Influence of compression stockings with different compression classes on lower leg edema and perceived discomfort during a two-hour static standing exposure – a pilot study

Lower leg edema (LLE) is considered a surrogate-parameter for stress on the venous system in situations with venous hypertension such as standing at work. Therapy with medical compression stockings (MCS) is well-established in chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) patients for reducing venous pressure. It remains unclear though to what extent increased levels of LLE related to prolonged standing can be diminished by MCS in healthy individuals as well as CVI patients. This paper investigated to what extent wearing MCS class I (CCL I) and II (CCL II) reduces LLE and rating of perceived discomfort (RPD) during prolonged standing among both healthy subjects (n = 32) and CVI patients (n = 12) and how wearing comfort differs between classes. This randomized cross-over trial had three conditions: two-hour standing without MCS, with CCL I (18–21 mmHg), with CCL II (23–32 mmHg). LLE was quantified using waterplethysmography and bioelectrical impedance. RPD was assessed using an 11-point Likert scale. Wearing comfort was assessed using a self-developed questionnaire. Wearing MCS statistically significantly reduced LLE in healthy subjects and CVI patients, with least edema development after wearing CCL II. RPD was reported mainly in the lower-back after two hours (mean 0.9). Wearing comfort was rated slightly better for CCL I. Healthy subjects and CVI patients who spend large parts of the day standing can decrease LLE by wearing MCS, of which CCL I may lead to better long-term compliance.