Frequently Asked Questions

• Are the stockings/socks sold in pairs, or individually?

  Our garments come in pairs (two socks or two stockings) except where otherwise noted. If the product you are looking at is called "...Stockings" or "...Socks" (plural), then you know it is a pair. Each sock or stocking is not specific to a right or left foot unless otherwise noted.

• How do I know what length stocking I need?

  A knee-length gradient compression stocking is generally recommended to prevent or manage signs and symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency or other causes of lower leg swelling and skin changes. If swelling or varicosities are present above the knee, then a thigh or pantyhose style may be a better choice.

• Do I need a prescription?

  Ready to wear and standard off the shelf compression garments do not require a prescription. However, some insurance plans require a doctor's prescription. Check with your insurance plan to see if they cover compression stockings and their documentation requirements.

• Why are compression stockings prescribed after a blood clot (DVT) in the leg?

  Knee length gradient compression stockings are often prescribed for a patient who has sustained a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or blood clot in the leg. The stockings are helpful in 1. controlling the swelling in the leg that occurs with DVT or blood clot in the leg, and 2. helping prevent the development of post-thrombotic syndrome that may occur several months after the DVT.

• Will my insurance or Medicare cover compression stockings?

  Compression stockings are a non-covered service under Medicare Part B. Medicare will not pay for these items even with a prescription from your doctor. Some insurance plans will cover the cost of compression hosiery if the stockings are prescribed by a physician and the compression is greater than 20 mmHg. Please contact your insurance carrier to determine if stockings are a covered benefit.

• Should I wear stockings on the unaffected leg?

  Only the leg with the symptoms or disease needs to wear the compression stocking. Some people prefer to wear compression on only the affected leg. Others may opt to wear the same brand of stocking but in a lower compression level on the unaffected or healthy leg. For example, your doctor may have told you to wear a 30-40 mmHg stocking for the chronic venous insufficiency present in one leg. You may choose to wear a 15-20 mmHg on the other leg.

• Do you bill insurance companies directly?

  No, we do not bill any insurance companies directly. We only accept credit cards, checks, PayPal, Checkout by Amazon, and FSA/HSA as payment. If you find that your insurance company will pay for your stockings, you would still need to pay for them out of pocket, and then submit an invoice from us to your insurance company for reimbursement. Invoices can be printed out from the "My Account" section under "Previous Orders."

• When should I put my stockings on?

  Your legs are least swollen when you wake up. The stockings will be easier to don if you put them on as soon as you get out of bed.

• Who can benefit from wearing compression stockings?

  Anyone's legs can feel better while wearing gradient compression stockings, especially if you spend a lot of time sitting, standing or in a sedentary position. Gradient compression stockings are most beneficial for the following leg complaints:Tired, aching, heavy feeling legs Leg swelling Varicose veins Venous insufficiency Post-thrombotic syndrome Healed venous ulcers Active venous ulcers Lymphedema We recommend that you consult with your doctor before wearing compression stockings 20 mmHg and above. If you have arterial circulation problems, please consult with your physician before wearing any level of compression.

• How many hours daily should I wear my stockings?

  The wearing time for gradient compression stockings is dependent on both the reason for wearing the compression and the amount of compression. A doctor is the best guide for this.

  Bed-bound patients may be advised by their doctors to wear anti-embolism stockings (16-18 mmHg) to prevent blood clots from forming in the deep veins of the leg

  Immediately following sclerotherapy doctors may instruct you to wear a specific level of compression continuously for a specified number of hours or days depending on the size of the veins injected.

  Individuals with lymphedema are advised to follow the wearing schedule recommended by their doctor or therapist.

  Individuals with chronic venous problems such as venous related leg swelling, skin changes, or varicose veins, generally wear the compression stockings while out of bed (approximately 16 hours per day) and remove them when retiring.

• What is gradient compression?

  Gradient compression delivers a squeezing to the leg that is tightest at the ankle. The amount of squeezing or compression gradually decreases up the leg. For arm sleeves, the greatest compression begins at the wrist and decreases up the arm. Compression is expressed in mmHg (millimeters of mercury). The higher the mmHg, the stronger the gradient compression.

• I am short and my stockings seem to bunch up around my ankles creating a tourniquet. Would a shorter length help?

  Excess fabric around the ankle generally indicates a need to redistribute the stocking fabric upward on the leg. In the case of open toe stockings, it may indicate a need to redistribute the stockings downward on the foot if the toe band has slipped upwards. If redistributing the fabric does not solve the problem, you may need a petite or short size.

• What is compression therapy?

  Compression therapy refers to the benefits gained from using specialized stocking or bandages to manage chronic venous insufficiency and lymphedema. Fatigue, heaviness and aching legs are common complaints. Gradient compression stockings are the standard of care in the management of chronic venous insufficiency and lymphedema. Compression provides two primary benefits. Perhaps the most important effect is that compression increases the pressure in the tissue under the skin (subcutaneous) helping to reduce and prevent swelling. The compression of subcutaneous tissue helps move excess fluid (swelling) back into the capillaries (tiniest of the blood vessels) and helps prevent too much fluid from leading out of these little vessels. Secondly, compression reduces the ability of the superficial veins in the leg to expand and overfill with blood. This in turn helps prevent blood in these veins from flowing backward and causing congestion. Congestion in the leg accounts for the leg complaints, swelling, and skin changes common with venous insufficiency.

• My knee length stockings cut into the back of my knee. Would a shorter length help?

  The band of a correct fitting knee high should stop about two finger widths below the crease of the knee. Most times if a stocking is uncomfortable at the knee, it is due to overstreching the fabric while pulling on the stockings. If this occurs, evenly redistribute the fabric downward on the leg using rubber gloves. There should be no wrinkles in the stockings. If redistributing the fabric does not solve the problem, you may need a petite or short size.

• Why are stockings so hard to put on?

  Your doctor may tell you that, "if they are not hard to put on, then they cannot be providing the compression needed." That is probably not the answer you want to hear, but unfortunately it is true. Gradient compression stockings provide the greatest compression at the ankle. This requires the largest part of the foot- the circumference from the top of the foot around the heel - to pass through the smallest and tightest part of the stocking - the ankle. Newer knitting technologies, yarns and finishes produce stockings that are easier to put on than the stockings of old. However, for those who have diminished arm or hand strength, or impaired mobility there are items that can make the task easier. These items include: Rubber gloves Rubber mats Donners Easy slides Is there a reason why I should not wear compression stockings? Contraindications (medical conditions in which compression is not recommended): Ischemia (advanced arterial disease) of the legs Uncontrolled congestive heart failure Untreated septic phlebitis of the leg Compression stockings should be worn with caution with: Skin infections Weeping dermatosis Allergic to garment fabric Impaired sensitivity of the limb Immobility (confinement to bed) Please consult with your doctor before wearing compression 20 mmHg or higher.

• With the warmer weather, I have experienced a rash on my skin that is exposed to the silicone band on my thigh high stockings. What causes this and what can you suggest to prevent and help heal the rash?

  The rash most often results from the entrapment of moisture between the silicone and the skin. During warmer weather or physical exertion, the skin sweats. The moisture on your leg cannot evaporate due to the presence of the silicone, thus becoming trapped.

  Treatment is symptomatic - cooling and drying the area - avoiding conditions that induce sweating are the best approach. Over-the-counter corticosteroid lotions can be used. However, changes in the environment (cool/dry air) and lighter clothing are often more effective.

  To help prevent the rash from occurring, make sure the skin is clean and dry before donning the stockings. It is also important to wash the stockings after each wearing to remove any skin oils and cells that collect on the stocking and band.

  If the rash continues, discontinue wearing stockings with a silicone band until the warm humid weather changes. You should consult with your doctor if you have drainage from the rash or the rash persists.

• What is the best time of day to measure for compression stockings?

  It is best to measure earlier in the day before swelling builds in the legs. Measurements taken later in the day after swelling is present may result in choosing a stocking size that is too large. Many clinics that are unable to see patients earlier in the day will elevate, bandage, or pumps the legs for a period of time before measuring in order to reduce any swelling that is present.

• Does a run in the stocking affect the compression?

  It is possible for runs to affect the compression of the garment. This depends on factors such as the severity and location of the run. For example, a single small run confined to the upper thigh or panty area will not affect the compression of the lower leg where the stated ankle pressure is determined. A localized decrease of compression may occur in the area directly under the run. If the run is moderate to severe, compression may be affected.

  Some of our stockings are extremely sheer. As with any hosiery, the sheerer the garment the more susceptible it is to runs. There are several things you can do to help ensure a long life for the product. Check your footwear, hands, nails and feel for any rough spots that may damage the garment during donning or wearing. Be careful when donning the garment that you do not snag or pick the fabric. Remove jewelry and wear rubber gloves if needed. Avoid walking around without footwear to protect the stockings.

• I have latex allergies. Can I still use compression stockings?

  Latex is a natural substance that comes from the rubber tree. Latex can be used in textiles in two forms: Dry natural rubber and natural rubber latex.

  Most Jobst garments are latex-free. The elastic used is a synthetic spandex. The Jobst stockings that contain latex are:

  Jobst for Men (8-15 mmHg)
  Men's Athletic (8-15 mmHg)
  Men and women's casual (8-15 mmHg)

• Can I use lotions and creams with my compression stockings?

  If the stocking is latex free, it is perfectly safe to use lotions or creams. In fact, it is especially important for people with lymphedema or venous insufficiency since daily skin care and moisturizer is so important. Applying lotion at night will make donning the stockings easier. If the stocking contains latex (some of the Jobst SupportWear), do not use lotions or creams. Heat, ultraviolet light, copper containing products, hydrocarbons and all petrolatum containing creams and ointments affect garments that contain natural rubber latex yarn

• Can I wear one compression stocking on top of the other instead of wearing a higher compression stocking?

  Yes, there is an additive effect with compression stockings. For example, some doctors instruct their patients to wear on level of compression in a pantyhose style and then wear a knee-length compression stocking over the compression pantyhose.

Order-Related Answers

• Why haven't I received my order yet?

  Firstly, are you sure you ordered from us? Please look at your credit card statement closely. If it says anything other than compressionstockings.com, then you may be contacting the wrong company. All of the sites we operate give clear contact info and order confirmations along with status updates via email. Check your spam folder if you are not receiving them. You can also put in your email address here: Login, and the system will check to see if you have previously ordered from us. If so, it will welcome you back. If not, it will say "not found."

• I only received part of my order. Where is the rest?

  If you only received part of your order, that means one of two things. Either part of the order was on backorder, in which case you would have been notified via email, or the items had to ship from separate warehouses and one beat the other to your location. You can log in and track each item individually to see when any other items are due to be delivered.