Which size should I choose for graduated compression stockings
Graduated compression stockings are the most effective device for combating venous insufficiency, ideal for pregnant women and patients for whom other therapies are contraindicated.
There are preventive and therapeutic stockings: products suitable for every leg, with compression indicated in mmHg and a progressive reduction from the ankle towards the thigh.
Types of compression
Preventive stockings exert a compression of less than 20 mmHg at the ankle. They are indicated to prevent circulatory problems in individuals with risk factors.
Finding the right size is essential: you need to measure the circumference of the ankle, calf, and thigh. The choice of model depends on your needs: knee-high, thigh-high, or pantyhose, while evaluating the length based on height.
Sergio Serraino, pharmacist: “Stockings should preferably be put on before getting out of bed to prevent the legs from starting to swell, thus promoting venous return from the morning onwards.”
Important precautions
Elastic support stockings should never be used without a medical prescription, especially in the presence of arterial diseases or diabetes. Compression must always be combined with mobilization for optimal results.
Tips for wearing
Use gloves to put on the stockings and avoid damaging the fabric. For open-toe models, use the provided silk stocking aid to easily pass over the heel. Remember that your legs must be dry.
