Determining the appropriate size for compression hosiery involves precise measurements of the leg. This process ensures the garment provides the intended therapeutic pressure, contributing to improved circulation and reduced swelling. For example, accurate circumference measurements of the ankle, calf, and thigh, as well as the length from heel to the highest point where the stocking will reach, are essential for a proper fit.
Properly fitted compression hosiery offers significant benefits, including the management of venous insufficiency, lymphedema, and deep vein thrombosis. Ill-fitting garments can be ineffective or even detrimental, potentially causing discomfort, skin irritation, or impaired circulation. The use of graduated compression, where pressure is highest at the ankle and gradually decreases up the leg, has been a long-standing practice in vascular therapy, dating back centuries in various forms.