These stockings are not the same as the support hosiery you often see advertised. Compression stockings are fitted to your leg which means you will be measured for them. Your doctor will indicate the compression ratio he feels you need. With these compression stockings, the most compression is in the foot and the compression lessens as it goes up the leg. This means that the stocking is going to be very tight around your foot but it gets looser as it goes up your leg.
Compression stockings prevent swelling.
They provide comfort - there is less pain. They promote circulation of blood in your limbs. They prevent some of the problems associated with poor circulation, such as leg ulcers. They prevent blood clots from developing in your leg. They prevent the creation of problems associated with thrombosis disorders such as varicose veins.