Support stockings
Tired, aching and swollen legs, varicose veins and most leg ulcers are the result of poor circulation in the legs. The blood flow from the lower legs is often slow, causing congestion. This condition occurs more often as people age, and is usually hereditary. Poor circulation may occur if people stand still all day on hard surfaces (for example, in some work situations), in pregnancy, or in people who are obese.
How do support stockings work?
Support stockings provide a graduated compression that helps blood flow from the lower leg towards the heart. Compression is firmest at the ankle, and gradually reduces as the distance from the ankle increases.Graduated compression stockings cannot cure varicose veins, but they can prevent further vein deterioration. Long-term use of support stockings is recommended, even after leg vein surgery, to prevent the condition developing again.
Wearing support stockings
Graduated compression stockings should not be worn at night unless under a doctor’s advice. If your toes start to tingle while wearing compression stockings, you should remove the stockings and consult your doctor or pharmacist. The stocking fabric should be evenly distributed over the leg and not pulled over tightly at the top. You should never fold over the band at the top of the stocking as this will constrict leg circulation. Similarly, you should not cut or modify the stocking fabric as this will alter the compression.Looking after your support stockings
After washing, do not dry your stockings in a clothes dryer. Refer to the manufacturer’s information for laundry details.Wearing rubber gloves when putting on your support stockings will help prevent fingernails and jewellery snagging the stockings. Rubber gloves may also help you to move the stocking up the leg. Trimming rough nails on the hands and feet will also help prevent snagging.
Being measured for support stockings
It is important that you are fitted with the correct size support stocking, according to the properly taken measurement.An open-toe stocking is not recommended for people with bunions, or very broad or fat feet, because the band across the foot may become restrictive and uncomfortable. Support stockings should be replaced every 6 months as the elasticity of the fabric will loosen over time, and may not provide the required compression.
You should have your legs re-measured every 6 months when having your stockings replaced. Measurements are best taken as early as possible in the morning. If you have walked to the pharmacy, you should rest your legs horizontally for as long as possible before being measured.
Graduated compression stockings are designed to be firm and supportive. Moving up or down a size is not recommended, as the amount of compression applied to the lower leg will not be correct.
Types of compression stockings
Support hosiery is classified into 3 different grades of compression: Class 1 may be sold in pharmacies without a doctor’s recommendation, whereas Classes 2 and 3 are sold only on the recommendation of a doctor.- Class 1 compression is recommended for people with tired, aching legs, mild varicose veins, or mild ankle swelling and to prevent ankles and feet swelling during long flights.
- Class 2 compression is used for people with moderate to severe varicose veins, pronounced ankle swelling, after vein surgery and to prevent the re-occurrence of venous leg ulcers.
- Class 3 compression is used for people with severe varicose veins or ankle swelling, active leg ulcers and to prevent leg ulcers re-occurring.
Full length hosiery — stockings or pantyhose — are usually preferred for people with varicose veins in the thigh, and for pregnant women. Knee- or ankle-high support stockings provide enough support for people with lower leg problems such as varicose veins, swollen ankles and ulcers.
When should you seek medical advice?
You should seek medical advice if:- your leg is swollen;
- your foot looks pale or dark;
- your leg has large varicose veins;
- you have leg ulcers or broken, weepy skin, or a deep raspberry stain colours the lower calf area;
- you have deep calf pain; or
- you have eczema or dermatitis.
Last Reviewed: 12 July 2001
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