You wear compression stockings to improve blood flow in your legs. Compression stockings gently squeeze your legs to move blood up your legs. This helps prevent swelling, and to a lesser extent, blood clots.
If you have varicose veins, spider veins, or have just had surgery, your doctor may prescribe compression stockings.
Wearing Stockings Help With
- Aching and heavy feeling in legs
- Swelling in legs
- Preventing blood clots, especially after surgery
Types Of Compression Stockings
Your doctor will help you determine what stocking is right for you.
They come in different:
- Pressures, ranging from light pressure to strong pressure
- Lengths, from below knee to the top of the thigh
- Colors
Coverage
Many insurance plans cover compression socks. Check with your insurance company to see if you have coverage for a compression sock when prescribed for you by a physician.