Compression Stocking & Therapy Information

Dr. Kim may recommend compression therapy as part of your vein and wound treatment, either on its own or before and after a procedure. Compression is one of the simplest and most effective tools we have, but only when the right type and fit are used correctly. This page walks you through everything you need to know about compression stockings, advanced wraps, and specialized therapies.

Why Compression Helps Your Veins

Healthy leg veins carry blood upward against gravity using tiny one-way valves. When those valves weaken, blood pools in the lower legs, causing swelling, aching, heaviness, skin discoloration, and visible veins. Graduated compression gently pushes blood back toward the heart and takes pressure off failing veins. Many patients feel lighter legs within the first few days.

Understanding Compression Levels

Stockings are measured in mmHg (millimeters of mercury), a unit of pressure. Wearing the wrong strength can be uncomfortable or ineffective, so please use the level Dr. Kim prescribes:

15 to 20 mmHg: Mild support for tired, achy legs, mild spider or varicose veins, travel, and swelling prevention.
20 to 30 mmHg: The most common medical-grade compression, used for varicose veins, moderate swelling, and recovery after vein procedures.
0 to 40 mmHg: Stronger compression for advanced venous disease, significant edema, and preventing recurrent venous ulcers.

Understanding Compression Therapy Types: Elastic vs. Inelastic Compression

Compression therapy generally falls into two primary mechanical categories depending on clinical needs:

Elastic Compression: Elastic materials stretch and expand with movement. They deliver continuous gradient pressure even when you are resting or off your feet (resting pressure). Standard elastic compression stockings fall into this category.
Inelastic Compression: Inelastic or short-stretch materials do not stretch significantly when the calf muscle contracts. When you walk, contracting calf muscles push against the firm bandaging, creating high working pressure that actively pumps blood and lymph fluid back up the leg. When resting, inelastic compression relaxes to low resting pressure, making it comfortable to wear and exceptionally effective for severe edema, chronic venous insufficiency, and non-healing venous ulcers.

Advanced Compression Therapy: Unna Boots & Multilayer Compression Wraps

For patients with significant swelling, fragile skin, or active venous leg ulcers, traditional stockings may not be practical or sufficient. In these cases, Dr. Kim provides advanced, clinic-applied compression therapies:

Unna Boot Application

An Unna boot is a specialized inelastic compression bandage system impregnated with zinc oxide paste, calamine, or gelatin. The soft bandage is applied directly to the lower leg, soothing irritated skin, reducing inflammation, and forming a supportive semi-rigid boot as it dries. As you walk, it provides excellent inelastic working pressure to heal stubborn ulcers.

Visit Frequency: Patients receiving Unna boot therapy typically come to the clinic on a weekly or biweekly basis for paste boot changes, skin evaluation, and wound reassessment.

Multilayer Compression Wraps

Multilayer compression systems (comprising 2-layer, 3-layer, or 4-layer systems) combine absorbent padding with elastic or short-stretch compression wraps. They protect delicate skin, manage heavy wound drainage (exudate), and deliver consistent, sustained compression over several days for complex or heavily draining leg wounds.

Getting the Right Fit & Care Instructions

Fit matters more than brand. A stocking or wrap that is too loose does nothing, and one that is too tight can restrict blood flow. We measure your leg at the ankle, calf, and thigh in the morning when swelling is lowest.

Application: Put stockings on first thing in the morning before swelling builds. Keep fabric smooth; never fold or roll down the top. Rubber gloves help grip fabric easily.
Care: Hand wash or use a gentle cycle with mild soap, and air dry away from direct heat. Replace stockings every 3 to 6 months as elasticity fades.
When to Call Us: Remove compression and call our clinic immediately if you experience numbness, tingling, severe pain, cold or blue toes, or skin breakdown.

Questions About Your Compression Therapy or Unna Boot?

Don’t let swelling, discomfort, or care routine uncertainty slow down your healing process.

Reach out to our care team today for expert guidance, adjustments, or support with your recovery.