Which compression level do I need?

It depends on your symptoms. Low compression (under 20 mmHg) is available over the counter for everyday support. Medium (20–30 mmHg) and high (over 30 mmHg) should be used under a physician's guidance. A proper fitting matters: too tight is uncomfortable, and too loose won't work.

Will compression therapy cure my veins?

No. Compression manages symptoms and supports circulation, but it doesn't fix the underlying damaged veins. If you can't tolerate it or your symptoms persist, minimally invasive options like VenaSeal can treat the root cause and may free you from wearing stockings.

When and how long should I wear them?

Compression stockings can be worn any time your feet aren't elevated, typically during the day. Your doctor will give you a routine based on your symptoms or your recovery after a procedure.

Can compression therapy help if I can't have surgery?

Yes. Compression can help people who aren't candidates for a procedure because of illness or other complications. It can give real symptom relief without anything invasive.

Are compression stockings covered by insurance?

Coverage varies by plan and whether they're considered medically necessary. We'll talk through your options at your free vein screening and help you understand any costs up front.

Compression therapy for tired, heavy legs

If your legs swell, ache, or cramp after standing or sitting too long, the cause is often blood pooling in damaged veins. Medical-grade compression stockings gently improve circulation, easing those symptoms.

Approach

Non-invasive

No needles, no procedure

Care path

First step

A simple way to manage symptoms

Fit

Custom-fit

Right pressure for your needs

What is compression therapy?

Compression therapy uses snug-fitting medical stockings to apply steady, graduated pressure to the legs. The pressure is firmest at the foot and ankle and eases gradually up the leg, which helps push blood back up toward the heart instead of letting it pool.

That pooling is what causes the heaviness, swelling, and cramping many people feel with varicose veins. Improve the flow, and those symptoms often ease. It works best when the stocking is properly fitted, which is why guidance matters.

Keeps blood moving

Graduated pressure helps return blood up the leg, reducing pooling and swelling.

Gentle and reversible

No procedure, no recovery: you simply wear them during the day and take them off at night.

A smart starting point

Often the first step we recommend, and a helpful complement to other treatments.

Finding the right compression level

Pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). The right level depends on your symptoms. Here's a quick guide.

Everyday support

Low

Under 20 mmHg

Available over the counter. Often recommended if you're on your feet all day, pregnant, or traveling long distances.

Symptom relief

Medium

20–30 mmHg

Used under a physician's guidance for varicose-vein symptoms and after some vein procedures to support healing.

Advanced needs

High

Over 30 mmHg

Prescribed and fitted by a physician for more significant swelling or venous insufficiency (weakened vein valves that let blood pool).

We'll measure and fit you so the pressure is both effective and comfortable.

Dr. Armin Foghi

Fellowship-Trained Cardiologist

What our doctors think of compression

“Compression is simple, but it has to be done right: the correct strength, properly fitted, worn consistently. When it is, a lot of patients feel real relief from the swelling and heaviness, and it's a great way to start while we figure out the bigger picture.”

When compression can help

Compression therapy is especially useful as a first step, or alongside other care, for conditions tied to poor circulation in the legs.

Painful varicose veins

Eases the pain and swelling that visible varicose veins can cause day to day.

Venous insufficiency

Helps blood move back up the leg when valves no longer do the job efficiently.

After a vein procedure

Often worn for a short time after sclerotherapy or vein closure to reduce swelling and support healing.

Swelling & skin changes

Can help with ankle and lower-leg swelling, and the skin changes that come with advanced venous disease.

Why patients like it

Low-cost optionNon-invasivePainlessEasy to useCustomizable to youImproves blood flow

Compression questions, answered

The things patients ask us most about compression therapy.

They're made of strong elastic that's snuggest at the foot and ankle and eases as it goes up the leg. That graduated pressure gently pushes pooled blood back up toward the heart, which reduces swelling and the heaviness and cramping that come with varicose veins.

Not sure where to start?

A free vein screening is a quick, painless visit that tells us whether compression alone is enough or whether more could help. Visit any of our 6 Southern California offices.

Book a Free Screening

or call us directly (800) 827-4267