Compression stockings are available in many levels of compression. A 15-20 mmHg (read, “fifteen to twenty millimeters of mercury”) compression stocking is great for daily wear, sports and travel. The support that a 15-20 mmHg sock provides addresses minor leg symptoms such as tired, achy and lightly swollen ankles and legs. The 20-30 mmHg and 30-40 mmHg level of compression provides more support and thus addresses more leg health issues such as swelling, edema, spider veins, varicose veins and blood clots.

All of the compression stockings at Leg Smart are graduated, which means that the amount of compression at the ankle is the strongest and gets lighter up the leg. This increases circulation by preventing blood from slowing down when traveling up the veins to return to the heart and lungs.

List of Indications for Compression Stockings

12-16 mmHg
Heavy, fatigued, tired legs.
Mild swelling of ankles after long periods of standing or sitting.
Tired, achy and swollen feet and ankles during travel.
Sensitive feet from symptoms of Diabetes.

15-20 mmHg
Heavy, fatigued, tired legs.
Mild swelling of ankles during pregnancy.
Mild swelling of ankles after long periods of standing or sitting.
Tired, achy and swollen feet and ankles during travel.

20-30 mmHg
Heavy, fatigued, tired, aching legs.
Mild varicosities during pregnancy.
Mild varicosities and minimal edema (swelling).
Recovery post-surgery for vein procedures.
During recovery period, post-surgery for swelling in the leg due to inactivity.

30-40 mmHg
Moderate to severe varicosities with mild edema during pregnancy.
Mild varicosities and moderate edema.
Post fracture, post traumatic edema.
After sclerotherapy or phlebectomy of larger veins or vein stripping to maintain treatment success.
Venous ulcers.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or Post Thrombatic Syndrome.
Mild primary lymphedema after decongestant therapy to maintain reduction, secondary lymphedema.

40-50 mmHg
Severe varicosities and edema.
Venous ulcers.
Moderate to severe lymphedema.

This article is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions about your health, please contact your doctor.

Yes! As long as the level of compression is the same, it doesn’t matter how a compression sock or stocking looks. Advancements in technology have allowed manufacturers to provide the same amount of compression regardless of the style. Compression socks and stockings vary from cotton socks to dress socks to sheer nylon-like stockings.

So don’t worry when you’re choosing between a cotton sock or a sheer nylon or a dress sock. Whatever the level of compression is indicated is what you’re getting.

There are many levels of compression that compression stockings come in and they are all for different purposes. Some work better than other depending on the situation. Just because 30-40 mmHg is a higher level of compression than a 15-20 mmHg doesn’t mean that it’s more effective for you.

The 12-16 mmHg and 15-20 mmHg compression are low levels of compression. They are perfect for air travel, long car rides and supporting your legs if you stand or sit for long periods of time. Many people find that wearing a lower level of compression is great as a daily sock. You don’t need to have a problem with your veins or legs to wear compression stockings. I wear them and a lot of the staff at Leg Smart wear them everyday as well.

The 20-30 mmHg, 30-40 mmHg and 40-50 mmHg levels of compression are stronger and have more sizing options. You’ll also notice that they come in more style options such as knee high or thigh high. The higher level of compression also limits the kinds of materials that are used to make the sock or stockings. These materials are usually advanced synthetics to help regulate heat and moisture. In addition, they also help the compression stocking be more stretchy. So you don’t find a lot of compression socks with a high cotton content in a 40-50 mmHg thigh high. If you’re not sure what level of compression to choose, always consult your doctor or medical professional.