What does 15-20 mmHg mean for compression socks?

MmHg stands for millimeters of mercury and it indicates the level of pressure or compression. … 15-20 mmHg: Also for minor and occasional swelling. This is the range most often recommended for reducing swelling and preventing DVT (blood clots) during travel. Often recommended during pregnancy to prevent edema.

Is 20-30 mmHg compression socks too much?

20-30 mmHg: These socks provide more compression and are ideal if you often experience swelling in your lower legs at the end of the day. They can also provide relief from varicose veins and heavier pregnancy related edema. … 30-40 mmHg: This level of compression should only be worn when prescribed by your doctor.

What is best mmHg for compression socks?

A good rule of thumb to follow is: 15-20 mmHg: Great for daily wear, travel, and sports. They help improve circulation without being too tight. 20-30 mmHg: Great for sports recovery, daily wear, medical recovery, and to manage mild symptoms of varicose and spider veins.

What is the best pressure for compression socks?

If you’re shopping for a compression sock without a prescription, you will likely want either the 8-15 mmHg or 15-20 mmHg compression level. This level of compression is usually sufficient to treat the most common issues like achiness, swelling, tiredness, and mild varicose veins in the legs.

How do I know what strength compression socks to get?

Which one do I pick? The general rule of thumb is to ask yourself where the affected area is on your legs. If you have swelling only in your ankles, then a knee high sock should be sufficient. If you have swelling on or above the knee, consider a thigh high or pantyhose / waist high compression stocking.

What does 15 20 mmHg mean for compression socks?

MmHg stands for millimeters of mercury and it indicates the level of pressure or compression. … 15-20 mmHg: Also for minor and occasional swelling. This is the range most often recommended for reducing swelling and preventing DVT (blood clots) during travel. Often recommended during pregnancy to prevent edema.

What does 20 30 mmHg mean for compression socks?

Compression levels are indicated with a range of numbers like “20-30 mmHg”, which means that the amount of compression will not fall below 20 mmHg and not exceed 30 mmHg. The unit of measurement is called “millimeters of mercury” which is a measurement of pressure, also used in blood pressure.

Which brand of compression socks are best?

What compression socks do doctors recommend?

“I usually recommend a lighter compression, like 10 to 15 or 15 to 20, to begin with, and for more moderate to severe swelling, we start to go up in numbers, such as 20 to 30 or 30 to 40, which should be a custom fit and prescribed by a doctor,” Dr. Parthasarathy says.

Is it OK to wear compression socks all day?

Some people wear compression socks for medical reasons, such as lymphedema or chronic venous insufficiency. … So, whether you’re recovering in a lounge chair or sprinting on a sports field, you can use compression socks to prevent poor circulation and reduce swelling and discomfort. They’re safe to wear all day.

What does mmHg stand for?

Blood pressure is measured in units of millimeters of mercury (mmHg). The readings are always given in pairs, with the upper (systolic) value first, followed by the lower (diastolic) value.

How many hours a day should you wear compression socks?

Depending on your need, you can consider wearing them all day long (though you should take them off before bed), or just for a few hours at a time. Compression socks can be helpful for many people, but you should still talk to your doctor before making them a part of your health care routine.

How do you measure your legs for compression socks?

1. Step 1: Measure the circumference of the ankle at the narrowest part of the ankle, just above the ankle bone (Point B).
2. Step 2: Measure the circumference of the calf at the widest part of the calf (Point C).
3. Step 3: Measure the length of the calf (Point A-D).

Can compression socks cause blood clots?

Botek also says that another common reason for wearing compression socks is to aid in blood flow when you’re sitting for long periods of time, like a long flight. With less movement and weaker circulation, there’s more pooling and retention of blood in the legs which can raise chances of clots.