Pressure (mmHg)

Pressure in Compression Stockings

One of the most important issues is the pressure in compression socks, or rather the socks used to assist in the treatment of varicose veins. In fact, we can say that this is the only important issue. Many users share the opinion of the majority, who are mistaken in thinking that the pressure is selected according to the size or multiplicity of varicose veins on their feet.

In fact, "pressure selection" is an extremely wrong statement. The pressure of the socks to be used should be according to the pressure recommended by the doctor or specialist. In summary, "which pressure should I choose?" You should not ask this question to compression sock sellers, pharmacists or search engines. Because only your doctor can answer this question after necessary examinations. There are different pressure socks. Those for relaxing or protective purposes and those that aid treatment. Relaxing or protective socks are socks with a pressure below 20mmHg. There is no need for any doctor or specialist recommendation for these socks.

The treatment-assisting pressure feature of compression socks, which we can also call compression therapy, is the most traditional and effective method recommended by doctors all over the world to assist treatment. Compression stockings are suitable for surgery, laser, etc. It can be used after treatments as well as for bruising, swelling, pain and similar reasons.

These socks, which relieve the symptoms of varicose veins, can never cure them alone. But it is the biggest helper in treatment. Because treatment alone will not work. For this reason, the pressure of the sock to be purchased is important and medium or high pressure socks should not be purchased without expert advice. Especially high and high pressure varicose stockings to be used at this stage may negatively affect the treatment.

Blood pressure measurement is expressed in "mmHg" (millimeters of mercury). For this reason, pressure values such as low pressure, medium pressure and high pressure used in compression socks are indicated with "mmHg". These different pressures can be 10 mmHg (very low pressure) or 60 mmHg (super pressure). Which pressure will be used to aid treatment is determined based on this blood pressure measurement.

Which pressure is used in which treatment and for what purpose?

10-20 mmHg (Light Pressure)

Socks between these values can be used for relaxing, swelling and pain relieving, and protective purposes. Those in the risk group or with very mild vascular disease can use these socks without a doctor's recommendation. It is especially ideal for those who travel constantly or those who constantly sit or stand due to their work. It relaxes the feet, prevents swelling and reduces pain.

18-21 mmHg (Low Pressure)

Low-light pressure varicose vein stockings can be used to prevent vein-related disorders, in mild varicose veins during pregnancy and without edema, in diseases such as diabetes and rheumatism that cause enlargement and loss of elasticity in the veins, and to aid treatment, especially after venous surgery.

23-32 mmHg (Medium-Normal Pressure)

It is used for significant varicose vein formation that may turn into edema, post-traumatic swelling, the healing process of mild ulcers, superficial thrombophlebitis, treatments after sclerotherapy and venous surgery, and prominent varicose veins formed during pregnancy.

34-46 mmHg (High Pressure)

It is used only after the ulcer has healed, in post-thrombotic and structural venous system insufficiency, in clearly visible varicose veins accompanied by edema, in secondary varicose veins, and in the healing process of recurrent and serious ulcers.

50> mmHg (Very High/Super Pressure)

It is used for symptoms that appear after a clot has formed, chronic venous insufficiency, and edema caused by leakage and accumulation of lymph fluid into the tissue.

Different terms can be used when recommending compression socks or expressing pressure. The most commonly used terms are Class, CCL and medium, low, high. Actually they are all the same. There is only one thing that all these expressions correspond to and that is pressure. Below you can review the information corresponding to these expressions and showing the pressure that is actually meant to be described.

“Ccl1”, “Class1”, low/light pressure

“Ccl2”, “Class2”, medium/normal pressure

“Ccl3”, “Class3”, high pressure

“Ccl4”, “Class4”, very high pressure

The international standard used all over the world is as follows.

10-15mmHg – 15-20mmHg Supportive and relaxing

20-30mmHg CCL1

30-40mmHg CCL2

40-50mmHg CCL3

50+ mmHg CCL4

In Europe or America, different manufacturers may give pressure references as follows.

18-21 mmHg Low pressure

23-32 mmHg Medium pressure

34-46 mmHg High pressure

50+ mmHg Very high pressure

In light of all this information, it is very important that you choose the pressure recommended by your doctor. All of the above information is for informational purposes only and does not contain definitive information or results. You should make your choices not in parallel with the information given, but with the advice of your doctor.