Medical Compression Stockings

Most third party insurance plans cover compression stockings. Some cover a percentage while other offer an amount. Most insurance companies will cover up to 6-8 pairs/ calendar year. You must verify the details of your plan as all plans are different. Some plans only cover medical grade strength while most coverage plans require a doctor’s prescription and a diagnosis.

The blood in your legs has a long way to go before returning to the heart, and all this against gravity. Our modern lives don’t allow us to be as active, and as we age, our veins lose their elasticity. This increases our risks of developing complications such as varicose veins, leg swelling, deep vein thrombosis (blood clots) and venous ulcers. Compression garments help increase the circulation in your legs, and allow for better blood flow through your leg veins.

Most people benefit from an everyday wear / preventive care compression sock, also known as a 15-20 mmHg stockings. These can be purchased at our clinic over the counter without a prescription. This is a great option for people who want to keep their legs healthy, who travel (air or car), stand or sit for long periods at a time, and want to increase their muscle endurance during sports. Compression garments of 20-30 mmHg and higher are considered medical grade compression and need to be prescribed by your doctor because it is part of a treatment plan for a medical condition. Compression socks that are not well fitted and not worn properly can be harmful. This is why we don’t recommend purchasing compression socks off the Internet.

The mmHg stands for millimeters of mercury. This is how the pressure in the compression sock is measure. The higher the number, the higher the pressure. This is a graduated pressure to helps increase venous pressure, which means that 100% of the pressure is at the ankles, 70% at the calf and 40% at the thighs.

Advanced technology and the world of fashion has allowed our manufacturers to create a variety of styles, colors and models. We carry ultra sheer styles, maternity garments, sportswear, different patterns/colors, different styles, and so much more. You can discuss these options during your appointment with our Nurse.

Because we recommend wearing compression socks everyday, they should be replaced every 6-9 months. However, they may need to be replaced sooner depending on your condition. People with lymphedema undergoing decongestive therapy will require their garment change sooner rather than later.

Generally, the answer is No. Circular knit garments/ elastic garments should not be worn at night. However, there are nighttime garments and compression wraps available, and this should be discussed with us during your appointment.

It is important to understand why you cannot wear your compression socks. Where they purchased many years ago and don’t fit? Where you not properly fitted and measured for them? Did your previous fitter teach you proper wear and removal techniques? Do you require a donning device? In any case, our Nurse can help you better understand this.

When there is a build up of fluids in the legs, it is important to determine the cause. Our Nurse will work with your primary health care provider to determine proper testing and diagnosis. First off, we want to ensure that compression therapy is a safe treatment for your condition. Then we want to determine if you have edema or lymphedema, is the swelling under control, and if you need to go through a decongestive phase prior to a maintenance phase. Our Nurse is certified in lymphedema garments, and these garments are made different than the typical elastic garments. Lymphedema garments are available in compression wraps/bandages and custom made flat knitted garments. They can be knee high to waist high garments. There are many options for these custom garments that our Nurse can discuss with you.

There are conditions to which compression garments can be harmful and dangerous. Conditions such as, but not limited too; peripheral arterial disease, uncontrolled congestive heart failure, sepsis, wound infections and neuropathy should not be wearing compression socks. This is why it is important to receive an medical assessment prior to purchasing compression garments.

Medical compression stockings are HST exempt when a written order or prescription by a medical practitioner is provided.

Because they are used for the treatment of different medical conditions, medical compression stockings of 20mmHg or higher need to be prescribed by your Family Doctor. Having a medical prescription may also facilitate your coverage with your insurance company.

Our Nurse offers residential / long term care facilities visits for garment assessment and product order. There is an assessment fee and travel fee related to mobile visits. Please call the clinic at 613-761-6060 or e-mail at info@naturalsolewellness.ca for booking details.