Selecting the appropriate level of compression
Compression hosiery is available in three levels of compression. The level of compression is selected depending upon the indication1:
| Compression (mmHg) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indication | Class | At ankle | At calf | At thigh | Scholl product |
| Varicosis during pregnancy Treatment of superficial or early varices (varicose veins) |
I | 14-17 | 11-13.5 (<80% of ankle pressure) |
9-11 (<85% of calf pressure) |
Softgrip Stockings Softgrip Hold-ups Softgrip Tights Softgrip Ribbed Socks |
| Mild oedema Moderate varicose veins Treatment of venous ulcers and prevention of ulcer recurrence Varicosis during pregnancy |
II | 18-24 | 12.5-16.5 (<70% of ankle pressure) |
8.5-11.5 (<70% of calf pressure) |
Softgrip Stockings Softgrip Tights Softgrip Ribbed Socks Softgrip Cotton Rich Stockings |
| Severe varicose veins Post-thrombotic venous insufficiency Treatment of venous ulcers and prevention of ulcer recurrence |
III | 25-35 | 17.5-24.5 (<70% of ankle pressure) |
12-17 (<70% of calf pressure) |
Softgrip Stockings |
Contra-Indications
- Arterial disease should be excluded by Doppler ultrasonography before prescribing compression stockings or socks2
- Compression hosiery should not be worn by those who have2:
- Diabetes
- Peripheral arterial disease
- A past history of arterial disease
- An Ankle Brachial Pressure Index (ABPI) below 0.8
This will depend on the extent of these diseases and the patient’s medical history.
- Johnson S. Compression hosiery in the prevention and treatment of venous leg ulcers. J Tissue Viability 2002; 12(2): 67-74
- Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network. The Care of Patients with Chronic Leg Ulcer. SIGN Publication No 26, July 1998