Medical Compression Socks FAQ | Guide to Graduated Compression Products & TED Stockings
Frequently asked questions about medical compression socks. Learn about the principle of graduated compression, the differences regarding TED stockings, and precautions for diabetic foot and neuropathy.
Q:What is graduated compression?
A:Graduated compression means the sock delivers the highest pressure at the ankle, with pressure gradually decreasing upward toward the calf and thigh.This design pushes blood upward back to the heart, improves venous circulation, reduces leg swelling, heaviness and the risk of blood pooling. Uniform tight socks without this gradient cannot achieve the same medical effect.
A:Compression socks may relieve swelling related to diabetes, but they are not a treatment for neuropathy.Important warnings:Diabetic patients often have reduced foot sensation and poor blood flow. Ill-fitting compression socks can cause skin injury, blisters or circulation problems.Diabetic foot or neuropathy sufferers must consult a doctor before wearing compression socks. Self-purchase without medical advice is not recommended.
Q:Can compression socks help with neuropathy / diabetic foot?
A:TED Anti-embolism stockings
Low compression (usually 16–18 mmHg). Designed for bedridden patients in hospitals to prevent DVT while lying down. Only for inactive, resting users. Not suitable for daily walking or varicose vein treatment.
Varicose vein medical compression socks
Class1 / Class2 / Class3 gradient compression (15–46 mmHg). Made for people who stand, walk and move daily. They treat and relieve varicose veins, edema and venous insufficiency.Core difference: TED stockings are for immobile patients; medical compression socks are for active daily use.
Q:Difference between TED anti-embolism stockings and varicose vein compression socks?
A:Most users can wear compression socks 8–12 hours during waking hours.General advice: Do NOT wear compression socks while sleeping overnight. When lying flat, leg pressure lowers naturally. Overnight compression may lead to discomfort, numbness or skin irritation.Only wear overnight if you receive clear instructions from your doctor for severe edema or post-surgery recovery.
Q:How long can I wear compression socks every day? Can I wear them overnight?
A:Put on
Put socks on in the morning before leg swelling appears.
Turn the sock inside out down to the heel.
Slide your foot into the toe section first, then gradually pull the fabric upward evenly.
Smooth all wrinkles; folds create extra pressure points.
Take off
Roll the sock slowly downward from the top toward the toes.
Do not pull violently to avoid stretching the fabric and damaging compression.
Tip: Rubber gloves or compression sock aids make wearing easier.
Q:How to put on & take off compression socks correctly?
A:Use mild, neutral detergent. Avoid bleach, fabric softener and strong washing powder.
Wash by hand or choose gentle washing machine mode inside a laundry bag.
Wash with cold or lukewarm water (max 30°C).
Air dry in shade. Do not tumble dry, iron or expose to direct sunlight.
High heat destroys elastic fibers and weakens compression permanently.
Q:How to wash compression socks to keep compression performance?
A:With daily proper use and washing, medical compression socks maintain effective compression for 3–6 months.Replace immediately if you notice obvious stretching, loose fabric, slipping down legs or loss of tightness. Worn-out socks lose gradient compression and cannot work as intended.
Q:How long will the compression last before replacement?
A:Yes. Compression socks effectively ease pregnancy-related leg heaviness, swelling and reduce the risk of varicose veins developing during pregnancy and after childbirth.
Recommend Class 1 or light Class 2 compression.
Advice: Put on in the morning; remove before bedtime. Stop wearing and consult a doctor if you feel numbness, pain or excessive tightness.
Q:Are compression socks suitable for pregnant women?
A:People with the following conditions shall avoid compression socks unless approved by a vascular doctor:
Severe peripheral arterial disease / arterial insufficiency
Uncontrolled congestive heart failure
Active skin infection, open wounds, ulcers without medical guidance
Severe neuropathy with complete loss of foot sensation
Extreme leg deformity that prevents proper fittingAllergic reaction to sock materials
Q:Who should avoid wearing medical compression socks?
A:We routinely offer medical compression stockings with various pressure ranges—15–21 mmHg, 23–32 mmHg, and 34–46 mmHg—and support the customization of compression levels to meet specific target market regulations. All pressure specifications have undergone professional testing, and corresponding test reports are available to satisfy medical device registration requirements.
Q:What compression grades do you have for medical compression socks?
A:We operate a mature, compliant production system and can assist clients in preparing the technical documentation required for MDR, FDA, EAEU, and Saudi SFDA registrations—including product specifications, pressure test reports, material safety reports, and declarations of conformity. While we do not issue certificates directly, we provide full support for the client's registration process.
Q:Can your medical compression socks pass EU MDR / US FDA registration requirements?
A:The standard version is latex-free and primarily made from a nylon-spandex blend; we can provide OEKO-TEX material test reports. Customization is available for special fabrics with antibacterial or moisture-wicking properties.
Q:What raw materials are used in medical socks, are they latex-free?
Q:How do I measure my leg to pick the right size compression socks?
A:Measure your legs in the morning before swelling occurs. Use a soft tape to get the ankle circumference (narrow spot above ankle bone) and calf circumference (widest calf area). Measure both legs and use the bigger measurements. Compare the data with our official size chart. Choose the larger size if your measurements fall between two sizes.
