Do you have heavy, aching legs and swelling that worsens by the end of the day? Compression therapy is often recommended to relieve these frustrating symptoms using controlled, gentle pressure to improve blood flow back to the heart, which can lead to greater comfort for patients.
At Inovia Vein Specialty Centers, compression therapy is part of a comprehensive, patient-first approach to diagnosing and treating vein disease at its source. As the Pacific Northwest’s largest vein-centric healthcare practice, Inovia Vein Specialty Centers is trusted for delivering advanced, minimally invasive vein care backed by experience, innovation, and proven results.
Compression therapy, such as the use of graded compression stockings, is often prescribed to:
- Manage varicose veins
- Manage lymphedema and swelling in the legs
- Assist with venous leg ulcer & wound healing
- Prevent blood clots after surgery
- Address pregnancy-related leg & vein symptoms
When used preventatively, compression therapy can help prevent:
- Worsening of venous insufficiency symptoms
- Leg swelling in those who stand or sit for long periods of time
- Development of venous thromboembolism due to immobility
- Recurrence of venous leg ulcers
Types of Compression
Compression stockings are the most common method of compression therapy.
Most compression stockings are graduated, meaning they are tighter around the foot and ankle than at the knee or thigh. This is critical in most cases, since most leg swelling occurs by the ankle.
Compression stockings can be knee high, thigh high, or cover the pelvis depending on need. Open toe options are available as well.
- Compression wraps or bandages, like Unna Boots, are also used when indicated.
- Mechanical compression devices, like wearable compression boots or compressed air devices, are available for home or clinic use as well.
Levels of Compression
Some lighter use compression socks are available over the counter at drugstores or online. These are not considered to be medical grade can be purchased without a prescription. Higher degrees of compression often require a prescription.
Light Support Compression
(15–20 mm Hg)
- Mild foot and lower leg swelling
- Mild varicosities with minimal swelling
- Preventative support for work or travel
- Standing, sitting or traveling for extended periods of time
- Post surgical “anti-embolic” or TED hose provided by hospitals at the time of surgery
- Non ambulatory patients who are bed ridden
Moderate Compression
(20–30 mm Hg, Class I)
- Chronic leg fatigue and heaviness
- Ankle, foot and leg swelling
- Mild varicosities
- Preventative and treatment of swelling during pregnancy
- Superficial thrombophlebitis
- Post-vein treatment including sclerotherapy
Heavy
Compression
(30–40 mm Hg, Class II)
- Moderate varicosities with advanced swelling
- Chronic Lymphatic edema
- Prevention and treatment of venous ulcers
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How Does Compression Therapy Work?
Compression therapy helps to improve blood circulation in the lower legs, ankles and feet by applying the correct amount of pressure on a consistent basis. The goal is to reduce the amount of venous fluid filtered out from venous insufficiency, to help return the filtered lymphatic fluid back to the heart. Here’s how compression works for the different conditions it’s used for:
For chronic venous insufficiency, including varicose veins:
Compression can help reduce the amount of venous blood pooling in the lower legs, thus reducing the amount of fluid that filters into the tissue as edema. This helps push blood to the deeper veins, where the leg muscles can pump the blood back toward the heart.
For swelling (edema):
Compression therapy applies pressure circumferentially to the lower leg to help move fluid back to lymphatics, where it can be returned to the circulation.
For deep vein thrombosis (DVT):
With a DVT, blood flow to the heart can be obstructed by blood clotting in the veins. Compression therapy can help prevent blood from pooling and clotting, especially when coupled with an anticoagulant. However, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider before starting compression therapy for DVT.
For leg ulcers:
Wounds do not heal well in the presence of high vein pressures from venous insufficiency and in the setting of swelling. Compression therapy can aid recovery from leg ulcers and wounds by encouraging blood flow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Compression Therapy
Why Choose Inovia Vein Specialty Centers
Inovia Vein Specialty Centers was founded with a clear mission: to address widespread vein concerns using the most minimally invasive, outpatient treatment options available. Unlike many vein specialists who perform procedures in hospital settings, often leading to higher costs and greater barriers to care, Inovia is entirely office-based. This approach allows us to provide high-quality, affordable, and accessible vein care in comfortable, convenient locations. Originally founded in Bend, OR, Inovia has expanded throughout Oregon and into Southwest Washington, becoming the Pacific Northwest’s largest vein-centric healthcare practice.
At Inovia Vein Specialty Centers, we offer far more than treatment for surface-level vein issues. Our team provides comprehensive vein care, from advanced diagnostics to the latest evidence-based therapies, all designed to treat current vein problems and help prevent future recurrence. We are proud to be home to some of the Pacific Northwest’s leading board-certified vein surgeons, who work closely with patients from initial consultation through treatment and follow-up. We focus on patient-centered care, treating people, not just symptoms.
Get Started with Compression
The optimal degree of compression needed can vary depending on the patient & medical condition being treated, the type of compression being applied, and the material used in the compression garment.
Because of this, it’s important to make sure that you’re using the right stockings or other medical compression device for your particular condition. Your vein care provider can help you assess what kind of compression you need and discuss fitting options.
Book a consultation at any Inovia clinic to find out which compression therapy options may be right for you.