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What is Graduated Compression for Compression Socks?

September 11, 2016 By Ray Leave a Comment

girl_working_out_legsA big factor in a lot of the compression socks and stockings I review on my site is the graduated compression in each product.

For most people out there starting in their compression search, they aren’t entirely sure what it is. Or maybe your doctor recommend you to check out these type of products but you want some further clarification.

Whatever boat you’re in, I got you covered.

I’ll throw out some technical terms here and there but I’ll break it down in simpler terms to make it easier to understand.

What is it?

The rough definition of graduated compression is the amount of pressure (compression) that is exerted on your ankles when you wear compression socks/stockings. And that pressure is measured in the units you see following them: mmHg (millimeters of mercury).

Millimeters of mercury or mmHg measures the amount of compression your ankles are getting. It becomes less as you go up the leg and less when you go down the leg towards your toes.

This usually only applies to compression footwear and really isn’t used for things like compression shirts, pants, shorts, etc.

performance-and-recoveryWhat Does the mmHg Mean & Do?

I told you what mmHg stands for and what it measures, but now we got to answer what does it mean?

Talking in terms of compression gear(socks & stockings) it measures the amount of compression or force on your legs as you perform activities.  So essentially the more mmHg, the more pressure.

The material used promotes blood circulation by applying force throughout your foot, ankles, and legs. The compression material presses against your skin and pushes blood and forces the muscles and veins to pump blood back to the heart. You got to keep the blood moving in order to avoid blood clots and swelling pains.

The goal with the graduated compression is essentially to get blood back to your heart and not create a buildup in your legs.

The more mmHg that is in a compression sock, the more force and pressure that will be applied, and the more force that will be exerted to pump blood back into the heart. It will help in reducing swelling and other leg pains by keeping your blood in constant flow throughout the day.

Which Graduated Compression Range Am I In?

There are, in a sense, 3 levels of compression when it comes to footwear:

Graduated Compression

For Regular use

For Recovery Use

10-20 mmHg

Sedentary Lifestyle/ Light Activity

Soreness, Minor Swelling, Tired, Mild Varicose

20-30 mmHg

Moderate Activity/Athlete

Moderate Swelling (Edema), Moderate varicose veins

30-40 mmHg

Very Active

Severe Swelling & Varicose Veins, Discoloration of the Skin

When you’re in search of compression socks it’s important to find the right graduated/gradient compression for you. I don’t think it will affect you that much if you go up or down a level. But I would consult your doctor if you want to make sure you’re getting the right one for you. (I don’t want to stir you in the wrong path and we’re not responsible for anything that may occur).

How Does this Affect Me?

Everyone has a type of lifestyle.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a couch potato, an active worker, or hitting the gym every day. In whatever lifestyle you’re living, there comes a time when you start to feel some pains in your legs. It could be from all the training or maybe you were standing all day all from work.

I think most people have experienced those swellings and soreness in their knees.

It’s good to be mindful of what is and how you can solve it.

If you’re interested in finding the compression socks for you, you can read up on individual compression socks here.

 

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: compression, Graduated

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