Stocking Questions

What is your return policy?

Please click here to review our return policy.

Are the stockings like the stockings my grandmother used to wear?

Not at all. The compression stockings of today are sheer, lightweight and barely distinguishable from regular fasion stockings.

Why are there different compression level?

Please visit our guide to compression levels for more information about the various levels of compressions.

Measuring and Fiting Stockings

What is the best time of day to measure for compression stockings?

It is best to measure earlier in the day before swelling builds in the legs. Measurements taken later in the day after swelling is present may result in choosing a stocking size that is too large. Many clinics that are unable to see patients earlier in the day will elevate, bandage, or pump the legs for a period of time before measuring in order to reduce any swelling that is present.

How do I measure my legs for compression stockings?

Please visit our STEP-BY-STEP MEASURING GUIDE for instructions on taking measurements to ensure a proper and accurate fit. Also every product description comes with a pop up sizing chart for your convience.

Where can I view the sizing charts?

Each product listing on thelaserveincenter.com contains its respective size chart. Simply click where it say "click here to veiw size chart" to open a new window containing the chart.

Wear and Care of Stockings

How will I feel in compression stockings?

The first thing you’ll notice is reduced swelling and virtually no pain. Of course, like any new therapy, they may take some getting used to, but you’ll have more energy and feel better almost immediately. (courtesy of Medi-USA)

Is there a layering or additive effect of compression? Can I wear one compression stocking on top the other instead of wearing a higher compression stocking?

Yes, there is an additive effect with compression stockings. For example, some doctors instruct their patients to wear one level of compression in a pantyhose style and then wear a knee-length compression stocking over the compression pantyhose. Please consult with your physician before doin this.(courtesy of Jobst-USA)

How many hours each day should compression stockings be worn?

The wearing time for gradient compression stockings is dependent on both the reason for wearing the compression (indication) and the amount of compression (mmHg). An individual's physician or designee best guides this. Bed-bound patients may be advised by their physician to wear anti-embolism stockings (16-18 mmHg) to help prevent blood clots from forming in the deep veins of the leg. Immediately following sclerotherapy physicians may instruct individuals to wear a specific level of compression continuously for a specified number of hours or days depending on the size of the veins injected. Individuals with lymphedema are advised to follow the wearing schedule recommended by their physician or therapist. Individuals with chronic venous problems such as venous related leg swelling, skin changes, or varicose veins, generally wear the compression stockings while out of bed (approximately 16 hours/day) and remove them when retiring. (courtesy of Jobst-USA)

How should I launder my compression stockings?

Does a run in compression hosiery affect the compression?

It is possible for runs to affect the compression of the garment. This depends on factors such as the severity and location of the run. For example, a single small run confined to the upper thigh or panty area will not affect the compression of the lower leg where the stated ankle pressure is determined. A localized decrease of compression may occur in the area directly under the run. If the run is moderate to severe, improved hemodynamics in the area beneath the run may not occur. As always, if you have concerns about wearing the garment please consult your medical professional. Some of our products are considered the sheerest compression garments on the market today and, as with any hosiery product, the sheerer the garment the more susceptible it is to runs. There are several things that you can do to help ensure a long life for the product. Check your footwear, hands, nails and feet for any rough spots that may damage the garment during donning or wearing. Take care when donning the garment that you do not snag or pick the fabric. Remove jewelry and wear rubber gloves if needed. Avoid walking around without footwear to protect the stocking.

I have experienced a rash on my skin where it is exposed to the silicone band on the thigh high stockings. What causes this and can you suggest something that will prevent and help heal the rash?

The rash most often results from the entrapment of moisture between the silicone and the skin. During warmer weather or physical exertion, the skin sweats. The moisture on your leg cannot evaporate due to the presence of the silicone, thus becoming trapped. Treatment is symptomatic - cooling and drying the area - avoiding conditions that induce sweating are the best approach. Over-the-counter corticosteroid lotions are often used, however, changes in environment (increased cool/dry air) and lighter clothing are often more effective. To help prevent the rash from occurring, make sure the skin is clean and dry before donning the stockings. It is also important to launder the stockings after each wearing to remove any skin oils and cells that collect on the stocking and band. If the rash continues, discontinue wearing the stockings with the silicone band until the warm humid weather changes. You should consult with your primary health care provider if you have drainage from the rash or if the rash persists. (courtesy of Jobst-USA)

How long will these stockings last?

It depends on the style of stocking, the type of one's lifestyle, the steps they take for donning the stockings, and the care they give the stockings. Someone improperly donning a stocking will ruin it typically within 2 months or so. Please review the donning section of our FAQ's. Also, the sheer stockings, being more fragile, typically don't hold up quite as long as the less sheer stockings unless one is EXTREMELY careful with them. The economy lines typically don't last as long either as they utilize a lower quality yarn. Lifestyle plays into it as well. Some people's daily routine could potentially be harder on the stockings than others. Obviously, one with a desk job vs. a one with a factory job will likely get more wear from the stockings due to basic environmental influences. With all that said, the average life with proper wear & care is about 4-6 months. It is important to replace your stockings around this time. As they age, they loose their strength and may not be providing your legs with the appropriate compression.

Donning (Applying) Compression Stockings

Why are compression stockings so hard to put on?

Your physician may tell you that, "if they are not hard to put on, then they cannot be providing the compression needed." That is probably not the answer you wanted. Because gradient compression stockings provide the greatest compression at the ankle this requires the largest part of the foot - the circumference from the top of the foot around the heel - to pass through the smallest and tightest part of the stocking - the ankle. Newer knitting technologies, yarns, and finishes produce stockings that are easier to put on than the stockings of old. However, for those who have diminished arm or hand strength, or impaired mobility there are items that can make the task easier. These items include: Rubber application gloves; stocking donners/butlers; ALPS fitting lotion; and, foot slips (for open toe stockings)

What is the best way to put my stockings on?

Here are some tips: **Remove rings and jewelry that could damage your garment; **Use application gloves (found in our acccessories section) to help position the garment on your leg; **Make sure your skin is dry before putting on your stockings; **Avoid rolling or bunching the fabric as this will create too much pressure in specific areas; **Apply a thin layer of cornstarch, powder or ALPS fitting lotion (found in our accessories section) to help the stocking (or sleeve) slide smoothly over your skin; **Use a stocking donner or butler; **Apply moisturizer to your legs (or arm) in the evening - not just before putting on your garment

Are there any specific methods for donning compression stockings?

Yes, there are 2 popular methods for donning compression stockings:

Click here to see our donning page!

Health Questions

Who benefits from wearing compression stockings?

Anyone's legs can feel better while wearing gradient compression stockings, especially those of us who spend too much time in sedentary sitting or standing positions. Gradient compression stockings are of most benefit to individuals with the following leg complaints: Tired, aching, heavy feeling legs; Leg swelling; Varicose veins; Venous insufficiency; Post-thrombotic syndrome; Healed venous ulcer; Active venous ulcer; and, Lymphedema. It is recommended that you consult with your physician before wearing compression 20 mmHg and above. If you also have arterial circulation problems in your legs please consult with your physician before wearing any level of compression. (provided courtesy of the Jobst Q&A system)

What is compression theraphy?

Compression therapy refers to the benefits gained from the use of specialized stockings or bandages in the management of chronic venous disease and lymphedema. Individuals suffering from chronic venous disease (often called insufficiency) present with leg complaints of fatigue, heaviness, and aching. Gradient elastic stockings pioneered by engineer and patient, Conrad Jobst, in the early 1950s remain the standard in the management of chronic venous disease. Gradient compression delivers a squeezing to the leg that is tightest at the ankle. The amount of squeezing or compression gradually decreases up the leg. While the exact mechanism of action of compression remains elusive, compression is believed to provide two primary benefits to individuals suffering from chronic venous insufficiency. Perhaps the most important effect is that compression increases the pressure in the tissue under the skin (subcutaneous) thereby helping to reduce and prevent swelling. The compression of this subcutaneous tissue helps move excess fluid (swelling) back into the capillaries (tiniest of the blood vessels) and helps prevent too much fluid from leaking out of these little vessels. Secondly, compression reduces the ability of the superficial veins in the leg to expand and overfill with blood. This in turn helps prevent blood in these veins from flowing backward causing congestion. Congestion in the leg accounts for the leg complaints, swelling, and skin changes common in persons with venous problems. (provided courtesy of Jobst Q&A system)

Are there any reasons an individual should NOT wear compression stockings?

Contraindications (medical conditions in which compression is not recommended): Ischemia (e.g. advanced arterial disease) of the legs; Uncontrolled congestive heart failure; Untreated septic phlebitis of the leg; and, Phlegmasia coerulea dolens. The wearing of compression should also be used with caution in the presence of: Skin infections; Seeping dermatoses; Incompatibility to fabric of garment; Impaired sensitivity of the limb; and, Immobility (confinement to bed). Please consult with your physician before wearing compression 20 mmHg and above. (provided courtesy of Jobst Q&A system)

What length stocking should I wear?

A knee-length gradient compression stocking is generally recommended to prevent or manage signs and symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency or other causes of lower leg swelling and skin changes. When swelling or varicosities are present above the knee then a thigh, chaps, or pantyhose style may be a more effective choice. Please consult with your physician and ForYourLegs.com fitter for assistance.

Anti-embolism stockings are designed specifically for bed bound (non-ambulatory) patients to help prevent blood from pooling in the veins of the leg. Pooling of blood in the veins of the leg may contribute to blood clots forming in the veins. Anti-embolism stockings are generally made for short duration of wear during a hospitalization. Anti-embolism stockings deliver gradient compression and, depending on the manufacturer, the compression delivered to the ankle is in the range of 13 - 18 mmHg. These stockings are normally only available in white. After discharge from the hospital or extended care facility, if you need to continue wearing gradient compression stockings (such as Jobst Medical LegWear) your physician can advise you on an appropriate level of compression. Jobst manufactures stockings in the 15-20 mmHg, 20-30 mmHg, and 30-40 mmHg ranges that are ideal for long term wear and comfort. Jobst Medical LegWear look fashionable and are available in a variety of colors and styles. (provided courtesy of Jobst Q&A system)