How Medical Compression Stockings Work
Graduated compression designed to support healthy circulation in your legs.
Medical compression stockings are different from regular socks or store-bought support hose. They use graduated compression: the pressure is firmest at the ankle and gradually decreases up the leg. This gentle pressure is designed to help the veins in your legs move blood back toward the heart and limit fluid buildup in your lower legs and ankles.
Who May Benefit from Compression Stockings
Your chiropodist may recommend compression stockings if you:
- Have varicose veins, spider veins or chronic venous insufficiency and experience aching, throbbing or heavy legs
- Notice swelling in your feet, ankles or lower legs by the end of the day
- Stand or sit for long hours at work, such as nurses, teachers, retail staff and office workers
- Travel often or take long flights, where sitting for hours can cause leg swelling and discomfort
- Are active or play sports and want added support for your lower legs during and after activity
Fitted by Registered Chiropodists
Compression stockings only work as intended when the size and pressure level are right. At your appointment, your chiropodist will:
- Review your health history, including any circulation, vein or skin concerns
- Assess the circulation in your feet and legs to make sure compression is safe for you
- Measure your legs at several points, ideally in the morning when swelling is lowest
- Recommend a pressure level and style, such as knee-high, thigh-high, open or closed toe
- Show you how to put on, wear and care for your stockings
Compression isn’t suitable for everyone. People with certain circulation problems, such as peripheral arterial disease, may need a different approach. This is why we assess every patient before recommending stockings.
Compression Levels
Different strengths for different needs
15–20 mmHg
20–30 mmHg
30–40 mmHg
Caring for Your Compression Stockings
Wash your stockings by hand or on a gentle cycle and let them air dry. Most pairs lose some of their compression over time, so they’re typically replaced every 4 to 6 months with daily wear.
Insurance Coverage
Many extended health plans cover medical compression stockings, often with a prescription and a minimum pressure level. Check your plan’s requirements before your appointment. We provide receipts for your insurance claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Commonly asked questions about medical compression stockings
Even without a formal medical condition, long hours of standing (like teachers and nurses) or sitting (like office workers) cause gravity to pool blood in your lower legs. Compression stockings use graduated pressure—tightest at the ankle and gradually decreasing up the leg—to gently boost circulation, helping push blood back up toward your heart and preventing that end-of-day ache and swelling.
Yes, absolutely. While they are a great medical tool for managing varicose veins, compression stockings are also widely used as a preventative wellness tool. If your profession keeps you stationary for hours at a time, wearing them helps maintain healthy blood flow, prevents minor swelling, and drastically reduces leg fatigue and muscle soreness by bedtime.
Modern compression stockings are made with advanced, breathable, and moisture-wicking fabrics (like technical microfiber, cotton blends, or specialized athletic knits) rather than the thick, rubbery materials of the past. If you run warm or work in a heated office or hospital, look for lightweight, breathable weaves or open-toe styles to keep your feet cool. Sigvaris Bamboo stockings are an excellent option if you have a hard time wearing stockings in the spring and summer.
They do fit much tighter than regular socks, which can make them tricky at first. The secret is to never roll them down or pull them up by the top band. Instead, slip your foot in, gently ease the fabric up your heel and calf smoothing out any wrinkles, and use rubber dishwashing gloves for extra grip if your hands slip. Putting them on right out of bed—when your legs are least swollen—makes a huge difference.
For mild over-the-counter compression levels (typically 15-20 mmHg), a prescription is rarely required, and you can buy them directly. However, if you are looking for higher medical-grade compression (20-30 mmHg or above) or want to submit the cost to an extended health insurance plan, many benefit providers and clinics require a brief prescription from your doctor.
Our Chiropodist can also prescribe medical stockings - its best to double check with your insurance provider before ordering.
To keep your stockings elastic and effective, treat them like delicate garments. Hand wash them in warm water using mild soap, or machine wash them on a gentle/delicate cycle inside a mesh laundry bag. Never use fabric softener (as it coats the fibers and ruins the elasticity) and always air dry them flat—never put them in a hot clothes dryer.
Ready To Book A Compression Stocking Fitting?
Get size accurately by our chiropodists in Markham today!
Take the first step toward healthier, happier legs. Schedule your stocking sizing with one of our certified chiropodists at Mount Joy Foot Clinic & Orthotic Centre in Markham.
