What is compression hosiery?
Who should use compression hosiery?
What are varicose veins?
How long will the compression garment last?
What is an embolism?
How should I wash or launder my compression hosiery?
What type of compression garment should I get?
What size of compression garment should I get?
What are gradient compression garments?
What if I only want to wear the sock on one leg?
Do your compression garments contain any Latex?
Who should not use compression hosiery?

Common Questions About Compression Hosiery

What is compression hosiery?

Compression hosiery are products that help promote blood circulation in the legs. The garments compress the legs, which helps support vein walls. Vitality Medical is proud to offer compression hosiery from Jobst, Kendall, and Curamedica.
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Who should use compression hosiery?

A physician is the best person to decide whether or not you need compression socks. He or she will generally recommend is for persons who have:

Swelling in the legs
Tired, aching legs
Varicose veins
Venous insufficiency
DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis)
Venous ulcers
Lymphedema

What are varicose veins?

Please refer to our varicose veins article.
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How long will the compression garment last?

Compression garments typically last 3-6 months. The garments tend to lose elasticity and become less effective as time goes on. Therefore, if the garments can be put on easily, then they should probably be replaced. You can extend the life of your garments by following the manufacturer's guidelines for washing and laundering.
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What is an embolism?

An embolism is a blood vessel obstruction caused by a blood clot. Compression garments discourage these obstructions from forming.
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How should I wash or launder my compression hosiery?

Follow the manufacturer's guidelines. Typically, they will recommend hand-washing with a delicate fabric detergent or special solution and line-drying the hosiery.
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What type of compression garment should I get?

Your doctor will know what type of compression is best for you. Compression is measured in mmHg, a common medical measurement. Your physician will probably recommend:

14-17 mmHg: This pressure range is considered "mild" and is generally recommended for varicose veins and mild edema.
18-24 mmHg: This pressure range is considered "moderate" and is generally recommended for severe varicose veins, mild edema, and the prevention of ulcer reoccurence.
25-35 mmHg: This pressure range is considered "Severe" and is generally recommended for post-phlebitic limb and chronic venous insufficiency, although it may be used in cases of severe varicose veins and the prevention of ulcer reoccurence.

What size of compression garment should I get?

Please refer to our sizing guide.
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What are gradient compression garments?

Gradient compression garments have higher pressure at the ankle which gradually decreases as the garment goes higher up the leg.
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What if I only want to wear the sock on one leg?

For aesthetic purposes, you may be able to put a lower compression of the same style and color on the unaffected leg. Check with your physician to make sure that the problem is in only one leg and that a low-compression sock would work for the unaffected leg.
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Do your compression garments contain any Latex?

The following Vitality Medical compression garments contain Latex:

Vitality Medical do not have information about Latex content for Kendall and Curamedica products at this time.
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Who should not use compression hosiery?

Compression hosiery is not for everyone. Always consult a physician before starting vascular therapy. People with the following conditions should not use compression garments:

Skin lesions
Gangerene
Vein ligation
Isachemic vascular disease

Sources

Compression Hosiery in the Prevention and Treatment of Venous Leg Ulcers
Elastic Hosiery Care Guidelines
Medspeak Terms - MLANet
Jobst Customer Help

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