How much pressure is needed at the ankle and calf area for compression stockings?

Answers from doctors (10)


Arizona Vein Specialists

Published on Nov 18, 2013

Compression values vary due to reason for use, age, body size and health issues of the wearer. Arterial disease may contraindicate their use. See a professional for guidance. Simply stating 15-20 mmHg, 20-30 mmHg, or 30-40 mmHg is not helpful. Bear in mind that foot/ankle pressures are 90-100% rated compression, 70% below knee and 40% above knee.

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Answered by Arizona Vein Specialists

Compression values vary due to reason for use, age, body size and health issues of the wearer. Arterial disease may contraindicate their use. See a professional for guidance. Simply stating 15-20 mmHg, 20-30 mmHg, or 30-40 mmHg is not helpful. Bear in mind that foot/ankle pressures are 90-100% rated compression, 70% below knee and 40% above knee.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Milford Vascular Institute

Published on Nov 14, 2013

Usually 20-30mmHg is adequate pressure for most causes of swelling. Higher pressures are typically needed in swelling associated with lymphedema.

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Answered by Milford Vascular Institute

Usually 20-30mmHg is adequate pressure for most causes of swelling. Higher pressures are typically needed in swelling associated with lymphedema.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Nov 12, 2013

It really depends upon why you are wearing compression. For travelers and maintenance, 15-20 mmHg (the higher number is at the ankle) works well. For someone with some swelling and milder varicose veins or for spider vein treatment, 20-30 mmHg works well. For more severe venous insufficiency, swelling or post-thrombotic syndrome, usually 30-40 mmHg or even higher may be prescribed. You should be professionally measured early in the day for best fit.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

It really depends upon why you are wearing compression. For travelers and maintenance, 15-20 mmHg (the higher number is at the ankle) works well. For someone with some swelling and milder varicose veins or for spider vein treatment, 20-30 mmHg works well. For more severe venous insufficiency, swelling or post-thrombotic syndrome, usually 30-40 mmHg or even higher may be prescribed. You should be professionally measured early in the day for best fit.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Nov 12, 2013

Usually 20 mmHg at the ankle is enough.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Usually 20 mmHg at the ankle is enough.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Nov 12, 2013

That's like asking which octane gas should one used for a car (different cars require different octanes). More severe vein disease with complications requires 30-40 mmHg graduated stockings or greater, while mild vein disease needs only 15-20 mmHg or 20-30 mmHg. The second number of each pair of graduated stockings indicates the ankle pressure. Thus, the pressure needed depends on the goal of an individual case.

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Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

That's like asking which octane gas should one used for a car (different cars require different octanes). More severe vein disease with complications requires 30-40 mmHg graduated stockings or greater, while mild vein disease needs only 15-20 mmHg or 20-30 mmHg. The second number of each pair of graduated stockings indicates the ankle pressure. Thus, the pressure needed depends on the goal of an individual case.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


VeinSolutions - Edina

Published on Nov 12, 2013

Your question is quite broad. Graded compression varies from very light over-the-counter type hose, which have a compression anywhere between 10-20 mmHg (mercury compression), to very high prescription compression hose that have a compression of 40-50 mmHg. The other question you asked regarding the ankle is a good one. The compression at the ankle is the most critical point in graded compression. As the hose go up the leg, the compression at the calf and then the thigh become somewhat less critical as the venous return in the lower extremities is most problematic at the most distal (farthest) point.

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Answered by VeinSolutions - Edina

Your question is quite broad. Graded compression varies from very light over-the-counter type hose, which have a compression anywhere between 10-20 mmHg (mercury compression), to very high prescription compression hose that have a compression of 40-50 mmHg. The other question you asked regarding the ankle is a good one. The compression at the ankle is the most critical point in graded compression. As the hose go up the leg, the compression at the calf and then the thigh become somewhat less critical as the venous return in the lower extremities is most problematic at the most distal (farthest) point.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

Published on Nov 11, 2013

30-40mmHg will provide enough pressure needed at the ankle. Still, you should see your treating physician (if you've had vein surgery) and ask, based on your specific condition and his assessment of your case, which compression and brand is best.

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Answered by Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

30-40mmHg will provide enough pressure needed at the ankle. Still, you should see your treating physician (if you've had vein surgery) and ask, based on your specific condition and his assessment of your case, which compression and brand is best.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Published on Nov 11, 2013

A 20-30 mmHg compression stocking is sufficient for the ankle and calf area.

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Answered by Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

A 20-30 mmHg compression stocking is sufficient for the ankle and calf area.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Nov 11, 2013

That depends on whether you are just treating tired legs that perhaps have minor varicosities or spider veins. If this is the case, 20 mmHg at the ankle and 5-10 mmHg at the calf should be fine. For more significant varicosities, 20- 30 mmHg at the ankle and 10-15 mmHg at the calf is recommended. Even higher compression is recommended for swelling or lymphedema. I would recommend consulting with a physician familiar with this.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

That depends on whether you are just treating tired legs that perhaps have minor varicosities or spider veins. If this is the case, 20 mmHg at the ankle and 5-10 mmHg at the calf should be fine. For more significant varicosities, 20- 30 mmHg at the ankle and 10-15 mmHg at the calf is recommended. Even higher compression is recommended for swelling or lymphedema. I would recommend consulting with a physician familiar with this.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Nov 11, 2013

For most vein problems, such as varicose or spider veins, 20-30 mmHG is sufficient (30 at the ankle). Chronic venous insufficiency is best treated with 30-40 mmHg. If compression stockings are worn just for support without any vein issue, then around 20 mmHg at the ankle is sufficient. The main problem with increasing the pressure is that it gets harder and harder to apply the stockings and patient compliance decreases.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

For most vein problems, such as varicose or spider veins, 20-30 mmHG is sufficient (30 at the ankle). Chronic venous insufficiency is best treated with 30-40 mmHg. If compression stockings are worn just for support without any vein issue, then around 20 mmHg at the ankle is sufficient. The main problem with increasing the pressure is that it gets harder and harder to apply the stockings and patient compliance decreases.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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