Compression stockings and sleeves

Indications for Gradient of Counterpressure

Gradient I (8-12 mm Hg)

• Heaviness and fatigue in legs

Gradient II (15-20 mm Hg)

• Tired, aching legs
• Minor ankle, leg, and foot swelling
• Minor varicose veins

Gradient III (20-30 mm Hg)

• Prophylaxis and treatment of mild vascular insufficiencies
• Mild varicosities without significant edema

Gradient IV (30-40 mm Hg)

• Varicose veins
• Chronic venous insufficiency
• Peripheral edema
• Prophylaxis post surgical stripping
• Post-phlebitis syndrome
• Pregnancy-related varices
• Prophylaxis and treatment of edema and phlebitis due to post-fracture conditions and injury
• Postural hypotension
• Stasis dermatitis due to chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)
• Venous stasis ulcers
• Post-cast removal
• Post-ligation or stripping
• Inguinal lymphadenectomy
• Muscular inactivity
• Cellulitis

Gradient V (40-50 mm Hg)

• Severe, marked degrees of Gradient IV conditions
• Reversible lymphedema
• Complications of chronic venous insufficiency such as:
  • Marked dependent edema
  • Venous ulcers
  • Severe chronic venous insufficiency
• Post-phlebitis syndrome

Gradient VI (50-60 mm Hg)

• Severe marked degrees of Gradient V conditions
• Severe post-thrombotic cases
• Irreversible lymphedema

Compression therapy support styles

• Knee length
• Thigh length
• Waist height—either 1 or 2-leg
• Maternity
• Lymphedema arm sleeve
• Lymphedema gauntlet (glove without fingers)
• Lymphedema glove

Contraindications to compression therapy

• Cutaneous infections
• Hypodermitis in the acute phase
• Wet dermatoses
• Massive edema from congestive heart failure
• Severe arterial insufficiency