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Therapeutic Hosiery
When legs are swollen and achy, the most effective relief often comes in the form of therapeutic support hosiery. Make no mistake � these are much more than a tight pair of socks. They�re specially crafted to provide real relief, and we�re proud to offer a wide selection that�s as attractive as it is comfortable.
For those new to the idea of therapeutic support hosiery, we�ve assembled a brief primer � to make sure you�re getting the right product for the relief you need.
Graduated Support � the therapeutic hosiery difference
There�s a very important difference between support hose and therapeutic support hose. The difference lies in the way the two fit. Where generic support hose is uniformly tight, therapeutic support hose is specially constructed to provide graduated support � which is tightest at the ankle, and becomes less constricting as it continues up the leg.
For many wearers, therapeutic support hose is beneficial because it enhances circulation. Contrary to logic, its tight fit actually provides that benefit by reducing the diameter of affected veins and increasing the velocity of circulation back up the leg � reducing both pain and swelling. Therapeutic support hose is available in a range of styles � from dress socks and athletic socks to tights, panty hose and knee-highs.
With its uniform tightness, non-graduated support hose does not provide real benefits to circulation � but may provide relief for some conditions.
The right fit � for maximum relief
When you consider the right therapeutic support hose for your condition, your doctor may suggest hosiery with mild, moderate, firm or very firm support. Each level is determined by the amount of compression applied to the ankle � the tightest point on any pair of graduated support hose � as measured as pressure in �millimeters of mercury,� more commonly referenced as mm/Hg. The different compression levels are as follows:
 | | Mild Support � 8-15 mm/Hg � provides relief from fatigue, and may be helpful to relieve varicose veins and associated pain. |
 | | Moderate Support � 15-20 mm/Hg � helpful for general leg pain and fatigue, and for relief and prevention of varicose veins. Also useful to reduce swelling, and to combat discomfort associated with air travel. |
 | | Firm Support � 20-30 mm/Hg � ideal for post-surgical wear, deep vein thrombosis, severe varicose veins, and ankle and leg swelling. |
| | Very Firm Support � 30-40 mm/Hg � available only with a doctor�s recommendation. |
Each support level is expressed as a range, to reflect the individual variations in ankle size. A larger ankle in a smaller garment, for example, will create greater pressure. It is important to note that Very Firm Support should only be used with a doctor�s recommendation.
The right fit is a tight fit
If you�ve never worn therapeutic support hosiery, you may be surprised at just how tight they are. This is normal � and necessary for them to do their job. If your hose doesn�t feel tight at the ankle � odds are good it�s too large, or it�s not graduated � and won�t provide the relief you need. A simple stocking aid simplifies the task, making it easy to put on therapeutic support hosiery.
As with any therapeutic garment, proper fit � for the appropriate condition � is critically important. While only Very Firm (30-40 mm/Hg) therapeutic hosiery requires a doctor�s recommendation, your doctor�s advice can help you to decide on the right fit to address your circumstances.
Better information � for better choices
To learn more about the conditions that can benefit from therapeutic support hose, visit the National Institute of Health�s Varicose Veins area at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/varicoseveins.html and the American Diabetes Association�s web site at www.diabetes.org.
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