Elastic stockings with graduated compression: what are they?
The graduated compression elastic stockings are garments for the lower limbs characterized by an elastic mesh that exerts a compression on the leg.
These garments are designed to exert an uneven compression in different points (and this is the reason why the compression is called, in fact, "graduated").
The pressure is exerted in a decreasing way from the bottom upwards, that is, from the ankle (the point where the compression is strongest) to the thigh (the point where the compression is lightest). This is to favor the venous return towards the higher parts of the legs, avoiding venous stasis.
There are three different types of products on the market that are often confused under this single name. They exist in fact:
- graduated compression stockings for medical and therapeutic use
- preventive elastic stockings, useful for leisure and work (although they are often called "rest stockings")
- elastic stockings for sports.
To distinguish the intended use of these products are:
- the conformation of the product (in particular the degree of compression exerted)
- the materials used
- the aesthetic aspect.