How To: Measure for Compression Stockings

Getting the correct measurements for compression stockings is one of the most important aspects to achieving a good fit.

Leg Smart encourages proper fitting because the compression stocking will apply its compression more effectively on the leg and it will be more comfortable when wearing.

The following tutorial will guide you step by step in how to measure for compression stockings.

It is recommended that you take these measurements in the morning because it will help avoid your measurements being biased by swelling.

If you have a tape measure, great! If not, use some string and measure the string with a ruler. It is also encouraged that you write down these measurements on a notepad.

Let’s start measuring!

Step 1) Ankle Circumference

Measure the ankle in the smallest part of the ankle, just above the ankle bone.

Leg Smart Tip: If the foot is swollen, measure the circumference above the foot to the heel (the red dashed line). This diagonal measurement will determine whether or not you will be able to get your compression stocking or sock over your heel when there is swelling in the foot. If this diagonal measurement is 4 inches greater than your ankle measurement, you will experience some difficulty when putting on your compression stocking. Sometimes you might not be able to get the stocking on at all. If this is the case, you will need to put on your compression stockings when your foot is less swollen.

Step 2) Calf Circumference

Measure the largest part of the calf. You may need to search for the largest part of the calf by measuring above and below the middle of the calf.

Leg Smart Tip: When measuring your legs, make sure that your tape measure is straight. A twisted or crooked tape measure will get inaccurate measurements.

Step 3) Thigh Circumference

Measure the largest part of the thigh at the top.

Step 4) Measure the length of the leg.

For the knee high compression stocking, measure from the back of the bend of knee to the floor behind your heel. Do not wear shoes as you will get an inaccurate measurement.

Leg Smart Tip: When measuring the back of the knee, make sure that you are measuring below the bend of the knee. Measuring too high or too close the bend of the knee may result in a sock that is a bit too long for your lower leg. Please pay attention to this detail, especially if your length measurement is right on the edge of the Short and Long lengths.

For thigh high or waist high (pantyhose, maternity panty and leotard), measure the length of leg from the top of the thigh to floor behind the heel.

Congratulations!

Now that you’ve taken your measurements, you are now ready to consult the sizing charts to get the right size for you!

Next, read our Sizing Chart Tutorial.

Have more questions? Email us at support@legsmart.com.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, November 17th, 2009 and is filed under Featured, How To's. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.