Medical compression stockings

Function

Medical compression stockings, commonly known as support stockings, are specialised garments that exert pressure on the limbs. Support stockings or standard compression stockings differ from fitted medical compression stockings. With the latter, the graduated pressure decreases from the ankle to the knee or from the wrist to the elbow, helping to push fluid and waste products upwards towards the heart. This prevents fluid accumulation in the arms or legs and reduces symptoms.

Fitting MCS

Medical compression stockings are prescribed by your doctor or medical specialist when there is a medical indication. Accurate measurements are crucial to ensure the stockings work effectively. Our specialist compression therapists measure your limbs precisely, either at our branches or during a consultation at one of our many fitting locations. It is important that there is no fluid retention in your limbs during the measurement to ensure the accuracy of the measurements. Therefore, it may be necessary to bandage your arms or legs, or wear a compression wrap in advance.

Personal experience: 'My life has changed since I started using medical stockings,’ states Mrs Lamee (72). ‘I used to sit at home every night with sore, swollen legs. I can now enjoy card nights with my friends again, thanks to the modern and effective stockings from Olmed.’

Various types of stockings

Depending on your specific medical indication, individual needs and situation, our compression specialists will advise you on which of the two varieties of medical compression stockings is best for you: circular knit or flat knit.

• Circular knit
  The thinnest option, offering the widest choice of colours and styles and suitable for milder symptoms. They provide less resistance and pressure than flat knit or dense circular knit stockings. Knitted in a tubular shape, circular knit stockings are seamless and have greater stretch along their length. These medical compression stockings are more fashionable and suitable for less complex medical indications.
• Flat knit
  Knitted in one piece and joined together with a seam, this design allows for a closer fit to the anatomical shape. It has less stretch along its length, making it easier to put on. Flat knit stockings are suitable for more complex medical indications.

Pressure classes

In the field of medical compression stockings, the different compression levels are classified into pressure classes, ranging from 1 to 4. Our compression therapists will select the appropriate pressure class based on your medical indication and personal situation. The pressure class indicates the amount of pressure a stocking exerts on a limb.

This is measured in mmHg. Pressure class 1 exerts the least pressure and pressure class 4 exerts the most:

• Pressure class 1 (15-21 mmHg): This class provides light compression.
• Pressure class 2 (20-30 mmHg): This is the most commonly used class.
• Pressure class 3 (30-40 mmHg): This class provides high compression.
• Pressure class 4 (40-50 mmHg and higher): This is the highest compression class.

Quality assurance

All the medical compression stockings we supply meet strict quality requirements.

These include the CE mark, RAL certification and inclusion in the 'Lijst van Bernink' (Dutch register of approved MCS). Olmed holds the SEMH quality mark. To establish the requirements, the SEMH works closely with NLNet (a patient organisation) and NVCZ (an industry and professional association).

Reimbursement

Medical compression stockings in pressure classes 2 to 4 are covered by the basic insurance, provided you have the appropriate medical indication. Do consider any outstanding mandatory and voluntary excess you may have. Pressure class 1 is not covered by your basic insurance but may be reimbursed through certain supplementary insurances. Please contact your health insurer for more information.

Donning and doffing aids

Donning and doffing medical compression stockings can be a challenging task. With a suitable donning and doffing aid, you can put them on and take them off independently, anywhere, and with minimal effort. Use our selection tool to find the most suitable aid for your needs.

Watch our instructional videos to learn the correct technique for donning and doffing your stockings, either with or without aids.

In addition to medical compression stockings for arms, legs, compression wraps and hook-and-loop systems, we specialise in all forms of compression therapy, including thoracic compression, head and neck wraps, compression for the genital area and point pressure devices (PPD).

If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment to get medical compression aids fitted, please don’t hesitate to contact us.