How to use compression stockings?

This is an excellent choice not only for older ladies suffering from soreness, heavy legs, and varicose veins. They are also chosen by women who want to achieve maximum comfort and avoid these ailments in the future. How to choose compression knee-highs to enjoy full comfort and fully benefit from their undeniable advantages? We have prepared some practical tips for all ladies who want to enjoy healthy and aesthetic legs.

Do knee-highs help with varicose veins?

These two names are often used interchangeably: compression knee-highs or anti-varicose knee-highs. Thanks to gradual compression, they support circulation and lymph flow in the body, support valve function, and also inhibit the formation of venous stasis. They can be used both preventatively and in the case of early or advanced symptoms.

Knee-highs for varicose veins can also be used in cases of a tendency to form embolisms, with lymphatic edema, chronic venous insufficiency, and phlebitis. They are often used as anti-edema measures in pregnant women, as well as for chronic fatigue and heavy legs.

When should you start wearing compression knee-highs?

Compression knee-highs for varicose veins can be worn when we suffer from swollen legs, edema, unsightly varicose veins begin to appear, and capillaries break. Appropriate compression allows for effective prevention of varicose veins, and is also an effective means of inhibiting their growth. Supporting blood flow in the lower leg helps with proper circulation, which prevents broken capillaries and the formation of varicose veins. It is worth acting as soon as possible and not delaying the purchase of knee-highs for varicose veins. Small spider veins, and even evening leg fatigue, are the first symptoms that may indicate the appearance of varicose veins in some time.

Compression classes for compression knee-highs

It is worth knowing that there are three compression classes for knee-highs for varicose veins. This is nothing more than the degree of compression. How to choose it?

• For initial symptoms, opt for the lowest 1st degree of compression (15-24 mmHg).
• If more noticeable varicose veins appear, it is better to use the 2nd degree of compression (25-34 mmHg).
• In the most advanced stages of the disease, i.e., chronic venous insufficiency, it is worth reaching for the highest 3rd degree of compression.

Generally, for prevention and minor symptoms, compression knee-highs for varicose veins of compression class I will be fully sufficient. It is very important to identify the first symptoms of leg varicose veins, i.e., ulcers or swollen calves, to prevent the disease from reaching an advanced stage.

Compression knee-highs vs. compression tights - which is better?

The type depends on the extent of the symptoms of venous insufficiency. If we feel swelling and leg fatigue, or if we already have varicose veins or other changes only on the calf, then compression knee-highs will be sufficient. If more serious symptoms appear and we see changes above the calf, then we should choose tights or stockings for varicose veins. They have a larger compression area up to the lower leg.

How to choose compression knee-highs?

Ladies should not have much trouble choosing the size of knee-highs for varicose veins. In the size chart, you can check the dimensions and choose the size best suited to your foot and calf. This will ensure the appropriate degree of compression. Poor size matching can cause the compression knee-high to lose its therapeutic and preventive properties.

How to choose the size of compression knee-highs? You should measure:

• leg circumference above the ankle at the narrowest point,
• calf circumference at the widest point,
• circumference at the point 2 cm below the knee.

It is worth noting that the knee-highs should guarantee an appropriate thermal level, breathability, and provide full freedom for the toes. Additionally, the band at the top must ensure full adhesion of the knee-highs so that they do not slip down the leg. You should choose models in neutral colors with a good finish that will serve in your wardrobe for a longer period.

How long should anti-varicose knee-highs be worn?

It is recommended to use them all day, i.e., from morning to evening. We put on anti-varicose knee-highs in the morning, before swelling and leg fatigue appear, and take them off before going to bed. The appropriate degree of compression throughout the day effectively supports blood circulation and lymph flow, making our legs less sore and tired. This significantly reduces the risk of unsightly changes on the calf, i.e., varicose veins, broken capillaries, or spider veins.

What are the contraindications for wearing compression knee-highs?

In some cases, wearing compression knee-highs will be inadvisable. These include certain diseases related to the circulatory system:

• diabetic angiopathy,
• adhesive arteritis of the lower limbs,
• septic phlebitis,
• advanced cyanotic edema,
• advanced peripheral arterial occlusion,
• decompensated heart failure (NYHA III + IV).