Gradient Compression support hosiery are stylish, light weight and effective. They come in a variety of styles, colors and sizes. So whether you are wearing a casual sock or dress compression sock, no one will know the difference; although, you will be able to feel the difference and provide your legs with a healthier lifestyle.

Gradient compression delivers a squeezing to the leg that is tightest at the ankle. The degree of squeezing or compression gradually decreases up the leg. This compression, generally expressed in mmHg (millimeters of mercury) provides two main benefits.

A complete understanding of precisely how compression works remains unknown. Two actions are generally accepted. Probably the most beneficial effects of compression are its effects on the capillaries and tissue spaces.

Compression is believed to increase the pressure in the tissues beneath the skin thus reducing excess leakage of fluid from the capillaries and increasing absorption of tissue fluid by the capillaries and lymphatic vessels. Compression therefore reduces and helps prevent swelling.

The physical presence of the stocking also helps control the size (diameter) of superficial veins beneath the stocking. The stocking does not allow these superficial veins to over expand with blood. This action helps prevent "pooling". The venous blood then flows more quickly up the leg towards the heart.

There are four compressions’ which are normally sold as Ready-To-Wear. These compressions:

•	8-15 mmHg compression - is used as a preventative measure to help your legs remain healthy. If you are experiencing tired, achy legs at the end of the day, this compression may be for you. You can find these by looking under the "for Men" and "for Women" to the left then view the: For Men Light Support or For Women Light Support.
•	15-20 mmHg compression - is a moderate medical compression. If you have mild varicose veins, minor swelling or edema, or post-sclerotherapy, this compression may be the compression of choice for you.
•	20-30 mmHg compression - is a firm compression and your doctor is normally the person to make the decision that you need this compression. If you have moderate varicose veins, moderate edema, post-sclerotherapy, post-surgical or have had a healed venous ulceration, then this compression may be for you.
•	30-40 mmHg compression - is an extra firm compression. This is another compression that a doctor should make the decision for you to wear. If you have severe varicose veins, severe edema, lymphatic edema, active venous ulcerations, manifestations of PTS (post-thrombotic syndrome); CVD/CVI (Chronic Venus Disease/Chronic Venus Insufficiency); orthostatic hypotension; Post-surgical or post-sclerotherapy then your physician may recommend this compression for you.

Please remember that these are general recommendations and your physician is your best source for information.