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
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
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
Usually 20 mmHg at the ankle is enough.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
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
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
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
A 20-30 mmHg compression stocking is sufficient for the ankle and calf area.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
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
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