How to Measure for Compression Garments for Legs

Compression garments provide comfort and support after surgery for all areas of body. If you have had leg surgery or are using compression garments to recover from a running or other sports-related injury, you will want to make sure that your socks or hose are the right size for you. Compression garments that are too tight can damage your circulatory system, while baggy garments will fail to keep the area safe and comfortable.

Things You'll Need

• Tailor's measuring tape

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Instructions

• 1

  Measure your ankle at the most slender part, which is right above the ankle bone. If there is considerable swelling in your foot, measure from the heel around to the point where the foot and ankle meet. If this second measurement is more than 4 inches larger than the first measurement, you could have too much swelling for your compression socks to fit.

• 2

  Wrap the tape around your calf at the thickest part. Generally this will be just above the center of your calf. Then measure your thigh's circumference right below the hip.

• 3

  Take the appropriate measurement for the length of your leg. If you are being fitted for garments that come up to the waist or thigh, measure from the top of your thigh down to the floor behind your foot. If it is a knee-high stocking, measure from the inside bend of your knee to the floor behind your foot.

• 4

  Refer to a sizing chart with the numbers you have written down to determine the size of garment you need.