Varicose veins happen when the one-way valves in the leg veins weaken and blood pools, leaving veins raised, ropey and uncomfortable. Graduated compression supports venous return and eases the heaviness and aching that come with it. NursingRx knee-highs are 14-18 mmHg — an everyday support level for mild symptoms and long hours upright, not a substitute for medical-grade therapy.
Veins rely on one-way valves to move blood back up the leg. When those valves weaken, blood pools, the vein wall stretches, and the ropey, raised veins appear. That pooling is also why legs feel heavy, achy or itchy by the end of a long shift standing still.
NursingRx knee-highs are firmest at the foot at 18 mmHg, ease to 16 mmHg at the ankle and 14 mmHg at the calf. Pressure that is strongest at the bottom and lighter going up gives the veins external support and encourages blood to keep moving upward instead of settling.
This is the over-the-counter range commonly used for tired, heavy legs and mild visible veins, especially with long hours on your feet. Larger, symptomatic or worsening varicose veins are often managed with 20-30 mmHg or higher, which a clinician prescribes and fits.
Compression can ease the aching, heaviness and ankle swelling that come with varicose veins while you wear it. It does not remove existing veins or repair valves — that takes procedures such as sclerotherapy, laser or radiofrequency treatment, which a vein specialist can discuss with you.
For mild symptoms and long days on your feet, 14-20 mmHg is the usual over-the-counter starting point — NursingRx sits at 14-18 mmHg. Bulging, painful or worsening veins usually call for 20-30 mmHg or higher, which should be fitted by a clinician after an assessment.
No. They relieve the heaviness, aching and swelling while worn, and may slow progression, but they do not reverse veins that are already there. Treatments that close or remove the vein are the only way to get rid of it, and that is a conversation for a vein clinic.
First thing in the morning, before your legs have had time to swell, and keep them on while you are upright. Take them off in the evening so you can check your skin. There is no benefit to sleeping in them unless a clinician has told you to.
Measure your calf at its widest point. S/M fits US shoe size 8 and below, L/XL fits size 9 and up. If you are between sizes, size up — a band that digs into the calf restricts the very flow you are trying to support.
This page is general information, not medical advice. Get assessed before relying on compression if any of these apply:
A varicose vein that becomes hard, hot, red or painful to touch
Sudden swelling in one leg, or swelling with chest pain or shortness of breath
Bleeding from a vein, or skin over a vein that has broken down or ulcerated
Skin around the ankle that is darkening, thickening or itching persistently
Arterial disease, diabetic neuropathy or reduced sensation in the feet
Symptoms that keep getting worse despite everyday compression
Related reading: compression socks for edema, how long to wear them, compression socks for nurses, pregnancy compression socks and the answers hub.
Tested by nurses. Designed for long shifts.
Buy on Amazon