Anyone who deals with the subject of compression or support stockings based on medical advice or their own experience will find that both terms are often used synonymously. However, this is not correct as the two products are clearly different from each other. Compression stockings are medical aids and are preferred for the treatment of existing venous diseases. Support socks, on the other hand, are not among the medically prescribed stockings and are significantly below these in terms of compression effect. They are also only suitable for people with healthy veins and cannot replace a compression stocking with a previous illness. For pure prophylaxis, support stockings, in contrast to compression stockings, are not paid for by the health insurance company.

What is the operating principle of high-quality compression stockings?

In order to achieve the best possible effectiveness, compression stockings enclose the leg from the outside and exert pressure on the legs and blood vessels. This relieves the veins and lymph vessels and improves blood circulation. This leads to an improvement in the flow rate in the direction of the heart and the swelling of the legs, as the tissue fluid can be better absorbed by the veins. Compression stockings are used as prophylaxis and to support venous diseases. For optimal success – decongesting the leg – it should either be raised or angled before applying the medical device.

What forms and types of compression stockings are there?

Compression stockings are divided into four different classes. (CCL 1 to 4). Classes 1 and 2 exert light to medium compression, are preferred for prevention, and are available without a prescription in medical supply stores or pharmacies. Levels 3 and 4, which exert strong to extra strong pressure, are used for medical therapy in venous diseases and must be prescribed by a doctor. Commercially available compression stockings in various sizes and designs are also available. The models range from knee-length to half-leg length to thigh length. They are also available as tights.

What are the advantages of compression stockings for those affected?

Anyone who suffers from venous disease and has to take a long flight or car trip, for example, will have to reckon with swelling and painful legs after a while. In the worst case, it can lead to a life-threatening thrombosis. Therefore, everyone who from a medical point of view is so pre-stressed and exposed to these strains should definitely put on a compression stocking. The medical remedies offer those affected extensive advantages from which they will benefit in the long term:

  • An extensive selection in different sizes and compression
  • strengths Optimal prevention of thrombosis
  • Decongestion of the legs
  • Pain-free
  • Multiple-use possible
  • No prescription required low compression classes Can
  • Also used during pregnancy and in sport

What are support stockings – and how do they work?

Support stockings are made of elastic material and counteract heavy and tired legs with gentle compression. The pressure is significantly lower compared to compression stockings. Due to their properties, they are not used in the medical field. Anyone who suffers from varicose veins or spider veins, for example, will find quick relief by wearing a support stocking – even on longer journeys without sufficient freedom of movement. But support stockings with degressive compression also provide valuable services during pregnancy or during sport. The products are only suitable for people who do not suffer from venous disease. Despite the excellent effect, support stockings are not regarded as medical aids by the sick and are therefore not reimbursable.

Conclusion

Compression stockings and support stockings are valuable companions for people who suffer from pain and swollen legs. Even if both products are convincing due to their considerable effectiveness – from a medical point of view, only those affected who suffer from a venous disease are allowed to wear compression stockings. Due to their individual properties, support stockings are only designed for people with healthy veins. While the costs for compression stockings are usually covered by health insurance companies, users have to finance support stockings out of their own pocket.