Medical Grade Compression Socks
At FisioMed Mobile Clinic, our clinicians are certified to fit medical-grade compression socks, ensuring the highest level of comfort and efficacy for our clients in the comfort of their home. We take pride in being an authorized dealer of Sigvaris, the oldest and most respected company in the compression wear industry. You can trust our expertise and the quality of our products to help improve your circulation and alleviate discomfort.
What Are Medical Grade Compression Socks?
Medical grade compression socks are specialized socks designed to improve circulation and reduce swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet. These socks are made with a strong elastic material that applies pressure to the veins and muscles in the lower limbs, helping to improve blood flow and prevent blood from pooling in the legs. Medical grade compression socks are different from regular socks in that they provide graduated compression, meaning the pressure is strongest at the ankle and gradually decreases towards the knee or thigh. This helps to push blood upwards towards the heart, reducing the risk of blood clots and other complications. Medical grade compression socks are often recommended by healthcare professionals for people with circulation issues, varicose veins, lymphedema, or those who are required to stand or sit for long periods of time.
Overall, medical grade compression socks can be beneficial for patients with circulation issues or lymphedema. They are affective for anyone who needs to improve blood flow, reduce swelling, or prevent blood clots in the legs, ankles, and feet. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine if medical grade compression socks are right for you and to ensure proper fit and effectiveness. – Dr. Parm Bisla
Medical grade compression socks are classified based on the level of compression they provide, which is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg). The four main classifications of medical grade compression socks are:
Class 1 (Mild compression): Provides 15-20 mmHg of compression. Recommended for people with mild swelling, tired or achy legs, and for those who are at risk of developing varicose veins or deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Class 2 (Moderate compression): Provides 20-30 mmHg of compression. Recommended for people with moderate swelling, persistent edema, varicose veins, DVT, and for those who have recently undergone surgery or have a history of blood clots.
Class 3 (Firm compression): Provides 30-40 mmHg of compression. Recommended for people with severe swelling, chronic venous insufficiency, lymphedema, and for those who have undergone vein surgery.
Class 4 (Extra-firm compression): Provides 40-50 mmHg of compression. Recommended for people with severe lymphedema, advanced venous disease, and for those who have severe swelling or ulcers.
It’s important to note that medical grade compression socks should be prescribed by a healthcare professional and fitted by a certified clinician to ensure proper fit and effectiveness.
- Enhanced compression: Medical grade compression socks offer higher levels of compression than regular compression socks, which can help to improve blood flow, reduce swelling, and prevent blood clots more effectively.
- Increased durability: Medical grade compression socks are made with high-quality materials that are more durable and longer-lasting than regular compression socks.
- Better fit: Medical grade compression socks are prescribed by a healthcare professional and fitted by a certified clinician to ensure proper fit and effectiveness. This personalized fitting ensures that the compression socks provide maximum benefits and comfort.
- Effective treatment for medical conditions: Medical grade compression socks are often recommended by healthcare professionals as a treatment for a range of medical conditions, including varicose veins, lymphedema, chronic venous insufficiency, and deep vein thrombosis. They can also help to reduce symptoms such as pain, swelling, and achiness.
- Improved quality of life: By reducing symptoms such as pain and swelling, medical grade compression socks can help to improve the overall quality of life for people with certain medical conditions.
- People with circulation issues: Medical grade compression socks can help to improve blood flow and reduce swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet. They are often recommended for people with circulation issues, such as varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency, or deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
- Individuals with lymphedema: Medical grade compression socks can help to reduce swelling and improve lymphatic flow in people with lymphedema, a condition in which the lymphatic system is not functioning properly.
- Post-surgery patients: Medical grade compression socks are often recommended for patients who have undergone surgery, particularly on the legs or feet, to reduce swelling and improve blood flow during the recovery period.
- Athletes: Medical grade compression socks can help to improve athletic performance by reducing muscle fatigue and soreness, improving blood flow, and preventing injuries such as shin splints.
- People who spend long periods of time standing or sitting: Medical grade compression socks can help to prevent blood clots and reduce discomfort in people who spend long periods of time standing or sitting, such as office workers, travellers, or pregnant women.
Yes, we do offer medical grade compression sleeves. They are similar to compression socks, but instead of covering the entire foot and calf, they only cover the lower leg, from the ankle to just below the knee. Medical grade compression sleeves provide graduated compression, which means the pressure is highest at the ankle and gradually decreases up the leg. This helps to improve blood flow, reduce swelling, and prevent blood clots in the lower leg.
Medical grade compression sleeves are often used as a treatment for a range of medical conditions, such as varicose veins, lymphedema, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and are available in various compression levels and sizes to suit individual needs. Medical grade compression sleeves can also help improve athletic performance by reducing muscle fatigue and soreness, improving blood flow, and preventing injuries such as shin splints.
Medical grade compression socks are typically covered by extended health plans, with a limit of 1 to 6 pairs per calendar year. However, we advise patients to review their policy to determine the specific number of socks covered per year and the maximum coverage per pair of socks.
Direct billing for compression socks to your extended health plan is often not available, and you may be required to pay for the socks upfront and then submit a receipt to your extended health plan for reimbursement.
While you do not typically need a doctor’s prescription to be assessed for medical grade compression socks, many insurance companies require a note from a physician or physiotherapist specifying the medical condition that requires the use of compression socks. It’s important to check with your insurance provider to understand their requirements for coverage.
We offer custom fitting and measurement services for medical grade compression socks in the comfort of your own home. This service is particularly convenient for seniors and other members of the community who may have difficulty travelling to our clinic.
- Knee-high compression socks: These socks cover the foot and the lower leg, ending just below the knee. They are the most common style and are suitable for a wide range of conditions.
- Thigh-high compression socks: These socks cover the foot, the lower leg, and the entire thigh. They are typically used for more severe conditions, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), varicose veins, and lymphedema.
- Pantyhose compression socks: These socks cover the foot, the lower leg, the entire thigh, and the waist, like regular pantyhose. They are often used for conditions that affect the entire leg, such as severe varicose veins and lymphedema.
- Compression sleeves: These cover the lower leg, from the ankle to just below the knee, and are often used for conditions such as shin splints and calf muscle strains.
- Compression stockings with open toe: These socks or stockings have an open toe design, which may be more comfortable for people who find traditional compression socks uncomfortable around the toes or for those who wear sandals or open-toe shoes.
- Maternity compression stockings: These are specially designed for pregnant women to help improve blood flow and prevent swelling in the legs.
Sigvaris compression socks are available in a wide range of colours and patterns, depending on the specific style and compression level. Some of the common colours include black, white, beige, navy, and brown.