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Effects and uses of medical compression stockings

The human ability to walk upright poses a particular challenge for the venous and lymphatic systems: blood and lymph fluid must be transported back from the legs to the heart against the force of gravity. When these systems are overloaded or do not function optimally, congestion, swelling and discomfort occur. This is precisely where medical compression stockings come into play: they support the body’s natural functions of returning blood and lymph fluid, thereby providing noticeable relief.

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Two women are sitting in front of a hut in the mountains. They are both wearing medical compression stockings

How medical compression stockings work

Medical compression stockings exert a defined external pressure on the legs. This pressure has a dual effect: it supports the return flow of blood to the heart whilst simultaneously promoting the drainage of lymph fluid from the tissue. The compression narrows the veins, allowing the venous valves to close more effectively and enabling the muscle and joint pumps in the legs to work more efficiently. At the same time, the compression mobilises excess lymph fluid in the intercellular spaces and supports its drainage towards the lymphatic vessels. The result: drainage is promoted, congestion and swelling are reduced, and pressure on the tissue is relieved.

Types of medical compression stockings

Circular-knit compression stockings are knitted in a tube shape and therefore do not need to be sewn together after knitting. As a result, these stockings have no seams. They are characterised by a high resting pressure, which remains effective even when sitting or standing, when the muscle pump is less active. This makes them ideal for venous therapy, for example in cases of varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency or for thrombosis prophylaxis.

Flat-knit compression stockings are knitted on a flat needle bed and then sewn together. This allows for the creation of individual and complex shapes that are precisely adapted to the specific anatomy. Another advantage is the high working pressure generated during movement and muscle activity, which supports the drainage of lymph fluid particularly effectively. Flat-knit compression stockings are primarily used in oedema therapy, for lipoedema, and as part of scar treatment.

Medical compression stockings for venous disorders

For conditions such as varicose veins, thrombosis or chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), medical compression stockings are the central element of treatment. They support blood flow in the veins, alleviate typical symptoms such as swelling and a feeling of heaviness, and reduce the risk of further complications.

Juzo offers a wide range of vein stockings in various compression classes, colours and patterns. They thus combine medical effectiveness with high wearing comfort and a modern look that integrates perfectly into everyday life.

A man and two women wearing compression stockings are on a roof terrace

Medical compression stockings for oedema

In the treatment of lymphoedema – whether primary, secondary, phlebo-lymphatic or obesity-related – medical compression stockings are a key component of treatment. They are used during the maintenance phase to promote lymph flow and reduce swelling in the long term.

Flat-knit compression stockings provide noticeable relief in everyday life and effectively support oedema therapy.

Juzo offers an extensive range of lymphological compression stockings in various colours, shapes and designs. Thanks to customisation options and individual adjustments through various features, such as functional additions, they meet the highest medical standards – whilst also impressing with a comfortable fit and integrating stylishly into any outfit. 

A woman with lymphoedema is standing on the deck of a boat. She is wearing blue compression stockings

Medical compression stockings for lipoedema

Lipedema is a chronic fat distribution disorder that primarily affects the hips, buttocks, legs and, in some cases, the arms, and is often associated with pain and increased sensitivity to pressure.

Medical compression stockings are worn directly on the affected areas of the body. They help to reduce pressure sensitivity and thus noticeably improve well-being in everyday life.

Juzo offers a wide range of medical compression stockings for the management of lipoedema – in various designs, colours and compression classes. They impress with their exceptional comfort and can be either discreetly integrated into any outfit or confidently worn as a fashion statement. 

Two people are sitting relaxed at the edge of a sailing boat above the water; one is wearing arm and leg compression garments.

Medical compression stockings in scar therapy

When treating scars on the legs, medical compression helps to prevent excessive scar growth and promotes scar maturation. This keeps the scar tissue supple, makes the scar less noticeable and preserves mobility in the affected area.

Juzo offers special medical compression stockings for scar therapy that apply a defined level of pressure whilst feeling comfortable against the skin.

Thanks to skin-friendly materials and a discreet appearance, compression for scar treatment is an effective, comfortable and practical solution for everyday use.

A mother is sitting with her child on a mountain peak. The child is wearing a compression sleeve.

Donning aids as a useful addition

Putting on medical compression stockings can be challenging, particularly with higher compression classes. Donning aids make this process noticeably easier: they make putting them on quicker and more comfortable, whilst also protecting the material.

Dressing aids for compression stockings are an indispensable aid, particularly for beginners, older people or those with limited mobility. At the same time, all users save energy and time when putting them on and benefit from straightforward handling and noticeably increased comfort.

FAQs on the use of medical compression stockings

What are circular-knit compression stockings used for?

Circular-knit compression stockings are primarily used for the treatment of venous disorders such as varicose veins or chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).

What are flat-knit compression stockings used for?

Flat-knit compression stockings are used in the treatment of lymphoedema. In cases of lipoedema, they help to reduce pressure sensitivity. Furthermore, flat-knit compression stockings can support the healing process of scars by promoting scar maturation, preventing excessive scar growth and making the scar softer and more elastic.

What are the characteristics of medical compression stockings?

Medical compression stockings are characterised by a clearly defined pressure gradient designed to serve a specific medical purpose. They are manufactured to strict quality standards, are categorised into compression classes or pressure ranges, and provide targeted support for the return flow of blood and lymph.

In contrast, sports compression stockings, support stockings and travel compression stockings also exert pressure, but they are not tested for their medical properties and are designed with different pressure levels. 

Are compression knee-highs useful?

Medical compression stockings are available in various lengths, ranging from knee-highs and thigh-highs to thigh-length stockings and tights. These are selected depending on the diagnosis and treatment objective. Knee-high compression stockings are an effective option when the symptoms or medical indication primarily affect the lower legs. Other areas of the body can also be treated with medical compression.

What compression classes are available?

Circular-knit compression stockings are available in three compression classes, whereas flat-knit compression garments are available in four compression classes. In scar therapy, a distinction is made between light and medium compression. Compression classes define the strength of the pressure that medical compression stockings exert on the tissue, measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg).

FAQs on wearing time

How long should medical compression stockings be worn each day?

The daily wearing time for a medical compression garment depends on the specific condition and is determined by a doctor’s prescription. As a general rule, these medical aids should be worn regularly throughout the day and, if necessary, at night as well.

Should compression stockings also be worn at night?

Where medically prescribed, medical compression stockings are worn at night, for example in scar therapy, as the treatment is usually recommended for 23 hours a day. For venous disorders and oedema, the stockings are generally worn only during the day. When lying down, the body does not have to work against gravity, so the return flow of blood and lymph fluid functions even without additional support.

FAQs on the product and care

What materials are medical compression stockings made of?

Medical compression stockings are usually made from a core thread of elastane, which provides the necessary elasticity. This is wrapped with a thread of polyamide or cotton, although polyamide may also be processed as microfibre depending on the design. For special properties, functional yarns such as silver thread are also used – a polyamide thread wrapped in silver that offers an antibacterial effect.

How do I wash and care for my compression stockings?

As well as hand washing, compression stockings can be washed on a gentle or delicate cycle at a maximum of 40°C. Use a laundry bag to protect the stockings from damage caused by zips or Velcro fastenings. Important: Do not use fabric softener under any circumstances, as this impairs the elasticity of the material.