands for millimetres of mercury. This is the same pressure measurement that doctors use to measure blood pressure and refers to the movement of the column of mercury used in old blood pressure devices. The compression garments at TXG Socks come in three primary levels of pressure: gentle compression (10-15mmHg), moderate compression (15-20mmHg) and firm compression (20-30mmHg).
Uniform compression garments feature the same mmHg pressure along the entire length of the garment, so there is no variation in pressure from top to toe. In contrast, graduated compression garments feature pressure that’s on a gradient, with a higher pressure around the ankle area, lightening gradually to a lower pressure at the top of the stocking or sock.
While uniform compression socks are still effective and sometimes preferable for some medical conditions, graduated compression socks are specifically designed to improve circulation when gravity is a factor (i.e., sitting and standing for long periods). They have all the benefits of uniform compression but are more effective, comfortable and easier to put on.
Benefits of Graduated Compression
Graduated compression socks put firm pressure along the length of the legs, which helps to support your veins and arteries, preventing blood and fluid from pooling in your lower extremities. This prevents blood clots, deep vein thrombosis and oedema, and helps push blood back up to your heart, which improves your entire cardiovascular system. The better your blood flows through your legs, the less pain and swelling you’ll have as a result of pregnancy, air travel, standing and sitting all day and similar.
For more information on any of our compression wear, or for help finding the right gear for your concerns, contact us today.