Medical Compression Information

Sigvaris_rd_logoEveryone can benefit from wearing graduated compression stockings or socks. It is about finding the right stocking for your needs. Below is a recommendation chart for all types of graduated compression.

Compression Class Clinical Signs Indications
Support Class (15 – 18mmHg) C0
  • Heavy legs
  • Occupation where standing
  • Occupation where sitting
  • Pregnancy
Class 1 (18 – 21mmHg) C1
  • Prophylaxis of venous disorders for patients at risk
  • Heaviness and fatigue in the leg
  • Mild varicose veins during pregnancy
  • Mild varicose veins without significant oedema
  • Prophylaxis of thrombosis and embolism for mobile patients
  • Prophylaxis of long distance travelling
  • Varicose veins with mild oedema
Class 2 (23 – 32mmHg) C2, C3
  • More severe varicose veins during pregnancy
  • After superficial and deep vein thrombophlebitis
  • Chronis venous insufficiency
  • After sclerotherapy or surgery to maintain therapeutic success
  • After healed venous ulcer in chronic venous insufficiency(C5)
  • Orthostatic/ postural hypotension
  • DVT to treat symptoms and oedema to prevent or manage
Class 3 (34 – 46mmHg) C4, C5
  • Pronounced varicose veins with marked oedema
  • Advanced chronic venous insufficiency
  • For healing of serious and recurrent ulcers
  • Post-traumatic oedema
  • Reversible lymphoedema
Class 4 (min 49mmHg) C6
  • Severe post-thrombatic syndrome
  • Irreversible lymphoedema

Relative Contraindications: Oozing dermatoses, intolerance of stocking material, sensory loss of the extremity, advanced peripheral neuropathy (e.g. diabetes mellitus), rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Compression stockings must never be worn over an open wound. No liability is accepted in case of non-observance of these contraindications.

Absolute Contraindications: Advanced perhipheral arterial occlusive disease, septic phlebitis (inflammation of the vein caused by micro-organisms), phlegmasia coerulea dolens.

Please note: Some compression classes require a medical prescription from your doctor.