Best compression stockings for varicose veins

I think that to clarify the point of what the best compression stockings could be, we must split this knowledge across two different objectives:

– It is not wiser to accumulate knowledge rather than knowing how to use it

Regarding point one, the best stocking regarding manufacturing parameters is the simplest part of this post, since comparing stockings according to their physical characteristics is not as complicated as taking into consideration the type of stockings according to the context of each patient.

The best stockings for varicose veins according to their manufacturing parameters

In general varicose vein stockings cost more than regular stockings, and the best will naturally cost more than that.

The first thing you can be sure of at this point is that cheap is expensive!

The compression pressure necessary for elastic stockings to perform an adequate function within compression therapy will depend on the characteristics of the support material and the surface of the skin segment on which it acts.

As I have said before, the quality of the stockings is very important since they must have the ability to exert a balanced pressure on the tissues that allow them to compensate for the hemodynamic disorders caused by failure of venous and / or lymphatic circulation, which in some cases can be quite severe. Stockings have the task of doing this without altering arterial circulation.

Decreasing compression stockings must be resistant to prolonged use, keeping their elements unchanged for as long as possible (all stockings expire and lose their elasticity in days, months or years, depending on their quality).

It is important to use stockings of materials that do not generate allergies in case of hypersensitivity, that comply with the pressure closest to what is offered for each size, that keep their color unchanged (or almost unchanged) over time and that are easy to wash.

In order for a stocking to comply with everything desired, it is recommended that it be of high quality (even though it almost certainly costs more than the average).

Cheaper stockings in the long run won’t save any money since their lifetime can be very short due to failure in their materials.

In addition to having patients who have worn stockings for varicose veins, I have been wearing them myself for a long time, I can use Jobst stockings as an example, from the moment I bought them they have lasted years, and due to how busy my life as a doctor is I do not have time to wash them by hand, I have always washed them in a washing machine (water at room temperature and without softener) and they remain unchanged for a long time, such an expense is a HUGE SAVING when its performance is put to test, one that is very unlikely to be seen in cheap stockings.

Examples of Jobst® stockings :

I do not mean to say that there are no other good stockings, some angiologist doctors have recommended Sigvaris® stockings as an example. They are people who like me wear stockings because of how comfortable they are at work while some wear them due to venous insufficiency, as even doctors cannot escape being patients.

To mention other stockings I would need to give you several months of testing or recommendations from credible sources to cite.

The best stocking regarding the context of each patient

We do not treat just one leg, we treat a complete patient with all the circumstances that surround him (degree of nutrition, mobility, concurrent diseases, habits, genetics, family support, the climate where he lives, etc).

For example, the best stocking for a patient with varicose ulcer will not be indicated for a person with tired legs who is only looking for resting stockings. Surely a patient with a venous ulcer after a bandage therapy requires the use of high compression stockings, while a patient looking for stockings only for comfort is usually fine with soft compression stockings.

A patient with varicose veins in the thigh should wear high stockings while those with healthy thighs can wear knee high stockings, as explained before it will depend on the context of the patient, many situations like these are described in various posts on this website.

For example, an overweight patient may require stockings with auxiliary elements that allow the stocking to be supported without rolling or sliding, or wearing short stockings if they are the only ones available for their size, unfortunately the number of choices is restricted in certain cases. Here we talk about the use of socks for overweight patients and we offer some options for you to consider.