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If you are new to compression hosiery, it can seem like a bit of a minefield at first, so here are a few important factors to consider when looking for the best compression stockings for you.
Ultimately, the best fitting garment will be the most beneficial, but style, compression level, length and type of material, can all play an important role in getting the best fitting support stockings. So where do you begin?
1. Speak to your GP or Health Professional
The compression level that is best for you will depend upon the reason you want to wear them and the severity of your symptoms, and the best person to know this is your Doctor, Nurse, Surgeon, Midwife or Health Professional. They will know your medical history and will be able to advise you on the best compression level (Class or mmHg) to wear. Give them a call and ask them what class or level of compression is best for you? Once you have this information, you will be better equipped to start your search.
Make sure you purchase garments made with a graduated compression and not a product that is advertised as 'support stockings' that do not contain an mmHg or Class (both medically recognised compression levels). These products may not do you any harm, but if you are suffering with symptoms related to poor venous return, they will not benefit you.
2. What Length of Compression Hosiery is Best for Me?
Choosing the best length of compression hosiery, requires you to think about the location of the problem or symptom. For example, if you are suffering with swollen ankles, you may only need knee high, compression socks, if you have varicose veins on the lower thigh, then support tights or compression stockings up to the thigh may be good, if you suffer with leg fatigue or pain in the groin caused by venous insufficiencies, then full length compression tights may be more suited.
3. Importance of Measuring Your Legs
To make sure that your compression stockings exert the correct amount of therapy on your legs to aid blood circulation effectively, it is important to select the correct size to fit your leg circumferences. To measure your legs, first arm yourself with a pen, paper and a measuring tape, so you can write them down, as you will need to refer to these later. Take off any socks or hosiery you are wearing, so you can measure exactly around the leg, by having the measuring tape in contact with your skin. Please note, the best time to measure your legs is first thing in the morning, as you will get a 'true' measurement of your limb before it starts its busy day and before any leg swelling starts to occur.
- If you are deciding on the best fit compression socks, then measure around the ankle at the smallest point, just above the ankle bone, then measure around the fattest part of your calf, about 2" below the bend of the Knee and then the length of the lower leg, from the floor to just below the bend of the Knee.
- If you are opting for the best fit compression stockings, then you will need the ankle and calf circumference as above with the additional measurement of the thigh circumference taken about 1.5" below the Groin and the length from the floor to the groin at the same point.
- If you require compression tights or maternity support tights, then you may need to know the ankle, calf and thigh circumference as before, the length from floor to groin and also your height and weight (or pre-pregnancy weight).
Now you have your measurements and you know what compression level you need and what length of compression stockings are most suitable, you are now ready to find the best fitting compression stockings for you.
4. Look for a Compression Hosiery Specialist (oh and by the way, you've come to the right place!)
A reputable company that specialises in compression hosiery will have more knowledge about their garments, and will be most helpful in helping you choose the best fitting compression stockings. Helping you to find the right product, means less wasted time and money on purchasing the incorrect garment. Compression sockings are medical devices, they are healthcare products that cannot be returned once opened, so it is important to get the right thing, first time.
5. Always Check the Size Charts
Don't assume that all Mediums will fit the same or all XL's will fit the same, each individual product will have its own size chart, so please always check before you make a purchase. Always order the size given for your measurements, do not order a larger size for ease of getting into them, they may not fit properly and may not give you sufficient compression.
Sizing by shoe size is incorrect. Although some size charts give shoe sizes as a guide, the most important sizing to go by, are the leg circumferences. If you purchase compression socks by shoe size, they may fit your feet comfortably, but are you going to get the correct compression around the legs?
6. What Style and Material is Most Beneficial?
Sometimes sheer fabrics can be 'stiffer' and less easy to manipulate in comparison to opaque fibres that are generally much more stretchy, so if you have limited mobility in the hands, arms, legs or back, then opt for an opaque compression garment that will be easier to get into. If you are concerned at all about the ease of getting in to compression garments, then speak to the seller, as they will be the best people to advise you on this.
Offering a variety of styles is important, as it helps give customers a choice for those that may need something a little more unique. For example, open toe designs for those with problematic toes or longer feet, wide calf designs for those with larger legs or muscular calves and short length options for those with shorter leg lengths.
Overall, if you need help in finding the right compression garment, getting measured or using the size guides, always give us, the specialists a call, as we have over 23 years experience in this industry.
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