Patients · 12 May 2026
Compression Stockings: What They Are, Who Needs Them, and How to Wear Them
Class I is not Class II. Knee-high is not thigh-high. A clear guide to medical compression in Uganda.
Medical compression stockings are not fashion hosiery. They apply a graded pressure — strongest at the ankle, less at the calf — to help blood return to the heart. The class, the length, and the fit all have to be right.
Who they are commonly prescribed for
- Varicose veins and venous insufficiency
- Prevention of clots after surgery (anti-embolism stockings)
- Pregnancy-related swelling, when advised
- Lymphedema (often a different garment, including arm sleeves)
How to put them on without a fight
Put them on first thing, before swelling builds. Turn the stocking inside-out to the heel, fit the heel pocket, then work the fabric up the leg. Do not yank from the top band. If you cannot reach your feet, ask us about a simple applicator or a family-member technique. We stock Class I and II, knee-high and thigh-high.
Need compression stockings? WhatsApp your prescription and ankle/calf measurements to MediQuest on +256 792 457725.