I've been wearing Futuro compression knee highs for years. I now find the elastic below the knees which holds them up is tight and makes an indentation. I have venous insufficiency with mild leg edema. Do I need prescription to get new compression stockings?
Compression stockings are available both with and without prescription. A prescription is necessary for higher levels of compression while lower levels can be obtained without a prescription.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
20-30 mmHg pressure is considered prescription/medical grade. Your doctor can order them. Most medical supply stores can measure and fit you into the appropriate hose. These hose do not have a "band" to keep them up but the whole hose is what keeps them in place.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
A prescription is necessary for certain strengths of compression stockings and for when you want them possibly covered by insurance.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Good question! Compression stockings are not controlled like drugs and do not require a prescription. However, the wrong size or strength could either be ineffective or harmful. Therefore, most responsible pharmacists and reputable sellers prefer a doctor's prescription, while experienced
vendors can often provide guidance.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
You may purchase compression hose over the counter but they rarely fit
properly and may not be of high enough compression to make a significant
difference. I would recommend you have your legs professionally measured at
a vein center and buy yourself a good quality pair of hose.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
High compression hose 40-50 mm Hg and custom fit hose require a prescription by law. Some insurance carriers require a doctor's prescription for coverage.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
No, just go to a medical supply store and get measured.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
No, you don't need a prescription to get compression stockings.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
You can get a low grade compression stocking without a prescription.However, it sounds as though you might need a higher compression. In our office we normally prescribe 30-40 mm. Have you had any treatment? In our office we do not prescribe compression stockings without an evaluation to determine what you may need and if you have venous problems.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Yes, you do need a prescription to get compression stockings; however, you can order prescription strength stockings (20-30 mmHg or 30-40 mmHg) online without a prescription.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Compression up to 20-30 mm Hg are stronger than Futuro brand and don't need a prescription. The indentation will always be an issue unless the stockings go to the thighs.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Compression stockings can be gotten through a prescription or by going to any surgical supply store, drug store, etc. The compression of the stocking varies according to what is being treated. For most routine things, compression around 18 to 30 is sufficient. I rarely prescribe compression stockings, as most can be purchased over the counter. Certainly, custom made stockings may be more form fitting, but they are also considerably more expensive and, in my experience, not much better than over the counter. You may want to see a vein specialist before getting stockings.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Medical Grade compression hose do require a prescription from a physician. I don't recommend knee highs for exactly the problems you are having. A properly fitted thigh-high or panty style should feel better.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It depends on the level of compression of the stockings. Probably worth an evaluation of your venous system by a vascular MD if it's been a while.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Grade 2 (30-40 mmHg) GRADUATED compression stockings do require prescription.
Published on Jul 11, 2012