The Structure and Compression of Medical Compression Stockings

This paper lays out standards of compression stockings and their classification into classes. The analysis of knitted fabric structure parameters, elongation and compression of moderate- and high-compression stockings was conducted. Stocking compression on specific parts of the stocking leg was measured on three sizes of a wooden leg model. For moderate-compression stockings, compression above the ankle was 32 hPa. For high-compression stockings, compression above the ankle was 60 hPa. Both groups of the analyzed compression stockings were made on modern one-cylinder hosiery automats. The legs of the stockings were made in single inlaid jersey 1 + 1. Both yarns were elastane covered. The finer yarn formed loops and its knitting into a course was significantly larger than in the other yarn, which was much coarser and does not form loops but lay the weft in a bent way. The smallest elongation of knitted fabric was above the ankle, where the highest compression was achieved, while the largest elongation was under the crotch, where the stocking leg exerted the smallest compression on the surface. The leg of the compression stocking acted as a casing that imposed compression on the leg and often reinforced it to be able to sustain compression loads.

Automated summary

This paper presents the standards and classification of compression stockings, and analyzes the structure parameters, elongation, and compression of moderate- and high-compression stockings. The findings suggest that the legs of compression stockings act as casings that impose compression on the leg and are often reinforced to withstand compression loads.