Compression stockings apply graduated pressure — tightest at the ankle, easing upward — which squeezes pooled blood out of leg veins and supports the muscle pump. They're the first-line workhorse for venous insufficiency, a core tool in lymphoedema and lipoedema care, and the reason "have you tried compression?" is usually the first question at any vein clinic.
The class on the box is pressure at the ankle, and it matters:
- Class 1 (roughly 15–21 mmHg in the European system) — mild; tired legs, travel, prevention
- Class 2 (23–32 mmHg) — the standard prescription for diagnosed venous disease and lymphoedema
- Class 3+ — severe disease, specialist-fitted
Three practical truths from this community: fit matters more than class (measured legs, ideally in the morning); waist-high or leggings-style garments help pelvic and thigh symptoms where knee-highs can't; and compression during exercise and standing work is where they earn their keep. US labels use slightly different ranges — the class principle is the same.