Welcome and quick note
Compression therapy can feel unfamiliar at first. This guide explains the basics in simple, friendly language so you can feel more confident asking questions, recognising when to see a doctor, and understanding the kinds of compression options available.
What compression therapy aims to do
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Help blood move back towards the heart so pressure in the veins falls.
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Reduce swelling by gently squeezing fluid out of the leg.
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Support healing of venous leg ulcers and reduce pain.
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Improve everyday comfort and mobility so you can be more active.
Common signs of venous problems — see a doctor if you have any of these
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Heaviness or aching in the legs, worse after standing or at the end of the day.
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Swollen ankles or lower legs that often get better when you lie down or elevate your feet.
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Visible varicose veins (bulging, rope-like veins).
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Skin changes around the lower leg or ankle such as brownish pigmentation, thickening, scaling, or hardening.
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A slow-healing sore or wound on the lower leg.
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Redness, warmth or new, severe pain in a vein or calf — these can be urgent and need immediate review.
Why you should see a doctor before buying compression garments
If you have leg symptoms, a doctor should check you before you start compression. A medical check helps rule out problems that can make compression unsafe, like poor arterial blood flow or heart issues. The German S2k Guideline on Medical Compression Therapy explains that proper assessment and, when needed, vascular testing are essential before prescribing compression.
The German S2k Guideline on Medical Compression Therapy (AWMF 037/005, 2026) refers to venous disease stages according to the CEAP classification as the standard framework for describing chronic venous disorders when recommending compression therapy.
Simple overview of common compression options
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Compression stockings — look like tight socks or tights and come in different strengths and lengths; they squeeze most at the ankle and gradually less up the leg.
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Compression bandages — layered wraps used especially when swelling is large or a wound needs active treatment.
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Adjustable wraps and adaptive systems — straps or Velcro systems you can tighten or loosen for comfort and changing swelling.
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Donning aids and zips — tools and built-in features that help get stockings on and off more easily.
How the right compression is chosen
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A clinician chooses the type and strength of compression based on your diagnosis, how bad the symptoms are, and whether you can put the garment on yourself.
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Compression strength is measured at the ankle; the aim is to use the lowest strength that helps, because a comfortable option is one you will actually wear.
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Proper measurement matters — stockings should fit the shape of your leg rather than being too loose or tight.
Who should NOT have compression or needs special caution
The S2k Guideline lists conditions where compression either must be used with great caution or avoided until a specialist clears it. Important examples:
Absolute concerns (do not use until cleared by a doctor)
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Severe arterial disease with very low blood flow to the foot.
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Uncontrolled heart failure where extra return of blood to the heart would be harmful.
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Acute severe infections or certain emergencies involving the leg.
Situations needing careful judgement
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Very poor sensation in the legs so the person cannot feel early warning signs.
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Open infected skin or heavily weeping wounds until infection is treated and skin stabilised.
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Severe skin allergies to materials — alternate products or supervised trials may be needed.
If you notice pale or cold toes, new severe pain, numbness, or sudden worsening after putting on compression, remove it and seek medical advice immediately.
Practical tips for everyday success
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Start walking daily as comfort allows — movement helps the compression do its work.
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Learn donning and care — stocking helpers, zips, and hand exercises make life easier; wash garments as instructed to keep their support.
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Keep a spare pair if you use stockings regularly so you can rotate and keep therapy consistent.
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Choose comfort that you can stick with — a lower, comfortable pressure that is worn daily is better than a higher pressure that is abandoned.
Final, friendly reminder
Compression therapy helps many people with venous problems, but it starts with the right medical check. If you have symptoms listed above, make an appointment with a physician who understands veins so you get a safe, effective plan tailored to you.