CKS is no longer commissioned by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). NICE remains committed to providing a replacement service for CKS and is currently reviewing its options. In the meantime, although CKS content is now not being maintained, it still remains relevant and will continue to be made available. CKS content was generated under a programme of topic creation and update. To check if the topic you are viewing is current or out of date, please refer to the topic publication details by clicking on the 'How up-to-date is this topic?' link in the left hand menu on individual topic pages.
Compression stockings - Management
How do I decide on the strength of compression?
- The recommended degree of compression depends on the condition being treated. If the person cannot tolerate the preferred compression for their condition, try the next level down:
- Varicose veins — class 1 or 2 stockings, depending on the severity of the varicose veins (see the CKS topic on Varicose veins).
- Venous eczema — class 1 or 2 stockings.
- Lipodermatosclerosis, atrophie blanche, healed venous leg ulcers — class 2 stockings, or class 3 stockings if response to class 2 stockings is inadequate (see the CKS topic on Venous eczema and lipodermatosclerosis).
- After deep vein thrombosis (for the prevention of post-thrombotic syndrome) — class 3 stockings, or class 2 stockings if these are poorly tolerated (see the CKS topic on Deep vein thrombosis).
- Superficial thrombophlebitis — class 1 or 2 stockings (but there is debate about the usefulness of compression for this condition). See the CKS topic on Thrombophlebitis - superficial.
© NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement