Compression Stockings. 
The first thing you need to know is that most compression "stockings" are actually SOCKS, not stockings. Now that you can more easily picture a pair of socks, you should also know that there are basically two types of compression stockings (socks) - the kind that require a prescription and the kind that do not. Expect to pay $20 to $35 for non-prescription socks, and $80 and up for the prescription compression socks and stockings. The good news is that many insurance plans will reimburse you for prescription socks, so talk to your doctor and find out if you should consider a pair.
If you'd like to make an appointment with one of our certified compression garment fitters, please contact us. For a little more information, keep reading.
Non-Prescription Stockings:
If you are even as young as 20, and work on your feet all day, you should seriously consider buying a couple of pairs of non-prescription socks or stockings. They are attractive (really!), and will reduce lower leg fatigue at the end of the day. Here in the Living Room, we wear them on the job (and we are all truly young, hip, and beautiful), so we can vouch for their effectiveness.
If you are over the age of 40 and planning a long air flight, you should probably buy a pair of non-prescription compression socks. They will help keep blood from pooling in your feet, and let you enjoy your trip right from the start, since you won't be worried by tired sore feet at the end of your flight. Wearing compression socks in-flight also helps reduce the risk of suffering an embolism.
Prescription Compression Stockings: 
If your doctor gives you a prescription for a pair of compression socks, contact us to make an appointment for a fitting. Your appointment will be in the morning, so that your legs and feet are in their least swollen state. The technician will need to measure your ankles, calves and possibly, your lower thighs, so wear something loose and comfortable.
How Compression Stockings Work:
Compression stockings are used to support the venous and lymphatic systems of the leg. They offer graduated compression, which means that maximum compression is found at the ankle and it decreases bit by bit up the leg. This compression, when combined with the muscle-pump effect of the calf, aids in circulating blood and lymph fluid through the legs, so you dont get as much fluid collecting in your ankles or your feet.
Compression stockings are offered in different levels of compression. The unit of measure used to classify the pressure of the stockings is mmHg.
Over the counter support hose vary in strength from 8-15mmHg to 15-20mmHg.