Leg pain and discomfort is a problem for one out of every three people in America. The severity of the pain and discomfort varies greatly due to the underlying reasons for the pain. From mild cases associated with excessive walking and standing, to more severe issues, such as nerve damage in the back or varicose veins, the pain can be treated with the use of compression stockings.

When a person has a medical condition that impairs their leg vein valves, they experience swelling and pain. This is due to the vein valves not pumping the blood through the legs correctly, compromising the circulation. The swelling is actually the pooling of blood in the legs. Compression stockings help to squeeze the blood from the legs, preventing the swelling and pain associated with the pressure.

Some of the patients that experience the most benefits from using compression stockings include diabetics, patients with heart and circulatory problems, pregnant women and people who spend a great deal of time on their feet when working and performing demanding activities while standing. These categories of people are at a higher risk for developing blood clots, varicose veins and other painful leg ailments. Using compression stockings can help to alleviate these painful problems from occurring.

There are two types of compression stockings that can be purchased. This includes the gradient and anti-embolism compression stockings. The intended users for each of these types of stockings vary greatly. The gradient compression stockings are designed to compress the most at the ankles, with less compression as you work your way up the leg. Anti-embolism compression stockings place a consistent amount of compression on the entire leg, from the thigh to the ankle.

Often times, the gradient compression stockings are prescribed and recommended for patients who do a great deal of walking, standing and moving around. Anti-embolism compression stockings, however, are often used by patients who are ambulatory and on bed rest for their health condition.

Both types of compression stockings can be purchased in a variety of styles, colors and sizes. There are even styles that are complimentary for both men and women.