COMPRESSION POINT Stocking compression, better defined as elastic compression, is the force that the tights exert on the leg, helping blood circulation and enhancing the “pump effect”. Compression is generally measured at specific points on the leg and is expressed in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Of course, the highest compression value is at the ankle, defined, in medical terminology, as point b. Then compression decreases as we move upwards. This is defined as graduated compression. SOLIDEA, as its specific policy and with full respect for consumers, prints the compression value in mmHg, previously measured by qualified International Institutes, on all its packages of stockings and supports.
cT cH cG cF cE cD cC c B1 cB
waist
pelvis inguen
thigh
above the knee
under the knee
calf under the calf
malleolus
Compression classes in compliance with Experimental European Standards UNI ENV 12718 Class A I II III IV
mmHg 10-14 15-21 23-32 34-46 >49
L 15-17 (± 3) H 18-21 (± 3)
CLASS A prevention (10-14 mmHg) •predisposed subjects •swollen legs •telangiectasia •mild edemas. CLASS I light (L15-17 mmHg) •varicose veins •acrocianosi •post telangiectasia sclerotherapy. CLASS I strong (H 18-21 mmHg) •truncal varicose veins •varicose veins with important edemas •varicose vein surgical removal •post sclerotherapy •foot and knee arthrosis. CLASS II (23-32 mmHg) •post thrombosis syndrome •during treatment of venous ulcers •post-trauma syndrome •angiodisplasia •deep venous thrombosis •deep venous insufficiency •reversible lymphedema •lipedema. CLASS III (34-46 mmHg) •severe edema •chronic hypodermititis •irreversible lymphedema. CLASS IV (>49 mmHg) •for all the above-indicated pathologies in their most severe forms. H. Partsch, E. Rabe, R. Stemmer TRAITEMENT COMPRESSIF DES MEMBRES Editions Phlebologiques Françaises