Therapeutic stocking

Appropriate compression profiles for stockings to manage venous disorders in the lower extremities of ambulatory individuals are defined. Three profiles are described for the treatment of three categories of venous disease: mild venous disease, superficial venous insufficiency, and deep venous insufficiency. The highest pressures are used to manage the most severe disorder. The stockings use large pressure gradients to provide support for microscopic hemodynamics and valvular function at each region of the leg without producing venous congestion. The large gradients also ensure the maintainence of graduated pressure for the general population with an acceptable number of stocking sizes. Reduced foot pressures are also utilized to enhance patient compliance while avoiding a tourniquet effect.