Compression Guide
Click to enlargeCompression Guide
Click on images to expand

What compression level do I need?

Whether you have tired, aching legs or severe edema, this informative guide will direct you to the proper compression range (mmHg) necessary for good leg health. Please Click Here to view the Compression Therapy Guide, and then click Back when you're ready to return to this page.

This useful, easy to follow chart is saved as a PDF (Portable Document Format) file. If you do not have Adobe® Reader®, which is necessary to view this information, you may download it free by clicking this link Adobe® Reader®.

Leg problems are widespread throughout the world, but what most people don't know is that approximately 90% of leg disorders originate in the veins. If you have tired, aching legs, or if you see the beginning of varicose veins, it is time to learn how to improve the health of your venous circulation. Vein problems can progressively worsen over time and can affect your health and well being for the rest of your life.

Why compression works
Compression therapy means wearing socks or stockings that are specially designed to support your veins and increase circulation in your legs. The socks or stockings are normally worn in the morning upon arising, and removed at night. Throughout the day the compression they provide prevents blood from pooling in leg veins, thereby helping overall circulation. Remember that the heart attempts to pump blood against gravity up the veins of the legs, and as a person walks, the regular contraction and relaxation of the calf muscles around the veins are necessary to help the heart move blood up the legs efficiently.

But, it is unlikely that a person will walk continuously throughout the day - most of us sit or stand some of the time. Also, some people have inherited weakness of the vein walls or valves, which create additional challenges to venous circulation. This is why wearing compression socks or stockings is vital for the treatment or prevention of varicose veins and other circulatory problems, especially for individuals who are at risk.

Please Click Here to open the chart, Proper Application of Compression Stockings and then click Back to return to this page. For your convenience, this material may be printed out, for a quick reference. This useful, easy to follow guide is saved as a PDF (Portable Document Format) file. If you do not have Adobe® Reader®, which is necessary to view this information, you may download it free by clicking this link: Adobe® Reader®. Step-by-Step directions on How To Apply Compression Stockings with descriptive diagrams.


© 2008 Ames Walker ® International Inc. All rights reserved. This site may not be copied in any part
without the express written permission of Ames Walker International Inc.