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Elastic socks or stockings designed to provide continual pressure or compression to help stimulate circulation in the wearer\'s legs or feet. Compression is graduated from greatest pressure around the ankles to lesser pressure around the knees and thighs. Different styles of compression socks or stockings offer various compression supports, ranging from mild (8-15 mm hg), medium (15-20 mm hg), moderate (20-30 mm hg), firm (30-40 mm hg), extra firm (40-50 mm hg), to heavy (50-60 mm-Hg). The heights of compression socks or stockings can vary from ankle-high, mid-calf, to the knee, or to the middle or upper thigh; they can be fashioned as pantyhose, leggings, sport socks, or calf sleeves. They are usually made of wool, olefin, nylon, spandex, Lycra, or rubber, or combinations of these fibers, with open toe or closed toe, and they often include reinforced toes and heels, extra cushioning, and large toe boxes. Compression socks or stockings are worn therapeutically for circulation irregularities or vascular conditions, such as varicose veins, edema, lymphedema, or post-thrombotic syndrome. They are also worn by people who have mild leg swelling or who have to stand all day; during pregnancy; after surgery; or after a vein treatment. Sizes are based on shoe size.
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