Written by Jennifer Edmondson and Teresa Iattoni with Breanna Delrow

People who live with multiple health issues know how debilitating and unrelenting those challenges can be. Jennifer Lee Edmondson, JD, founder of Health, Education & Welfare, a Wisconsin nonprofit, and one half of the Lymphatic Duo, was 50 years old when she was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. But by then, she was an adult ‘of a certain mature age’, and had experienced numerous other life challenges in the decades before her diagnosis, which she concedes still did not fully prepare her for the physical and emotional trauma that awaited her.

But what about young people who must face lifelong, multiple health challenges, but have not had the benefit of decades of life experience? Those challenges can impose extra burdens on young people, and can be more difficult and complicated than those faced by mature adults. In an article published in Psychology Today, author Toni Bernard wrote that young people facing chronic illness or multiple health challenges carry several extra burdens, especially when their conditions are not open and obvious.¹ Those extra burdens include:

• Being treated as if their health issues can’t possibly be chronic.
• Being told, “You’re too young to be in pain.”
• Worrying that they’ll never find a romantic partner.
• Not being able to complete their education or professional goals.
• Sitting by and watching others their age participate in activities that are out of reach for them.
• Being stigmatized by others.
• Worrying about the future.

The good news is, there is always hope. Every new day provides us with a new opportunity for making good things happen. Here, the Lymphatic Duo - Jennifer and Teresa Iattoni, DPT, CLS, CES, share Breanna’s story, and useful tips on how to manage living with multiple health challenges.

Breanna is a recipient of HEW’s Compression Garment Fund Program. lebontadipio is the Catalyst Level supporter, an integral part of making the program possible. A licensed certified nursing assistant (CNA), Breanna is also a longtime patient of Teresa’s. The Lymphatic Duo marvel at the fortitude with which Breanna has faced her multiple health challenges.

Recently Jennifer had the chance to talk with Breanna, who was gracious in her openness and willingness to share her struggles and the insights she’s gained from them. It’s clear that this remarkable young woman is forging ahead and doing her utmost to live life to the fullest.

Tell us about the health conditions you have, which require you to wear compression garments.
I was diagnosed my sophomore year of high school with primary Lymphedema of my right leg, and in June of 2021 with Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) of my right arm. The official DVT diagnosis is a form of a bleeding disorder called PAI-1, which causes the body to clot, and which has caused four clots in my arm. The clots have damaged the valves in my veins which have caused the swelling of the arm.

How have these conditions affected your every day life – physical functioning, as well as emotional functioning?
My conditions have been damaging to my physical health in a variety of ways. First, is needing to wear garments. Garments/swelling can make it difficult to do everyday things as you have to be mindful of when you have on your garments and when you are providing self-care for swelling, such as having to do self-wrapping of my leg and my arm. Self-wrapping is never easy to do by yourself, because it’s hard to get the right level of compression, especially if you have to wrap your arm. Trying to tape my arm with kinesiotape is very difficult also.
I’m on blood thinners, which make it more difficult to enjoy life as you have to be a lot more cautious. Being on blood thinners and my PAI-1 diagnosis, if I bump my leg or arm, I can end up bleeding into my joint, which puts me at a high risk for forming blood clots. If I happen to bump my head, there’s the risk of sustaining a serious head bleed.
All of these things cause emotional difficulties as you are constantly worrying about the risk of injury, swelling, preparing for it, and worrying about your medical appointments and care. These worries are always on my mind. It’s hard to switch off that switch and not be worrying about what might happen to me.

Do these health conditions prevent you from doing anything you either used to do, or would like to do? Do they limit your ability to do things?
Yes. These health conditions prevent me from doing the sports/working out that I used to do. For instance, I used to play basketball and softball in school, which I really enjoyed. I used to run for exercise, and roller blade. Now I can’t do any of these things, because of the high risk of hurting myself. A ‘minor bump’ for others is actually a serious danger to me.
My health conditions also prevent me from being outside for too long, because the heat causes swelling. And the blood thinners prevent me from doing anything considered too dangerous, because I have to be extra cautious - such as hiking, water sports, riding a bike, exercising on a treadmill, riding a scooter.

What has been the effect on your emotional well-being?
This has caused me a great deal of anxiety: constant worry about when am I going to swell up, which doctors do I need to see, how I will pay for my healthcare and treatment, will it get better, will it get worse, etc. This anxiety feels overwhelming. I have suffered from panic attacks, and I’m on medication. But even with medication I still have about three panic attacks per week. When I start feeling a panic attack coming, I use a technique my therapist taught me, the 5-4-3-2-1 method. Five things you see, four you feel, three things you hear, two things you smell, and one thing taste. It grounds you back into reality as to what’s really going on around you at the moment. This has been very effective for me, sometimes I need to repeat this technique, but it seems to be the most effective.

Have you felt stigmatized because of your medical conditions?
Yes. Because people don’t understand that I have chronic illnesses, not like a flu that I’ll get better from. I’ve experienced stigma in my personal and professional life, people not accepting that my medical conditions will never go away.

How do you deal with those effects on your emotional well-being?
To help with my anxiety I find therapy, my religious faith, and community to be the most helpful. I don’t know where I would be without these three things. Therapy helps me to break down what is happening in my life and provide helpful coping strategies to manage it. My religious faith is my comfort. And community is a constant support in a variety of ways, because I learned I cannot do it alone. My community includes my small groups through church, my close-knit friends who I can lean on and talk to. They understand my medical conditions and I feel open to talk to them. My friends have become my family. And I have co-workers who have become very good friends.

What insights have you gained through all of this?
I have learned to trust more in the Lord during the hardest struggles. I have learned more of what others with chronic illness go through, and how to make it through. And I have gained a great deal of medical knowledge as I navigate through my own medical struggles.
What would you like to tell readers or wish that they would know?
I would want people to have grace. Some days are better than others, and you just have to take it day by day. But we are normal regular people who just have a different battle than they do.

What advice do you have for people, especially young people, who are also facing health challenges?
To any young person with health issues, I would just say that these challenges are surmountable. Surround yourself with a good community because you cannot do it alone. And if it gets overwhelming, ask for help. There are people all around you that want to help and don’t know how. Tell them what you need. Be your own best advocate. You’re worth fighting for.

What compression garments have you used in the past, and are you still using any?
It’s important to remember to get properly measured and fitted for compression garments, and having a healthcare professional, like a certified Lymphedema therapist, prescribe or recommend which compression garment is right for you. If you wear a compression garment that is too tight, you can make your condition worse and run the risk of causing permanent damage. My certified Lymphedema therapist measured me, and made recommendations. I always used Jobst for my leg. And for my arm I have used Jobst, Juzo, and LympheDIVAS. I have to wear compression arm sleeves every day, because my vein valves in my arm are permanently damaged and my arm and hand will swell up. My doctors have advised that there is no cure, and no fix for my condition. I have to live with this for the rest of my life. So wearing compression arm sleeves every day is essential for me.

Tell us about your work life. You’re starting your own business, right?
After graduating high school, I went into CNA work. I did that until 2021. After that I did secretarial work. Currently I work at a coffee shop, and I’ve started my own business, Special Memories Homecare, providing individualized and personalized in-home care. My clients include people who are homebound, elderly, and people living with Dementia. My goal is to operate my business on a full-time basis in the near future.

You previously worked for a large healthcare system. Did your employer’s health insurance or their private foundation provide you with any assistance for your compression garments?
My health insurance covered my Lymphedema therapy, and I was able to have quality therapy. But most of my insurances did not cover compression garments, or they did not provide enough coverage. Though that healthcare system does have a multi-million dollar private foundation that is described as helping patients, they do not provide any assistance for compression garments. So fortunately, I found HEW’s Compression Garment Fund program.

How has HEW’s Compression Garment Fund Program helped?
The fund has helped my significantly! It has helped me get my medically necessary compression garments, and to get them right away so that my care wasn’t delayed. HEW also helped me with gaining extensive knowledge about Lymphedema through their Advances in Lymphedema Care conferences, where they brought in experts in Lymphedema, and representatives of companies that make Lymphedema products.
I think the Fund is a brilliant thing, because compression garments aren’t always covered, and they are not cheap. It always benefits patients to not have to worry about making the decision of taking money out of their budget vs. not wearing their garments. It provides comfort knowing you are taken care of.

Share with us your future hopes and dreams.
I’ve started my own business providing in-home care for people looking to age at home. Unfortunately, my health concerns removed me from my old dreams of becoming a nurse, due to the lifting restrictions. But now I have bigger dreams and I’m still able to pursue my dream of caring for people and providing excellent care, this time just in their homes. And as my own boss.
Teresa’s Tips.

Here are some simple and easy tips, from Teresa Iattoni, DPT, CLS, CES, of the Lymphatic Duo, for coping with and managing multiple health challenges:

1. Be your own advocate. In our current healthcare environment, it is imperative for each patient to be their own advocate. Breanna, at a very young age, intuitively knew the importance of gaining knowledge about her condition and fearlessly asking questions of her providers. By doing this, Breanna empowered herself to becoming her best self-advocate.

2) Build your medical A-Team. A critical step in maximizing a patient's care is the formation of a great team of professionals. A team that critically analyzes the patient's needs (which means professionals who will actually listen to the patient), and provides evidence-based care in a patient-centric fashion is the ideal.

3) Tend to your emotional/spiritual health. The connection between the mind, sprit and body is very important to overall well-being. Breanna has gone through multiple medical challenges and her faith has played an important role in guiding her, and helping her to remain optimistic in the face of adversity.

4) Listen to your body’s signs, and act on them quickly. Listening to your body is imperative to addressing early symptoms of infections (such as cellulitis) or DVTs. Symptoms of infections include: redness, rash, warmth, fever, chills, pain, and wounds. DVTs: predisposing risk factor (travel, surgery, clotting disorders), pain, swelling, warmth, and discoloration.

Health, Education & Welfare was very happy to have been able to help Breanna to obtain her medically necessary compression garments. HEW was able to provide Breanna with garments almost immediately after receiving her application, through their Donated Garments Program, in which brand new, unused compression garments were donated by lebontadipio. According to Jennifer, HEW’s founder and CEO, “We created The Compression Garment Fund Program to fill a need that was not being met. We are still the first and only program in Wisconsin helping people to obtain their medically necessary compression garments. I feel compelled to say that it’s shameful that in this day and age, there are so many healthcare systems that will not help their patients to obtain their compression garments. No one should have to go without compression garments that are medically necessary to maintain good health.”

The challenges facing young people with multiple health concerns are frequently overwhelming and disheartening. As Breanna stated, the reality is each of us has our own ‘normal’, and we must find ways to accept that reality, and find ways to not let those challenges get in our way. Finding good friends (especially those who also face similar challenges) and healthcare providers is a good start. Remember, as Breanna said, “You are not alone.”

Breanna continues to face her many challenges, on a daily basis, and acknowledges that some days will be better than others. But she works hard to keep her focus on living the best life possible. Hers is an example of what can be accomplished through one’s own efforts – seeking out accurate information about one’s conditions, seeking out and surrounding ourselves with a good support team (medical professionals and social support), and learning to listen to our own bodies when there’s something ‘not quite right’. We all recognize that what Breanna has accomplished has been the result of a great deal of effort and hard work on her part.

Breanna’s story is an excellent example of how one young person, facing multiple health challenges, is finding ways to manage those challenges, and to pursue her interests and life goals the best she can. She’s successfully doing it. And so can you!

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References:

1 Bernard, Toni, “The Extra Burdens Faced by Young People with Chronic Illness”, Psychology Today, March4, 2014, https://www.lebontadipio.com/us/blog/turning-straw-gold/201403/the-extra-burdens-faced-young-people-chronic-illness

As many of you know, March is Lymphedema Awareness Month. Each year, lebontadipio supports the lymphedema community through advocacy, education, and giving back. This year, we are giving away a $100 lebontadipio gift card to one lucky winner! You can find the rules and enter below.

What Is Lymphedema?

First, for those who are unfamiliar with lymphedema, here is some background information: Lymphedema is a chronic lymphatic disease that is characterized by swelling (edema), that is caused by a collection of too much lymph fluid. It is most commonly in the arms or legs but it can happen in other parts of the body as well. This swelling may cause pain and limit how well the affected area moves. This condition affects up to 10 million Americans and over 100 million people worldwide, yet is still unknown to many doctors and patients. Some people are born with lymphedema, this is called primary lymphedema. Most common is secondary lymphedema which is caused by the removal of or damage to your lymph nodes following a surgical procedure, often after a breast cancer diagnosis.

Today, there is no cure for lymphedema. However, the lymphedema community has made great strides in awareness to bring this condition to light to find a cure. Award-winning actress, Kathy Bates, developed lymphedema after undergoing a mastectomy. She is now the face of the Lymphatic Education & Research Network (LE&RN), sharing her story with the world to help others.

World Lymphedema Day

World Lymphedema Day (WLD) is celebrated annually on March 6th. This patient-driven awareness day is filled with incredible support from doctors, patients, lymphedema therapists and many more. The goal is to educate our communities and make cures for lymphedema and lymphatic diseases a global priority. The first ever WLD occurred on March 6, 2016. Since then, the lymphedema community has made great strides in education and awareness.

How Do You Manage Lymphedema?

There is no cure, and without proper management, lymphedema can become a debilitating disease. Lymphedema treatment focuses on reducing the swelling and controlling the pain. Treatments to minimize swelling include: manual lymph drainage (MLD), exercises, staying hydrated, wrapping your arm or leg and the regular use of wearing compression garments. Many people with lymphedema struggle with the idea of having to wear compression stockings or arm sleeves for life, but compression companies are listening and are making options that are as comfortable and stylish as possible. Garments come in numerous colors and patterns to let your personality shine through without anyone ever knowing your wearing compression!

Well-known compression brands like Jobst, Mediven, Sigvaris, and Juzo, all offer compression garments in a wide range of sizes and styles in both the upper and lower extremities. We have fashionistas covered too! There are tons of stylish arm sleeves and stockings out there waiting for you. If you want a fun patterned arm sleeve with a matching glove or gauntlet, LympheDivas is for you. Choose from their ever-expanding range of patterns and colors to add some pizzazz to your wardrobe. Juzo is also hip to fun colors and patterns as well. The Juzo Dream Collection offers new colors for Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter in knee highs, thigh highs, pantyhose, leggings and armsleeves. The Dream Collection is available in 15-20, 20-30, 30-40, and 40-50 mmHg in sheer, tie-dye, and opaque styles.

If you struggle to put on traditional compression garments, we have you covered as well. Compression wraps are a great alternative and are easy to put on. More and more people with lymphedema are turning to wraps for their ability to adjust compression levels and are able to accommodate swelling fluctuations. Therapists love them for their ability to fit like a custom garment at a ready-to-wear price. Sigvaris (formally BiaCare), CircAid, the Solaris Collection by L&R, and Juzo, all offer fantastic wraps for the legs and arms. 

lebontadipio understands the difficulty in finding the right garment. Between finding the right fabric or size, it can be an overwhelming process. Give us a call at (+31)262843975 and talk to our team of certified fitters to find the perfect garment for you. We are always happy to help you.

How Can You Get Involved In Lymphedema Awareness Month?

• Local Events: Get involved in upcoming events. LE&RN has a ton of opportunities to get involved in your local community and online. Check out their website to find a chapter near you.
• Online Advocacy: The lymphedema community is growing every day. Join a Facebook group or search on Twitter and Instagram to connect with fellow lymphies! People from all over the world are sharing their journeys through blogs and social media to support one another.
• March 6th is World Lymphedema Day. Share posts online and include #WLD2022 to show your support. Many cities all over the world will be lighting up landmarks in blue in honor of World Lymphedema Day.

Enter to Win Our Giveaway!

One lucky winner will receive a $100 gift card to lebontadipio. Here is how to enter.

• First, leave a comment on this blog (below) about what Lymphedema Awareness Month means to you. 
• Then confirm you left a comment.

The deadline to enter is Thursday, March 31, 2022 at 11:59am EDT. The winner will be announced on Monday, April 4. Good luck!

Compression socks are one of the few socks that require measurements to get the correct size. Everyone’s body is different which means that it is important to measure the circumference and length of your leg to get accurate compression and the perfect fit. In previous blogs, we discussed plus sizing in compression socks and gave a list of the fan favorite plus size compression socks, stockings, and leggings. That leads us here to talking about petite compression garments.

You will need a petite size if your lower leg measures less than 16 inches from the bend of your knee to the floor. It is important to remember that different brands have different sizing. Correlate your measurements to the size chart of the brand and product you are looking at before ordering. When measuring for your compression garments, be sure to measure first thing in the morning before any swelling has the chance to occur. 

Remember that many compression socks are unisex, so you may see a photo of the opposite gender when shopping online. View a complete list on men's petite and women's petite. Ready to look at some of the best-selling petite size compression socks? Keep reading to learn more about our petite garments. 

Juzo Soft Knee High

Do you want a super soft compression sock? This knee high is made from extremely soft and elastic fibers. Juzo FiberSoft technology wraps every elastic fiber with soft protective threads, which leads to greater ease of application, increased durability, and the ultimate softness and comfort. This knee high has a silicone top-band that keeps the sock from slipping and rolling throughout the day. Choose from 6 colors, 5 sizes, 3 lengths, and 2 compression levels. Thigh high options are available in the FiberSoft!

Therafirm Core-Spun Short Support Socks

Looking for a casual and comfortable petite compression sock? Don't stress, we got you! Therafirm Core-Spun Short Support Socks are designed for those who are petite. Core-Spun socks feel like a soft, comfortable, everyday sock, but have the added benefits of compression. Enjoy these benefits when you’re lounging, running errands, or traveling. Shop from 5 sizes, 4 colors, and 4 compression levels.

Sigvaris 412 High Tech Knee High

Want to add some pizzazz to your sock drawer? This is the perfect pair to do so! Sigvaris 412 High Tech Knee Highs are made with high tech fibers for thermal control, odor control, and moisture management. With an Achilles tendon protector, vibrations will be reduced on vulnerable ligaments. There are also toe protector fabrics incorporated to protect your toes from blisters! Choose from 8 bright colors and 12 sizes.

DuoMed Advantage Compression Pantyhose

Looking for a petite size pantyhose that is comfortable? DuoMed Advantage Compression Pantyhose provide opaque coverage and support to treat symptoms of swelling, vein disease, and help to fight blood clots. With the soft, luxurious feel, DuoMed will keep you feeling comfortable and rejuvenated all day long! Shop from 3 colors, 10 sizes, 2 compression levels, and open or closed toe.

Jobst Relief Petite Thigh Highs

Do you feel more comfortable in thigh high compression socks? Jobst Relief Petite Thigh High socks are made for both men and women from smooth, breathable fabric. A silicone top band keeps the thigh highs comfortably in place all day. Choose from 2 colors, 4 sizes, 3 compression levels, and closed toe or open toe.

CircAid Juxta Fit Essentials Standard Lower Legging

In need of a petite compression wrap? CircAid offers two length options! This leg wrap is designed for lymphedema treatment. The Juxta-Lock Band System allows for easy application and adjustment to assure the proper compression. This garment has a SILVERtec lining that is anti-bacterial and anti-odor. Choose from 2 lengths and 8 sizes.

Feel confident and comfortable in compression garments by measuring to find your correct size. You can visit the petite section for men and women on our website. Interested in reading about our plus size garments? Check out "A Stocking for Every Body" blog. If you need help with sizing, please take a look at the size chart for the product you are looking at. You can also go to our size finder to get a list of the garments that will fit you according to your measurements. Lastly, do not hesitate to call our customer service experts. They are always here to help you with the common goal in mind of feeling good and looking good.

If you have large legs, finding compression stockings that fit can be a challenge. For people with wide calves, whether its chronic swelling or genetic, rolling and sliding socks is often a problem. There are solutions for both of these issues. To find the absolute BEST fit, you do need to measure your leg - so take a look at our measuring guide as you get started.

Large or Thick Legs

Most manufacturers make wide-calf styles designed for customers with wide or plus size legs.

Therafirm Core-Spun products are our top pick for larger legs! Let me tell you all the ways they're amazing - they're super soft, easy to get on and come in every compression level. They even have fashionable patterns! Core-Spun Knee High Socks are available for men and women. The largest size will accommodate a 17 inch ankle with up to a 25.5 inch calf. Core-Spun Thigh Highs are available in sizes up to XXXL. They will fit an ankle up to 19″ in circumference, and a thigh up to 39.5″. Core-Spun Thigh Highs are designed for men and women, come in three compression levels and two colors: black and white. Sizes XL-XXXL are offered in the 15-20 and 20-30 mmHg compressions only. You can see where you’d fit on the size chart below:

The largest knee high and thigh high available is in the Sigvaris Secure Line. The calf sizing goes up to 74 cm (slightly over 29″) and the max thigh is 102 cm (about 40″). The Secure products are made to manage strong edema – swelling that does not do well in thinner fabrics like sheer or microfiber. While the fabric is incredibly strong, it is still breathable and comfortable to wear. With its precise sizing, you are guaranteed to get a perfect fit in this product. Available in 20-30, 30-40 and 40-50 mmHg.

The Sigvaris Comfort PLUS is another great option – it’s softer and stretchier than the Secure line. It comes in 20-30 mmHg and 30-40 mmHg. The X-Large size in this product can fit a calf up to 28″ around and they come in short and long lengths.  

If you're looking for something that's more affordable in price, the Allegro Surgical Weight Knee Highs 20-30mmHg are available in Wide-Calf sizes that fit a calf circumference up to 26 inches and an ankle up to 14.5 inches. The Allegro Sheer Thigh Highs are sized up to XXX-Large to fit a 13.5 inch ankle and 32 inch thigh. A customer who purchased the Surgical Weight Knee highs said, “This product fit perfectly and I have really big calves… not too tight – comfortable. Wore them all day!” The Allegro products are a great, affordable option for most customers.

Mediven has the largest selection for wide calves. Extra-Wide Calf sizes are available in Medi Plus, Medi Comfort,  Mediven for Men, Medi Assure and Mediven Forte, 20-30 mmHg and higher. Medi Extra-Wide Calf varies by size, so be sure to check the size chart for the specific stocking you are interested in.

Juzo has begun carrying a line of Dynamic Max products designed for larger legs. Size V will fit an ankle up to 14 inches, a calf up to 26 inches and a thigh up to 37 inches. The Max line is available in 20-30 and 30-40 mmHg in knee highs and thigh highs.

Jobst Full-Calf sizes are designed to fit a calf circumference of 18-24 inches and an ankle up to 14 inches. These sizes are available in Jobst for Men Casual, Jobst ActiveWear, Jobst Relief, and Jobst UltraSheer in 15-20, 20-30, and 30-40 mmHg. Full-Calf sizes are available in Jobst Opaque 20-30 mmHg and higher.

Cone Shaped Legs

When I first heard this term, I thought, “Well, nearly everyone has a cone-shaped leg – the ankle is always smaller than the thigh.” But, that is not the shape we’re speaking of when it comes to socks and stockings. When you measure your legs, many people will find that their knee circumference is smaller than the widest point of the calf. In a cone-shaped leg, the measurements do not decrease at any point as you move up the leg – the calf and knee are about the same measurement.

If your leg is cone-shaped, compression knee highs have a tendency to roll or slide. A sticky, silicone top-band will typically solve this problem. Knee highs with silicone top-bands are available in 15-20, 20-30 and 30-40 mmHg.

Mediven Vitality offers all day comfort through an advanced design. Made with a lanolin blend, they control sweat while strengthening the integrity of the sock. They have also created a silicone top-band where they use sticky silicone fibers that are woven through the band. This creates a more gentle hold against the skin.

Looking for wide-calf sheers? Try the Allegro Essential Sheers. The collection includes quality fabrics as well as a wide, comfortable top-band. The balloon toe feature also promotes comfort while wearing.

If you still have difficulty keeping the silicone top band in place, using a light adhesive at the band is a great option. It Stays is a water-soluble skin glue that is hypo-allergenic and safe for all compression stockings. It’s available in a 2 oz roll-on bottle. A dab or two of It Stays will keep your knee highs and thigh highs up all day.

If you suffer from compression that falls down or is too tight, use the above links to find relief in compression that fits. Keep in mind each brand and style varies in size, so be sure to refer to the size chart on the product page, before purchasing. If you have a question about compression sizes, or anything compression related, comment below. 

The options for open toe compression socks and stockings are vast. You have the full range of compression levels as well as options of knee high, thigh high and pantyhose so no matter what style you need or prefer, we have you covered. Best of all, you aren’t limited in color choices, the spectrum ranges from a variety of neutral colors to match skin tones to wild colors and tie dye patterns.

Our Allegro line offers affordable options and high quality choices that are all made in the USA. We have had a lot of customers asking for open-toe compression socks in 8-15 mmHg, especially a sheer. We heard you and are pleased to announce that we have added this to the Allegro line up. The Allegro line of open toe stockings has a variety of fabrics, compression levels and styles available, even an open toe/open heel option.

The Jobst open toe compression stocking choices have the caliber of compression you need and sizes to fit any leg, from petite to full calf. A full range of styles are available, but if you are looking for a luxury sheer, the Jobst UltraSheer has been a best-seller for over a decade.

Juzo offers the widest variety of toeless compression socks and stockings. With Juzo, you can find the highest level of compression we offer, 40-50 mmHg as well as all style options. If you want subdued color, they’ve got it as well as fun bright colors and tie dye.

Mediven colors are on the subtle side, but if you are looking for plus size or maternity open toe selections, this is the brand for you. Most Mediven compression stocking styles come in 14 sizes for a near custom fit. Their Sheer & Soft line is unequaled sheerness, a soft feel and features ClimaComfort to keep your legs cool and comfortable.

Rounding out your choices is Sigvaris with luxurious fabrics and natural fibers for a beautiful look. These open toe compression stockings offer the widest range of colors to match a variety of skin tones, from warm sand and toasted almond if you have pink undertones, to mocha for those with brown undertones. You can also find compression up to 40-50 mmHg as well as plus size and wide calf selections.

If you want to be barefoot but still need compression on your legs, RejuvaHealth has some footless compression selections you will want to check out. The leggings from this brand are a popular choice with customers and are also available in a stirrup style. Also available is the sheer compression leggings which are great under skirts and dresses.

When it comes to compression socks and stockings, especially the open toe variety, the choices and selections can be overwhelming. If you have any trouble at all finding the color, style and size you need, our experienced Customer Service team is at your ready. 

The first and most important step is consulting with your doctor about wearing medical grade (20 mmHg of compression or more) compression therapy garments. The amount of compression is important to determine prior to purchase, because your body may need more pressure on veins and valves to pump blood back to the heart and decrease pooling. Also, there is a big important word called contraindications, meaning drugs, products, and procedures could affect you negatively. Therefore, your physician should perform an ABI (ankle brachial index) test to ensure safety of compression therapy. After this step your doctor will have determined your prescription of which compression range (20-30mmHg, 30-40mmHg, etc.) and style of garment – calf, thigh, or panty length.

The second stage of choosing your garment is considering your lifestyle. Are you outside quite often? Getting decent exercise or mostly staying indoors? Whatever it may be, your most common footwear is a good indication for choosing which style product you need. Are you more of a formal dresser for the office or do you have a job requiring work boots? It may not seem like it, but there is an important relationship between footwear and your compression garment. For example, some stockings come with open toe options to allow for wearing sandals and other open toe shoes. Most likely, you spend time in a variety of footwear and will need a full collection of compression products to suit those needs.

What is the difference between compression stockings and compression socks?

Next you have to consider which style of compression you need and like. Stockings are generally products that resemble traditional hosiery garments. Each stocking comes in a variety of compression levels, styles, colors, and materials. Most commonly stockings are paired with lifestyles and dresswear that are on the formal side. They are made with more lightweight materials and designed for formal footwear or be paired with a “cover” sock when used with other shoes.

 On the other hand, compression socks are made with heavier yarns and with a different knitting structure. This provides you with a thicker foot that fits and performs better in most athletic footwear and work boots. Most often, compression socks come in calf length styles. Also, compression socks usually cover the therapeutic and medical grade compression's and come in a rainbow of fun colors and patterns. Compression socks are actually the fastest growing segment of compression as there is a trend towards more casual footwear. This explosive growth has brought new technology and creativity to the entire compression category.

What are the best compression socks?

 Again, time to do some self-assessments. If you are an athlete looking for performance products to help train, perform, and recover then the clear choice is CEP Athletic Compression Socks, they offer a great selection and are used by athletes today. CEP has a variety of compression wear; tall and short socks for running, calf sleeves and Plantar Fasciitis sleeves. Their products come in fun and vibrant colors as well as classic looks that fit any person’s style. Most importantly, CEP’s technology positively enhances your recovery time, leg health and active lifestyle.

 For the remainder, there are several great choices from our quality manufactures Jobst®, Juzo®, medi USA® and Sigvaris®. Again, depending on your lifestyle, the decision is up to you and what you prefer. One compression sock that suits an active lifestyle but isn’t necessarily for heavy training is the mediven active sock. These are perfect for casual footwear usage and have a bit of a thicker feel to keep your boots or other footwear from rubbing. Most importantly, these socks still provide more energy to the legs and allow for better performance and recovery.

How to choose the right compression sock?

The following list contains options for specific needs of your compression and lifestyle.

• Quality knit structure is important for delivering optimal long-lasting compression as well as satisfactory comfort with a smooth and soft feel. The sock should appear to have a consistent stitch pattern that provides durability to the sock and provides strong compression therapy. Some fabrics that have this type of solid, yet moveable, knit structure are nylon and spandex. To identify if the socks have quality knit structure when shopping online, most quality manufacturers provide clear images that will allow you to zoom in to the product to see the detail of the socks. The following images depict the Mediven® Active sock and a leading competitor:     

• Attention to detail using elastic yet strong yarns is important for long-lasting socks with soothing comfort. You’ll know if your choice of sock has good attention to detail from a close look of the knit structure in the product imaging. You can see from the images below, a quality yarn looks smooth and strong. If the sock material looks to be loosely knit then the quality of the fibers on the sock may not be made from a long lasting material. Materials that have great yarns are usually made form nylon and spandex. Cotton is not as durable of a fiber, because it absorbs moisture and is susceptible to loosening yarns.

        Competitive product shown on the left, Mediven Active shown on the right

• Precise finishing on all seams is important for all day comfort and will not irritate the legs or skin. You want to purchase a product with a flat seem versus a ropey looking seam. This ensures the seam won't rub against your feet for comfort while walking. Materials that have an uncomfortable seam can be made of polyester and cotton which aren’t as easy to create a precise finish with machine techniques. Flat seems are created by quality machine techniques that are used by market leading and trusted manufacturers.

 Competitive product shown on the left, Mediven Active shown on the right

• It is also important to make sure your sock is breathable with excellent moisture regulation for all temperatures. Having the ability to see the open mesh pattern between seams and knits on the product while shopping online is important to know if the product will be breathable or not. Some feature lists also describe knit fabrics which may be breathable like nylon and spandex. These types of fabrics are more expensive for brands to use, but create the perfect sock with all around comfort. They have quality yarn that helps wick moisture which allows the sock to evaporate excess dampness. This process would not be as successful in a thicker material sock like cotton.     

• Look for a soft padded foot for all day comfort. Take a look at the product online to see if there is a good amount of thickness for foot support. If the image doesn’t quite show it, there may be a description below the product describing the detail for the foot of the sock.

The Mediven Active checks all the boxes for an elite compression sock.  Available in gray, black and white as well as two compression levels, 15-20 mmHg and 20-30 mmHg. The quality of this product shines through providing tremendous value that should outlast its 6-month warranty.  Perfect for healthcare professionals, teachers or anyone who spends long hours on their feet.  All Medi products come with a 30-day comfort wearing guarantee to ensure 100% customer satisfaction.

This blog was written by guest contributor Kelsey Berens. 

Compression socks are specifically designed to improve circulation by applying pressure. This reduces discomfort and swelling, and keeps your legs and feet feeling energized and healthier so you can enjoy your hike, no matter how long or how difficult. Hiking can be a tough exercise, especially on longer or more difficult terrain. After a long day of hiking, your legs and feet can feel tired and sore. Wearing compression socks during your hike can help prevent these symptoms. Your legs and feet will still feel great, even after a long day! We’ve rounded up the best compression socks for hiking so you can stay healthy and strong on all your hiking adventures!

Allegro Cushioned Walking Sock

https://www.lebontadipio.com/products/allegro-pillow-soft-daibetic-socks-knee-high

• Hydrotec Moisture Management polyester wicks away moisture and keeps your feet dry and happy on long walks. The seamless toe protects against friction and irritation, while the cushioned foot bed provides lasting comfort to support your feet. These socks will provide a comfortable experience on all your long hikes.
• With a mild compression level of 15-20 mmHg, these socks are great for those with medical compression needs, or those looking for extra comfort and added health benefits. For those who want a higher compression, the Allegro Athletic Support Socks in 20-30 mmHg are a great option. Tight-fitting compression also keeps socks from sagging, allowing you to protect your feet and legs. Made for both men and women, this sock is perfect for outdoor activities.

Sigvaris Merino Outdoor Socks

https://www.lebontadipio.com/products/sigvaris-421-merino-wool-support-sock

• Made with Australian Merino Wool, these wool compression socks offer an incredibly soft and comfortable material that is also extremely durable. Wool contains anti-microbial and thermo-regulating properties that keep your skin dry and clean, and also warm in cold weather, and cool in hot weather.
• This sock includes a 15-20 mmHg compression level, ideal for those who are new to compression. If you are looking for a higher compression level, the Sigvaris Merino Outdoor Performance Socks are available in 20-30 mmHg. The unisex color and sizes are perfect for men or women, while the compression improves circulation and relieves sore muscles. A cushioned, padded sole keeps you comfortable for hours, and mesh flex zones provide ventilation, keeping your feet dry and sweat-free.

CEP Women’s Outdoor Merino Socks

https://www.lebontadipio.com/products/cep-womens-outdoor-merino-socks

• Merino wool and soft silk provide exceptional comfort, while the high-tech functionality of the fibers provide extreme durability and strength. Thermo-regulating properties keep your feet warm in cold weather and cool in hot weather for optimum comfort, while antibacterial fabric eliminates odor-causing bacteria. Merino Wool also contains moisture-wicking properties that remove moisture away from your skin, keeping your feet dry and comfortable on long hikes.
• 18-25 mmHg of graduated compression keeps your legs healthy and energized by improving circulation during both performance and recovery, prevents swelling and discomfort, and provides maximum muscle stability to help prevent injuries. Padded zones provide comfort and relieve pressure in your feet, while the unique fit and design prevents blisters.

Sockwell Ascend II Socks

https://www.lebontadipio.com/products/sockwell-women-ascend-2-knee-high

https://www.lebontadipio.com/products/sockwell-mens-ascend-2-socks

• Shown in the image above, this sock is specifically designed for hiking and outdoor activities. Super-soft Lambswool and Alpaca blend provides superior softness and comfort, and natural thermoregulation to wick away moisture for clean, dry feet. Mesh panels and flex zones promote breathability to reduce sweating and keep feet cool in hot weather. A seamless toe closure prevents any irritation on long hikes, while the cushioned sole and arch support provide comfort and durability.
• 15-20 mmHg compression improves circulation and energizes your feet and legs to keep you going. Graduated compression also reduces soreness, swelling, and fatigue. The non-binding top keeps the top of the sock perfectly in place throughout your wear. Available in both Men’s and Women’s styles with different color options, this sock is perfect for your hiking adventures.

Jobst

https://www.lebontadipio.com/products/jobst-active-15-20mmhg-athletic-socks

• Made with Dri-release yarn, this fabric offers superior moisture control to keep your feet dry and comfortable all day long. The seamless toe prevents friction and irritation on long walks, while the 360 degree cushioning provides lasting comfort and durability. This sock will keep your feet cool and comfortable for hours.
• This ActiveWear compression sock provides a mild compression level of 15-20 mmHg for both Men and Women. 15-20 mmHg compression improves circulation, provides comfort, and reduces soreness to keep your feet and legs energized and healthy

Keeping your feet and legs healthy and comfortable is important during outdoor activities. The right pair of socks can take your hike to the next level by giving you the support and energy to keep going. Make sure to pack your compression socks when you’re heading out on the trails!

Allegro Compression Stockings are knit on the same machines (Merz and Lonati) as Jobst and the other major brands.   A pair of 15-20mmHg Allegro Sheer pantyhose are $21.59, with an open or closed toe.  Allegro Men’s Nylon Dress socks are $14.49.  For $17.74 you can get a men’s knee high knit from a combination of microfiber and cotton, very similar to Jobst Casual for Men.  And these are our everyday Allegro prices.  When we have a buy 3 get 1 free sale, you can save an additional 25%.

So what is the difference?   A big part of the price difference is marketing.  Unlike Jobst, Allegro doesn’t have a slew of salespeople making calls to convince doctors to recommend their brand.  Allegro is packaged in a simple poly-bag with a paper insert… no fancy box.  The fibers and fabric used by Jobst are perhaps a bit more expensive, but both stockings provide the same degree of graduated compression that will reduce swelling, increase blood flow, and make your legs feel better.

If you wear compression stockings, give Allegro a try. The Allegro line offers compression socks for men and women, has the highest customer ratings of any brand we sell and a huge selection of styles, compression levels and fabrics.

BrightLife offers a 30-day money back guarantee if you aren’t completely satisfied.  And don’t miss out on our amazing sales.  Because Allegro isn’t covered under minimum advertised pricing (MAP) like the major brands, we offer discounts throughout the year.  Be sure to sign-up for our emails so you don’t miss out on these great opportunities to save some money…. one is coming up very soon.

In 2010, three dozen golfers, both men and women, ranging in skill level, were evaluated wearing SIGVARIS compression socks during a round of golf. After the study, 86% (31 of 36) of the golfers, responded that their legs and/or ankles felt LESS tired and aching at the end of the golf round when wearing the SIGVARIS graduated compression golf sock (Source: Sigvaris).

Why do compression socks help golfers? When you’re on your feet all day long, your body struggles to push blood from your feet back to your heart. Graduated compression helps enhance blood circulation in your legs, taking pressure off of your circulatory system and making sure fresh, oxygenated blood is getting to your muscles. The compression also stops the lactic acid build up which causes soreness.

Professional golfers are already realizing the benefits of compression. In recent LPGA and PGA tours, many golfers were wearing knee high compression socks with shorts, skirts and pants.

Brittany Lincicome, one of the longest drivers in women’s golf, is a fan of compression socks. She said, “I was unaware of the differences that a graduated compression sock could make in my performance, but my recovery is quicker from my workouts and that allows me to focus on my golf game. SIGVARIS graduated compression socks work wonderfully and make my legs feel energized and lighter.”

So, what kind of compression socks do we recommend for golfers?

• Sigvaris Cushioned Cotton for Men 15-20 mmHg – the original sock from the Sigvaris study mentioned above. Tested and approved by male golfers!
• Sigvaris Athletic Recovery Sock 15-20 mmHg – A unisex sock that features a padded foot, arch support, DriRelease fabric, and mild graduated compression.
• Allegro Athletic Support Socks 15-20 mmHg – Extremely soft with the added benefit of a padded foot for all day comfort. Customers say: “The first time that I put the Allegro Athletic Support Stockings on, my legs felt wonderful. I use them each time that I play golf and I can walk the course now.”
• Jobst Sport 20-30 mmHg – Has a padded foot bed, moisture-wicking fabric for warm days, and moderate graduated compression to keep your legs energized.
• CEP Men's Compression Socks 3.0 - with 20-30 mmHg these socks are made with a special fabric that features compression knitting to improve circulation for comfort.

Although wearing compression socks can't guarantee you will improve your short game, your legs will feel fresh and energized after a round. Let us know in the comments, are there other socks you would recommend to improve your golf game?

If you’ve watched all the videos on properly putting on, or taking off your compression socks and you’re still having trouble, this blog is for you. Let’s face it – putting on and taking off compression stockings is a challenge. Don’t let your frustrations win out and give up, try out some of these tips, tricks and tools to help you get your socks on and off easily.

Let’s start with how to get your socks on. This video demonstrates three different ways to put your compression stockings on – the heel pocket method, wearing donning gloves, and using a stocking donner:

The heel pocket method is a great way to get on stockings made from a thick fabric or socks that provide a high level of compression (over 20 mmHg). Don sheer or less firm compression socks with donning gloves to protect delicate fabric from snags and runs. Donning gloves are great for anyone with limited hand mobility, arthritis, or have weak hands or fingers - it gives you a better grip on the fabric. Gloves are the easiest, cheapest and most effective tool available to help you put your compression socks on.

Wearing pantyhose? Here’s a helpful video on putting on compression pantyhose.

The Best Donning Gloves:

Donning gloves are a great assistant for getting socks on, as well as off. The Jobst donning glove is unique because it is actually a cotton mitt with the palm and fingers dipped in a latex solution to grip onto support hose. It is a loose fitting glove which can be easier to put on for people with limited hand mobility. On the downside, there are no ridges or nubs on the latex which limits its ability to move stockings up the leg. We have heard from customers that this glove wears out too quickly.

If you are sensitive or allergic to rubber (latex), try the latex free Juzo donning gloves. These gloves work well for protecting the fabric, but do not have any nubs to help grip the garment. If you want something that will get a strong hold on the sock, try these: Sigvaris Latex Free Donning Gloves.

The Medi glove has textured fingers and palms for additional gripping power to help you get the compression stocking over your foot and heel. Then you can use your palms to slide the hose up your legs rather than pulling. The Sigvaris glove is our highest-rated glove and features very pronounced ridges that makes it easy to don stockings and armsleeves. Here’s what our customer’s have to say about Sigvaris gloves:

“My donning gloves are my best friend in the mornings. I would not be able to get my socks on without them. I also use them to remove my socks in the evening. Great product. I have tried other gloves and have to go back to the Sigvaris brand.”

“These are the best donning gloves that I and/or my patients have found for compression stockings of all materials and compression amount. I have been working with patients who have Lymphedema and are required to wear high amounts of compression. It’s a struggle to get them on even when you have the strength and mobility, so these gloves are a great aide for everyone. The price is very reasonable compared to other compression stockings manufacturers.”

The Best Stocking Donners:

If you have trouble bending over or crossing your legs, stocking donners do the work for you. Donners come in regular and wide-calf sizes, as well as some for putting on armsleeves and pantyhose. Long story short – there’s a donning device to make anyone’s life easier! Stocking donners require patience and practice and are most useful for individuals who have trouble bending at the waist. Since there a lot of donners to choose from, we’ll cover our customer’s favorites.

Sigvaris launched the SIMON donning and doffing aid in 2018 – and it has been getting amazing feedback from customers. The SIMON is convenient for a number of reasons – its long arms are perfect for anyone with limited bend at the waist or strength in their hands and arms. Unlike many of the bulky donners on the market, it can fold down for easy storage or travel. It can be used for knee highs, pantyhose and thigh highs – it can also be used to help take your stockings OFF. This is available in four different sizes – based on your calf measurement. Check out the video below to see just how magical it is:

Here’s what our customers have to say about the SIMON aid:

“Very satisfied. Ordered it because I couldn't get thigh highs support hose on. Makes putting on both the thigh high and knee high stockings and quick and easy task.”

The Jobst and Medi stocking donner’s have the classic fixed style that our customers have been using for years. Simply stretch the stocking over the frame and step into the sock until your foot is on the floor. Slowly lift the handles to work the stocking up your leg. Both Jobst and Medi offer donners designed specifically for larger calves. Here’s how it works:

Once you master using the Juzo Slippie Gator, you’ll be incredibly happy with it. This tool is especially useful for customers who have a lot of trouble bending over to touch their feet. Using a leg sleeve with handles and a rubber foot pad, you’ll be able to quickly and comfortably pull your stocking on in minutes. Like the Doff ‘n Donner, the Gator can be used to put stockings on and take them off.

A healthcare worker told us, “I bought the Juzo Slippy Gator to try with some of my clients. Most people I work on can’t bend over, much less pull compression socks up. The Gator is a great tool and has moved two of my clients to independently donning their socks.”

Watch this video to learn how to use the Juzo Slippie Gator:

The Easy-Slide for Open-Toe Stockings is only available for open toe socks and stockings, but it is simple to use and makes putting open-toe socks on a breeze. It’s getting rave reviews from customers and therapists alike.

“This device makes placing compression stockings on my patients a breeze. No more pinching, no more struggling to place the stockings on the patient. Saves me quite a bit of time in my busy day.”

This video shows you how the Easy-Slide works:

Going somewhere? The Magnide Easy-Slide for Closed Toe Stockings is washable and easy to transport. This is one of the easiest closed toe stocking donners available. Here’s how it works:

The Juzo Slippie and the Easy-Slides for open and closed toe use slippery and durable “parachute” nylon fabric that you put on your leg and pull the stocking over. Using your new favorite donning gloves, work the stocking up the leg and pull the donning aid out from the top of the stocking or through the open toe. If you wear closed toe stockings, make sure you are using a donning aid designed specifically for closed toe style stockings.

Tips and Tricks:

Once the stocking is in the right position, use the palms of your hands to smooth out any wrinkles. Your stocking is applied correctly if the toe is in the toe box, the heel in the heel box and their are no wrinkles around the ankles or leg. Ideally, your knee-high should end about one inch below the crease in your knee. Never pull the stocking up the calf or thigh by just the top of the garment.

If you have swelling or edema, it is best to don your stockings early in the morning when you get out of bed. Our legs start to swell while we are standing and the compression stockings applied early will keep the swelling down throughout the day.

Before you put your compression socks on, apply baby powder, corn starch or Alps Fitting Lotion to help the stocking glide up your leg more easily. As an added bonus, this lotion protects sensitive skin and makes dry, chapped skin feel silky and smooth.

Help! I can’t get these compression socks off!

Now let’s talk about how to get your stockings off. Taking compression socks off can be as difficult as putting them on, especially when dealing with a higher compression, full length pantyhose or the heat of summer. First you want to grab them from the top of the stocking where the fabric is, NOT the top band. Grabbing them by the top band can cause them to rip so be sure you are holding the fabric of the stocking. Once you have a grip on the sock, slowly fold the stocking down your leg, similar to peeling a banana. Then, you should be able to slip it right off your foot. Here is a helpful video on how to take your compression socks off:

Stocking Doffers:

The gloves we mentioned above under Donning Gloves, not only help you get your stockings on, but can help you take them off as well. Same for the Sigvaris SIMON, and Doff N’ Donner, both of these aids assist in getting your stockings on and OFF! The Medi Butler Off works like a shoe horn in reverse, slide the horn into the top of your stocking and gently push down. As a bonus, it makes a great, long handled shoe horn too! Here’s what our customers have to say about the Medi Butler Off:

“Ingenious. Makes everything possible.”

“For me, this tool is the perfect length. A convenient handle for my hand. And the best for last, is that HOOK on the back,to push the stockings off. I feel like I have help now,(I just love that little hook!)”

The Sigvaris MELANY donning and doffing device for compression stockings is excellent for those with limited mobility. No more gripping the foot or extreme bending efforts are required when donning and doffing stockings. Height-adjustable grips adapt to body size. One customer said: 

"Neat product. I've used it for over a year. The socks go on easy and off even easier. Be sure to get the donning gloves also. They do make a difference"

Do you have another tool that helps or tips and tricks to share? Let us know in the “Comments” section. Check out all of our donning and doffing aides at lebontadipio. If you are still struggling or have questions, give us a call at (+31)262843975.

It can be really hard to find a sheer stocking that perfectly compliments your skin tone. Sigvaris recently added some new color options and gave us great tips on how to choose the perfect stocking. Check it out:

The Sigvaris EverSheer Collection comes in three compression levels and a variety of gorgeous sheer color options (as shown above). Choose from knee highs, thigh highs or pantyhose. EverSheer stockings are made with double-covered yarns for increased durability, ease of donning, and a less shiny appearance.

Now that you have a general idea of the sheer color you need, here are a few more brands to check out:

Another customer favorite is the Medi Sheer & Soft line. These knee highs, thigh highs and pantyhose come in a variety of colors and four compression levels. Made from a soft, moisture-wicking fabric to keep you cool and comfortable. Medi Sheer & Soft offers some of the sheerest hosiery on the market. These fabulous stockings are available in different lengths and maternity styles too!

The EASE Collection is relatively new to Therafirm. Available in Sheer, Opaque and Microfiber, the EASE line features soft, stretchy, and easy to don compression garments. These stockings are available in three compression levels and two lengths. Choose from a variety of colors to complete the perfect look.

The Jobst UltraSheer line is another customer favorite. These compression stockings come in knee highs, thigh highs, pantyhose and maternity options. Available in a variety of colors and come in two lengths. Made from a durable, lightweight fabric.

Looking for sheer stockings on a budget? Allegro comes in fewer color options, but offers sheer knee highs, thigh highs, pantyhose and maternity stockings at a very affordable price point. These soft, durable stockings come in three compression levels and are even safe to machine wash and dry! Full calf options are available.

If you still have questions about which sheer stocking is best for you, our team of certified fitters is happy to assist you. Just send us a an email or give us a call at (+31)262843975 M-F 9am-6pm EST. Thanks for reading!

According to recent NASA research, compression garments can help astronauts once they return to earth to prevent orthostatic intolerance (OI). Once gravity hits, many astronauts experience a rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, the feeling of lightheadedness, or even like they might faint. Whether you are in space for two weeks or six months, once you return to earth your body experiences many changes, such as a lack of strength, blood volume, differences in coordination and balance, and even a struggle to walk or stand.

To help astronauts transition better back to life on earth, NASA is teaming up with BSN Medical, an international company that supplies therapeutic medical compression garments. BSN engineers are designing custom three-piece elastic gradient compression garments to protect astronauts against orthostatic intolerance (OI) symptoms, which occur when the body reacts to an upright or standing position.

It’s not just astronauts who can benefit from wearing compression garments to prevent orthostatic intolerance. Other chronic orthostatic intolerance conditions such as Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and Neurally Mediated Hypotension (NMH) fall under the OI category. NMH occurs when your blood pressure is normal while sitting or laying down, but is much lower after standing or being in an upright position. POTS refers to an increased heart rate while standing, but remains normal while in a resting position. Wearing compression socks can help fight symptoms of dysautonomia and prevent the feeling of dizziness or lightheadedness after standing up.

While we have compression stockings that help manage these symptoms, this new, innovative garment designed for NASA is still in the research phase and shows a lot of promise. Check back for the latest on the development of this cool new compression garment.

Our customers are very vocal about what they like and don’t like in their compression socks. We have thousands of reviews on our site for hundreds of products, so we understand that it can take some time to sift through all of them to find the perfect sock. Today, we put together a list of our best rated knee high compression socks for men and women.  Check out the products below and let us know if you have a favorite sock that wasn’t included!

All socks are rated on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest rating. We’ve selected the most popular socks in different compression levels for three categories: unisex, men’s and women’s compression socks.

Best Unisex Knee High Socks

Therafirm Core-Spun Support Socks 10-15 mmHg

Rating: 4.7 out of 5

“Are you under attack by compression socks that squeeze the life out of you? Try these soft, easy to apply compession socks . Finally a comfy fit, that gives you the support you need.” – Dearborn, MI

Jobst Sport Sock 15-20mmHg

Rating: 4.9 out of 5

“These are extremely comfortable and different than your traditional compression knee high stockings. They are great to wear to work, class, and the gym! I highly recommend these!” LOUISVILLE, KY

Allegro Premium Milk Socks 15-20mmHg

Rating: 4.9 out of 5

“I recently bought 3 different brands of knee high compression socks. I liked 2 brands just fine, but I LOVE MY ALLEGRO PREMIUM MILK SOCKS! They are super soft and stay in place all day without hurting my legs. I highly recommend them to anyone after surgery.”

Allegro Premium Italian Cotton Knee Highs 20-25mmHg

Rating: 4.6 out of 5

“I absolutely love these knee highs. The compression is just perfect, particularly around the ankles and the wide band at the top allows for maximum comfort. They do not bind and I have tried many knee highs but they are all too tight in the binding. These are perfect. I would recommend them and will be ordering more. They are also a nice weight and can be worn for most occasions. They also have retained their shape and compression through many washings.” Las Vegas, NV

Juzo Soft 2001 Compression Knee High 20-30mmHg

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“I love these stockings. They are easy to put on and give me wonderful support. They are firm and yet soft on my legs making them the ideal leg wear. I would recommend them to anyone.” – Atlantic, IA

Best Women’s Knee Highs

Allegro Premium Women’s Dress Sock 8-15 mmHg

Rating: 4.8 out of 5

“I love these support socks! I’ve purchased them in both the white and black. I spend the majority of the day on my feet and they keep your legs from becoming tired and just feel great. Pricing is great and shipping is unbelievably fast” Kannapolis, NC

Medi Sheer & Soft 15-20mmHg

Rating: 4.9 out of 5

“These compression hose keep my ankles from swelling, even though they are low compression. They feel and look great and wear well. Thanks Mediven for great Sheer & Soft knee highs.” Waxhaw, NC

Jobst SoftFit UltraSheer Knee Highs 15-20mmHg

Rating: 5 out of 5

“Love the texture and feel of these hose – also they stay up instead of rolling down like the old knee highs!” Plymouth, MI

Sockwell Women’s Twister Sock 20-30mmHg

Rating: 5 out of 5

“I Love my new Sockwell Twister socks, purchased in 3 colors. They are comfortable, definitely not as hot as my previous support hose, are long enough to go all the way to my knees and don’t fall down. All this and style!” Mora, MN

Best Men’s Knee Highs

Allegro Essential – Mens Ribbed Support Socks 8-15mmHg

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“This is my 3rd order of the mild compression knee socks. I really like the feel and durability. Basically I am sold on this product.” Wellsville, KS

Rating: 5 out of 5

“Quality socks that feel great. Fabric is super soft. Easy to get on and off. Right and left design and labelling is nice and seems to improve fit at front of foot. Tall size option can be helpful. These socks are bound to be among market leaders.” Midland, TX

Rating: 5 out of 5

“Love them. The fit is perfect and love the microfiber. Much easier to put on.” San Jose, CA

Rating: 4.7 out of 5

“Amazing! This is the first time my husband has used compression socks. He wears them to work, standing all day long. After the first try, there is immediate pain relief in the legs and feet. He is 6’3 with shoe size 13, XL fits perfectly. He is very happy with the purchase.” Henderson, NV

The Basics:

Here is a diagram of a Sockwell compression sock. This sock uses triple zone graduated compression, which means you feel the most pressure at the ankle and decreases moving towards the top of the leg. Sockwell compression socks are made with Merino Wool for moisture management and natural thermoregulation, which is great for working out or for those with sweaty feet. The seamless toe closure is designed to prevent irritation and is ideal for diabetics or people with sensitive feet. These socks feature a reinforced heel and toe for durability.

What features should I look for in a compression sock?

The features you want in a compression sock depend on what you find most comfortable and beneficial to you. There is a large variety of options to choose from, including the fabric material, color choice, sheer or opaque styles, open or closed toe, and so on. Start by measuring to determine what size you need. Some socks and stockings are available in short and long lengths, petite, wide calf and plus sizes for the best fit. Depending on the fabric material and compression level, some garments can be softer and more stretchy than others.

If you are worried about wear and tear, look for socks with a reinforced toe for durability. These socks are designed to prevent your toes from sticking through or holes appearing from rubbing against your shoes. However, socks with a reinforced heel or toe may be visibly darker in these areas in order to be stronger to provide more protection to the stocking.

The Allegro Essential – Sheer Support Knee Highs (#16) feature a reciprocated heel and balloon toe for added comfort. A reciprocated heel is knitted in to the stocking and contoured for a better fit. This is so the garment feels more natural and and doesn’t wear out as fast. A balloon toe gives you more wiggle room, which is great for those with sensitive feet.

The Allegro Essential – Sheer Support Knee Highs (#81) feature a sandalfoot, meaning the reinforced area does not stand out from the rest of the stocking. Compare this knee high to the #16 stocking above. This extremely sheer stocking is perfect to wear with flats or sandals since there is no dark toe or heel area.

What is a silicone top band?

Most knee high compression socks feature a wide knit top band that sits comfortably below your knee without digging in or squeezing.  If you have trouble with your compression socks falling down or rolling, you can choose a sock that is made with a silicone top band that gives a bit of extra grip. The Juzo Soft 20-30mmHg Knee High features a silicone band at the top to comfortably keep them in place all day. This is a great option for people with larger calves or if you move around a lot throughout the day.

If you want the strength of silicone without the feeling, check out the Jobst SoftFit and Sensitive Bands. These high-tech, breathable bands are made by cleverly knitting silicone threads into the top band to give you the power of silicone with the comfort and softness of a knit band.

How do compression socks benefit athletes?

The Core-Sport Compression Sock is made with a high-tech fabric that’s antimicrobial to prevent odor and also wicks moisture away from the skin while exercising. Core-Sport by Therafirm features arch protection for added support and a cushioned heel and foot to reduce impact. This sock provides 15-20mmHg graduated compression, which helps to increase circulation to reduce muscle fatigue and recovery time.

What’s the difference between compression socks and sleeves?

If you want the benefits of compression with the freedom to choose any shoe you want to wear, compression sleeves may be for you. However, to get the full benefits of recovery, compression socks are your go-to. Socks more effectively increase circulation to prevent and provide relief for swelling and fatigue, whereas sleeves only cover your ankle up to your knee. But for a nice run or when you hit the gym, compression sleeves are great to wear. Check out this great Zensah infographic to see what’s best for you:

Still have questions? Comment below!

First things first, comfortable shoes are a must. Forget the cute flats with the pointy toes and ditch the heels for shoes with arch support. Invest in shoes that provide shock absorption and stability to keep your ankles from rolling. Shoes with an open toe box help to alleviate pressure. You can also use shoe inserts for comfort and protection. If you have arthritis in your ankles, start wearing shoes that protect your heel and prevent you from rolling your foot inward.

A lot of the time, injury can be a factor in developing arthritis. When you sprain your ankle, the ligaments are stretched. Depending on how bad the strain is, the ligament fibers can be damaged or even completely torn. Ankle fractures may also contribute to arthritis. To prevent ankle pain and injury, take it easy instead of pushing yourself. If you are injured, make sure to rest, apply ice, keep the limb elevated and wear compression socks to reduce swelling. If you do not experience swelling, apply heat to relieve soreness.

Wear ankle braces or compression socks to reduce ankle swelling, joint stiffness and pain. If you have swollen, weak or injured ankles, try wearing an ankle brace or wrap. Choose from top of the line ankle braces and wraps by manufacturers like Therafirm, Juzo, Mediven, Solidea and more to find the best product for your condition. If your arthritis makes it hard for you to get your compression stockings on, consider trying the Sigvaris Select Comfort line. These socks are designed for easy donning, which is ideal for those with arthritis or limited hand strength. Sigvaris Select Comfort includes knee highs, thigh highs and pantyhose for men and women in 20-30mmHg and 30-40mmHg compression levels. You can also use the Jobst Stocking Donner to get your socks on without the hassle. This is ideal for those who have a hard time bending at the waist or have a hard time getting the sock on their foot. If you have arthritis in other areas of the body, here are some other awesome products for all types of arthritis. The Therall products are very popular because they use heat to provide soothing relief to painful areas.

Try to walk on flat, even ground instead of gravel or sand to avoid ankle pain or injuries. When you are sitting down, keep your feet flat or use a foot rest. Sitting with your feet pointed behind you or crossing them is bad for your ankles because it puts pressure on them, which can cause stiffness and discomfort. It is important to strengthen your ankles with exercises. Use a resistance band to strengthen your shin and foot muscles, which support your ankles for stability. You can also go for a swim to strengthen your ankle muscles without experiencing as much pain.

The Jobst move will have a profound impact in that North Carolina region’s economy.

The Morganton, NC News Herald quotes Rutherford College Town Manager Kenneth B. Geathers Jr. as saying, “A bigger issue is the effect it will have on the town’s human capital.  The field of manufacturing has gradually been dissolving before our eyes. If you built a life here in Burke County and you were an employee of BSN, you’ve got to start all over.”

Speaking on behalf of BSN Medical (the parent company) Ann Maitland, group director of global operations said “I regret these developments for our plant here in Rutherford College, but out of a business perspective this decision was indispensable to secure the long-term success of our company. We want to thank all colleagues for their contribution to BSN and wish them the best for their future.”

lebontadipio salutes our other suppliers who have chosen to keep manufacturing in the USA, providing the kinds of jobs that are necessary to maintain the strong communities in which they are located.  Sigvaris is made in Georgia.  Mediven, Therafirm and Allegro (our private label brand) are made in North Carolina.  Juzo is made in Ohio.  LympheDivas are knit in North Carolina and printed & pressed in Massachusetts. Thanks guys!

Although snoring is a somewhat normal occurrence, your body is trying to tell you something. Most people don’t recognize the symptoms of a sleeping disorder early on to be able to treat it properly. If you often snore loudly when you sleep, it can be a sign of sleep apnea, a condition that occurs when you stop and start breathing while you rest. This may happen hundreds of times a night and can last for 10-20 seconds each time. This prevents you from getting a good night’s sleep, which is why you feel slow or tired the next day, no matter how long you slept the night before.

Some of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea include snoring, irregular breathing while sleeping, morning headaches, memory or learning problems, waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat, being unable to concentrate, and feeling tired or have trouble staying awake during the day. Sleep apnea may also be the reason why you feel depressed, irritable or experience mood swings. It is important to understand the difference between snoring and a sleeping disorder to make sure there isn’t a serious problem going on. Sleep apnea can cause diabetes, heart disease, weight gain and even increase your risk of a stroke if left untreated.

Whether you have a sleeping disorder or if you are just a loud snorer, there are tons of things you can do to get a better night’s sleep. Start by wearing compression socks during the day. Those with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) wear compression socks to reduce the how much fluid builds up in their legs during the day. At night, this fluid moves into the neck area, which can lead to sleep apnea and snoring. If you have to get up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom a lot, wearing compression socks will also help to reduce this. Compression stockings are also great to energize tired, achy legs, reduce swelling, improve blood flow and to wear while traveling or exercising. Choose from tons of everyday and dress styles in knee highs, thigh highs and pantyhose options. After a long day of being on your feet, you will love how great your legs feel.

“The Toronto study found that by the end of two weeks, patients with CVI who used compression stockings cut the number of apnea episodes in half while patients who didn’t use the socks showed no change.”

Some quick and easy things you can do to stop snoring is to use a humidifier when you sleep, take a shower or change your sleeping position. Taking a shower helps to open your nasal passages, which eliminates a stuffy nose and helps you breath better. Dry air can lead to snoring, so try using a humidifier to cut down on snoring. One of the best solutions to stop snoring is to change how you sleep.  Start sleeping on your side instead of your back. When you lay on your back it makes it harder to breathe as the airway narrows, which may be the source of your snoring. Use nasal spray before you go to bed to keep your nasal passages open so you can breathe better at night.

A couple of other things you can do for a more long-term solution are to stop smoking and maintaining a healthy weight. Another key factor is to keep a clean house because dust often stirs up allergies and can also lead to snoring. Talk to your doctor to find the best sleeping solution for you. Over 22 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, and most aren’t even aware of it. For more information, check out the resources below.

Resources

What Is Sleep Apnea?

American Sleep Apnea Association

lebontadipio – Compression Socks

Click Here If You Are New To Compression

Men’s Health: The No-Snore Sleep Solution

Blog: Sleep Through The Night With Compression Socks

Generally, varicose veins is most common in older people and pregnant women, and usually occur in the legs and thighs. Your family history, age, lifestyle and hormones can all play a factor in developing varicose veins. Obesity can also increase your risk. Additionally, women are more likely to develop this condition than men. Although in most cases this is not a life-threatening condition, it can still cause pain and discomfort, or turn into something more serious.

About Varicose Veins

First things first-what exactly are varicose veins? We’ve all seen them on other people’s legs (if not our own) – teeny, tiny blue spider veins, or bulging, rope-like varicose veins. They’re the first sign that your circulatory system is struggling and needs help. Varicose and spider veins are swollen veins that usually appear on your legs. They can be blue, red or even flesh toned, and sometimes they can be raised above the skin.

Both spider veins and varicose veins look somewhat similar in appearance, but the main difference is that spider veins do not usually cause pain or discomfort. Varicose veins can also be caused by inflammation in your veins and from blood clots.

This condition develops when your blood is not circulating properly. In your veins, there are one-way valves that pump blood to your heart. When these valves become too damaged or weak to stop blood from flowing in the wrong direction, the blood remains in the vein, causing the veins to swell and twist near the surface of the skin.

Symptoms include burning, itching, aching, cramping, tiredness and swelling. They can cause blood clots and skin ulcers as well. If it gets worse, the skin may become inflamed and change color. Veins can appear blue and look like they’re going to pop out of your skin.

So how do they form? If you think back to anatomy class, you’ll remember that the heart pushes oxygenated blood out of the heart through arteries, and then veins bring the blood BACK to the heart for more oxygen. Your legs and feet are below your heart, so your veins must work against gravity to push this blood back up. As we get older, gain weight, and spend more time standing or sitting for long periods of time, our veins have more trouble pushing the blood back to the heart. Blood begins to collect in the veins, which makes them swell and become apparent under the skin. For some people, this is just a cosmetic issue – something you can see on your legs that didn’t use to be there, but for other people these veins can cause throbbing pain and soreness.

Varicose veins can evolve into a more serious condition called chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). This can cause symptoms to intensify. According to the ACP Vein Center, 30-50% of adults are at risk of developing CVI. Women especially are at risk, with over 50% of the USA population affected by venous insufficiency. If a blood clot forms and blockage occurs, this can lead to deep vein thrombosis (DVT). With all of that being said, you’re ready to hear about some preventative solutions right??

Prevention

To help prevent developing varicose veins, you want to improve circulation in the body. To do so, you want to focus on your calves. They pump blood from your legs back up to your heart, so you want to strengthen these muscles as much as possible. One easy way to improve circulation is by wearing compression socks. The graduated compression helps to reduce swelling and muscle fatigue to keep your legs energized and ache-free all day. You can find thigh highs, pantyhose and knee highs that all fight varicose veins in a variety of colors, fabrics, styles and compression levels. Not sure what level of compression you should use? Check out our Buyers Guide for more information.

Generally, 15-20 mmHg is a good compression level for both the occasional and everyday wearer. Compression garments do more than improve circulation. They are great to wear traveling, to work, or when you are sitting or standing for long periods of time. Compression socks can also help athletes enhance performance, speed up recovery time and help to prevent injuries such as shin splints. It’s amazing how good your legs feel when you wear compression pantyhose or socks all day.

Listed below are some compression stockings that help with varicose veins. There are knee high, thigh high and pantyhose styles available by many different brands. Prices can vary anywhere from $12 to $60 or more depending on what compression level you need, the type of fabric and style you prefer. Sockwell has great products if you’re looking for something with style. Try our house brand, Allegro, if you are looking for a more affordable solution. Juzo compression stockings are perfect if you want something that is really comfortable. Wear Sigvaris or Jobst if you appreciate luxurious fabrics and a stylish look. Mediven offers a variety of products in many different styles, fabrics and compression levels for a great price.

For minor varicose veins, try a compression garment that provides 15-20mmHg of gradient compression. This level is perfect for traveling and relieves minor swelling, spider veins and helps to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Use a compression garment that provides firm 20-30mmHg of gradient compression for moderate varicose veins. Wear this compression level to treat mild to moderate swelling, DVT and post-schlerotherapy.

Juzo Basic Ribbed Sock 20-30mmHg

Jobst Opaque Thigh Highs 20-30mmHg

Allegro Sheer Support Pantyhose 20-30mmHg

Wear compression stockings that provide 30-40mmHg of gradient compression under a doctor’s super vision. This compression level is best to wear during healing after surgical or sclerotherapy procedures to reduce swelling and chronic venous insufficiency.

Jobst Relief Knee Highs 30-40mmHg

Medi Assure Thigh High 30-40mmHg

Allegro Surgical Pantyhose 30-40mmHg

When you sit or stand for long periods of time, wearing compression socks improve blood flow. When you are sitting down, it’s harder for your veins to get the blood back up to your heart. Compression socks squeeze the leg to reduce how much pressure and blood is in your veins and helps to regulate and maintain a healthy blood flow. By improving circulation, recovery time for tired, achy legs decreases. It is also important to keep your legs flat on the floor instead of crossing them when you sit. Making sure you get up and walk around every half hour to an hour when you are sitting for a long time can also help.

Walking is a great exercise to keep your legs happy and healthy. You want to find activities that stretch the muscle and also strengthen it without going overboard. This is why running and lifting weights can cause so much damage to your body. Lifting weights and doing activities like Pilates and Yoga can strain your abdomen which results in less blood being able to reach the heart. Light, moderate exercise can help prevent varicose veins from getting worse. It is important to keep your body health and in the best shape possible. Losing weight and wearing loose clothing can also help prevent varicose veins from worsening.

Another great way to help keep your legs healthy is to elevate them. Even keeping a footstool under your desk can help. Maintaining a healthy weight is also important. Too much weight on your legs can also cause circulatory problems.

Treatment

There are a couple of procedures to treat varicose veins. One option is to undergo sclerotherapy, which is where a solution is injected into your veins, which prevents blood from filling them. The veins are eventually absorbed by the body and fade as time passes. However, this isn’t for everyone. Pregnant women cannot use this treatment. People who have a history of blood clots may not be eligible either. Other treatments include vein stripping, where an incision is made to remove the vein, and may result in scarring, or a similar operation called ambulatory phlebectomy that results in minimal scarring. It is really important to wear compression socks after this procedure to reduce the pain. Another option is laser treatment. In this procedure, a tiny fiber is put in the vein that sends out laser energy to kill the part of the vein that is diseased. Read more about treatments at the Society for Vascular Surgery website.

But before you go running for the phone, there’s a reason more companies don’t make compression stockings with a zipper…. it takes 3 hands to put them on.

Imagine squeezing into those skinny jeans that haven’t fit for years, and the fun of trying to zip them up. That’s a compression stocking with a zipper. If you have hairy legs, zipping up your socks in the morning will really wake you up. Plus the wear and tear of pulling on a zipper attached to a knit fabric means these socks don’t have a very long life span.

The few stockings that do have a zipper are really designed for wound care. The zipper allows the stocking to be applied without pulling it up and over a bandage or wound. Once the wound is healed, most people go back to a traditional circular knit stocking.

If you struggle to put on your compression stockings, there are donning aids that really do help. Send us a message or give us a call and we can recommend one for you. Unfortunately, zippered stockings may not be the solution you are looking for.

In the visits to Friendship these past few days, the only people I saw sitting were the pets and their owners. The entire staff, from the people working at the front desk, to the techs and vets taking care of the animals, never sat down.

So why would a veterinarian wear compression socks? When you’re standing all day, gravity has an enormous effect on the circulation of your blood. You may remember from anatomy class, blood pumps from your heart into arteries, which carries the fresh, oxygenated blood to all of your extremities. Veins bring the blood back to your heart and lungs for more oxygen. When we stand, the veins have to work a great deal harder to move that blood from our feet back to the heart. So, as the day wears on our feet and ankles start to swell, and our legs feel tired, heavy, and achy. We feel this way because all of the blood isn’t making it back up to the heart, it’s pooling in our ankles (thus the swelling). Graduated compression socks help the veins push blood back up to your heart. These socks increase blood circulation and reducing pressure on your veins.

Medical staff from doctors, to nurses and vets, have been wearing them for years.

Recommended socks for Veterinarians:

Allegro Athletic Support Socks: This unisex stocking has a soft padded foot portion, and a wide comfortable top-band. Made with Cool-Max Polyester, they will keep your feet comfortable all day.

Sigvaris Cushioned Cotton: Available in 15-20mmhg, or 20-30mmHg for those that need more support, this sock is woven so only cotton touches the skin. A low friction toe-seam prevents irritation.

Jobst ActiveWear: From the #1 brand, this sock for men and women comes in four compression levels. It’s extremely comfortable and fits a wide range of sizes.

Pete@lebontadipio
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As a chef, you rarely get a chance to sit down and rest.  And – last time I checked – there aren’t many commercial kitchens that even have a chair for chefs to have a moment off their feet. You’re literally standing or on the move the whole time you’re working! While I often find chefs discussing the best shoes to wear to work, I rarely hear chefs discussing the virtues of a particular sock. But, socks are integral to keeping your feet and legs pain free, and preventing varicose and spider veins.

Today we’re listing our top socks for chefs. These socks feature two key qualities: graduated compression and temperature-control fabric.

Compression: Why would a chef need to wear compression socks? When you’re standing all day in the kitchen, gravity has an enormous effect on the circulation of your blood.  As you probably remember from anatomy, blood pumps from your heart into arteries, which carries the fresh, oxygenated blood to all of your extremities. Veins are then supposed to bring the blood back to your heart for fresh oxygen. When we stand, our veins have to work a great deal harder to pump that blood from our feet back to our heart. So, as the day wears on, our feet and ankles start to swell and our legs begin to feel tired, heavy and sometimes achy. You feel this way because all of the blood isn’t making it back up to your heart – instead it’s pooling at your ankles (thus the swelling). Graduated compression socks help those veins push blood back up to your heart. These socks gently encourage blood back up the leg, increasing blood circulation and reducing pressure on your veins. It may sound foreign to many chefs to put on compression socks (something we associate with the elderly), but nurses have been wearing them for years.

Temperature Control: Kitchens can be HOT. With people running every direction and all the ovens on in one room, you’re probably breaking out in a sweat. Are you socks helping to cool you down? They should be. When shopping for socks for work, chefs should consider fabrics that wick away sweat and keep legs and feet cool. Merino wool, microfiber and cotton are great moisture-wicking fabrics. Additionally, if you tend to have smelly feet issues, you should only consider socks that have silver and copper woven into the fabric. These metals kill the bacteria that cause odor on our feet, so at the end of your shift there’s no embarrassing smell when you take those socks off.

Here’s our list of recommended socks for chefs:

Sigvaris Merino Wool Performance Socks – For men & women, these socks are made with soft, thermo-regulating merino wool and feature a cushioned foot bed for maximum comfort.

Allegro Athletic Copper Support Socks – For both men & women, these socks are infused with copper to kill 99.9% of bacteria on your foot. They also feature a heavily padded foot bed and CoolMax polyester to keep feet and legs cool.

Jobst Active – Guaranteed to provide 360 degree comfort on your feet, these socks are made with Dri-Release yarn to keep feet cool and come in wide-calf sizes to fit any leg.

Sigvaris Cushioned Cotton Socks – These cotton socks will not only keep your legs cool, but are also great for sensitive skin. They contain built in arch support to ensure your feet are pain free by the end of the day.

Are you a chef? What socks do you wear regularly to keep your feet and legs feeling energized?

Before you begin shopping, you need to know what compression level is appropriate for your condition. If you already wear stockings, hopefully you know your compression. If this is is your first time, your doctor or therapist should have told you what compression level you need. If they have not, our compression guide can help, but this is not a substitution for medical advice. We highly recommend that you talk to your doctor or health care provider before beginning compression therapy above 20mmHg. 15-20 mmHg is the perfect starting level.

Once you’ve determined the proper compression, you need to decide on the style or length of the garment, that is, a knee high, thigh high or waist high (pantyhose). Remember the stocking has to cover the area of your body where the problem exists. If you have an aching varicose vein in your thigh, a knee high isn’t going to help. If you’re traveling and don’t have any existing venous problems, a knee high should do the job.

Now that you know the compression and style, the rest is easy. Picking the weave or fabric you prefer and deciding if you want an open or closed toe.

The three main fabric choices are sheer, opaque and ribbed. Sheers look great, but are just a bit more delicate than other fabrics. Opaques offer the widest range of prices and sizing options. Ribbed are very durable. All three fabrics are usually woven from nylon and spandex. Opaque and ribbed fabrics are available in cotton, wool, and silver blends.

The toe style does not affect the therapeutic benefit of a compression stocking, and is usually a personal preference. Open toes are great in warm weather, with sandals or flip-flops and if you have problems like corns or hammer toes.

Now it’s time to shop. Let’s say you need a 20-30mmHg compression thigh high, and want a sheer fabric with a closed toe. Mouse over Compression Level in the navigation bar. Move your cursor to 20-30mmHg, then click Thigh Highs. A page will open with all of our Thigh Highs in a 20-30 mmHg level. You can than filter down to the style you want. Select Sheer in the left hand filter, and then Closed Toe. Now let’s look for a 15-20mmHg compression knee high in cotton with an open toe. Mouse over Compression Level, move your cursor to 15-20mmHg, then click Knee High. You will then use the filters on the left hand to select Open Toe and Cotton.

As mentioned in the first paragraph, there are many different ways to search our website for the compression garment you need.

If you have a question or need assistance finding what you want, our trained certified fitters are happy to help at (+31)262843975.

The heel pocket method works very well for stockings that are thicker or have a lot of compression. Sheer and less firm stockings are best put on with donning gloves. The gloves protect the delicate fabric from snags and runs and gives you a better grip on the fabric.

Here's how to put your socks on in 4 simple steps:

Step 1:

With the sock turned right side out, reach inside and grab the heel of the stocking.

Step 2:

Holding onto the heel of the sock, turn it inside out, stopping at the heel. This creates a "pocket" to stick your foot into.

Step 3:

Slide your foot all the way into the sock, just over the back of the heel. Adjust the toe and heel areas to make sure they are in the right place. Make sure the sock isn't twisted around!

Step 4:

Grab the top of the sock and pull it over your heel and up your leg. The sock should rest about two finger-widths below the crease of your knee.

Other Options:

The metal frame Stocking Donner is a great solution if you have difficulty bending or crossing your legs. Stocking Donners are available in regular size, wide-calf size and even a specially designed two-leg donner for pantyhose.

Need more help? Check out this video on how to quickly and easily don your compression socks:

Pete@lebontadipio
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First, you pre-position the stocking over a wide circular metal frame. You begin the donning process by using your leg muscles and gravity to step into the stocking until your foot is flat on the floor. Next, grab hold of the donner’s handles and pull up, pulling the stocking up your leg. It sounds easy to use, and really is, but figuring out how to use the device can be difficult. Now you can watch a short 1 minute video demonstration.

There are 4 different stocking donners available. The Jobst Stocking Donner is the most basic and priced at $26.95. If you have average sized legs and a moderate amount of mobility this donner should work for you.

Individuals with big legs will need the Medi Big Butler. The big butler has an extra wide frame to accommodate wide calves and is priced at $59.95.

The Vario Donning Butler by Medi has adjustable height handles. Perfect for people with difficulty bending or limited mobility.

Finally there is the Medi Double Butler, which is made for stepping into both legs of pantyhose.

Whichever butler you choose, they all work in the same way and after watching our video you’ll be donning your stockings like a pro.

Pete@lebontadipio
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There is one exception in the current Medicare policy. Coverage may be provided if you are being treated by a doctor for a venous statis ulcer on your leg and have a prescription from your Doctor for compression stockings and liners for this condition. lebontadipio sells several ulcer care stockings including the Jobst UlcerCare with Zipper and Mediven Dual Layer Stocking System. Here’s the nitty gritty from Medicare:

The beneficiary must have an open venous stasis ulcer that has been treated by a physician or other healthcare professional requiring medically necessary debridement. The gradient stocking must be proven to deliver compression greater than 30 mm Hg. and less than 50 mmHg. When a covered gradient compression stocking is provided to a patient with an open venous stasis ulcer, the modifier AW (item furnished in conjunction with a surgical dressing) must be appended or the claim will be denied as a non-covered service. Gradient compression stockings are non-covered for the following conditions: Venous insufficiency without stasis ulcers
Prevention of stasis ulcers

The Lymphedema Diagnosis and Therapy Cost Saving Act of 2010 (HR4662) was introduced in the House of Representatives by North Carolina Congressman Larry Kissell. This is a bi-partisan effort and currently has 58 co-sponsors in the House. This bill would establish a new benefit category to cover the compression bandages, compression garments and compression devices used in the treatment of lymphedema. The Medicare Evidence Development Coverage Advisory Committee (MEDCAC) concluded at their meeting last November that existing evidence gives reasonable confidence that use of compression bandage systems and compression garments improve the health of lymphedema patients.

You can read a summary or a the entire bill.

You can help get this bill passed by emailing or phoning your congressperson.

Pete@lebontadipio
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