20-30 mmHg Compression Socks: Medical-Grade Firm Support
Firm graduated compression for moderate to severe leg symptoms. Our 20-30 mmHg collection delivers the therapeutic pressure your doctor recommends, with the extended sizing you need to wear it comfortably every day.
Who Needs 20-30 mmHg Compression?
Moderate Varicose Veins
Visible, ropy veins that ache after standing. Firm pressure supports compromised vein valves throughout your day.
The Natural Knee-high Closed Toe or the Natural Thigh-high Closed Toe (consult doctor on length)
Daily Leg Swelling
Noticeable ankle or leg swelling every afternoon/evening. 20-30 mmHg provides firm pressure to reduce moderate edema.
The Natural Knee-high Closed Toe
Office Workers (6+ hrs seated)
Prolonged sitting creates constant venous pressure that 15-20 mmHg can't counteract.
Couture Silver Knee-high Closed Toe
Post-Surgical Recovery
Following surgery when your surgeon recommends compression. Most commonly prescribed strength for DVT prevention.
Follow surgeon's instructions
Diagnosed Venous Conditions
Chronic venous insufficiency, post-thrombotic syndrome requiring medical-grade therapeutic pressure.
As prescribed by doctor
Failed 15-20 mmHg Response
Tried 15-20 mmHg consistently for 2-3 weeks but symptoms persisted. Need additional pressure for significant symptoms.
Match to symptom location
Finding Your Size in 20-30 mmHg
Getting the best therapeutic compression results requires proper fitting. The information below will help you find your perfect fit.
How to Measure
Timing matters: Measure in the morning when swelling is minimal for most accurate sizing.
- Ankle: Measure around the narrowest part, just above the ankle bone.
- Calf: Measure around the widest part of your calf.
- Thigh: Measure around the widest part of your thigh.
Need sizing help?
Contact us| Size | Ankle | Calf | Thigh | Hip | Waist | Knee Length | Thigh Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A Short | 7 1/2" - 8 1/4" (19-21 cm) |
11" - 15" (28-38 cm) |
18" - 23" (45.5-58.5 cm) |
35" - 42" (89-107 cm) |
25" - 32" (63.5-81 cm) |
< 16" (41 cm) | < 28" (71 cm) |
| A Regular | 7 1/2" - 8 1/4" (19-21 cm) |
11" - 15" (28-38 cm) |
18" - 23" (45.5-58.5 cm) |
35" - 42" (89-107 cm) |
25" - 32" (63.5-81 cm) |
> 16" (41 cm) | > 28" (71 cm) |
| B Short | 8 1/2" - 9 3/4" (21.5-25 cm) |
13" - 17" (33-43 cm) |
21" - 26" (53.5-66 cm) |
41" - 48" (104-122 cm) |
31" - 38" (78.5-96.5 cm) |
< 17" (43 cm) | < 29" (74 cm) |
| B Regular | 8 1/2" - 9 3/4" (21.5-25 cm) |
13" - 17" (33-43 cm) |
21" - 26" (53.5-66 cm) |
41" - 48" (104-122 cm) |
31" - 38" (78.5-96.5 cm) |
> 17" (43 cm) | > 29" (74 cm) |
| C Short | 10" - 11 1/4" (25.5-28.5 cm) |
15" - 19" (38-48.5 cm) |
24" - 29" (61-73.5 cm) |
47" - 54" (119.5-137 cm) |
37" - 44" (94-112 cm) |
< 17" (43 cm) | < 29" (74 cm) |
| C Regular | 10" - 11 1/4" (25.5-28.5 cm) |
15" - 19" (38-48.5 cm) |
24" - 29" (61-73.5 cm) |
47" - 54" (119.5-137 cm) |
37" - 44" (94-112 cm) |
> 17" (43 cm) | > 29" (74 cm) |
| D Short | 11 1/2" - 13 1/2" (29-34 cm) |
17" - 21" (43-53 cm) |
27" - 32" (68.5-81 cm) |
53" - 60" (134.5-152 cm) |
43" - 50" (109-127 cm) |
< 17" (43 cm) | < 29" (74 cm) |
| D Regular | 11 1/2" - 13 1/2" (29-34 cm) |
17" - 21" (43-53 cm) |
27" - 32" (68.5-81 cm) |
53" - 60" (134.5-152 cm) |
43" - 50" (109-127 cm) |
> 17" (43 cm) | > 29" (74 cm) |
The Extended Sizing Difference
Rescue Legs offers XS-3XL with dedicated wide calf options because therapeutic compression only works when it fits properly. We solve the "size up/size down" dilemma that leads to loss of relief.
- Proper ankle compression (where therapy starts)
- Comfortable calf fit (no restriction or rolling)
- Sizes for athletic builds and plus-size proportions
Pro Sizing Tips
If you're between sizes, choose the larger size for comfort (compression will still be therapeutic)
Measure both legs - if measurements differ, use the larger leg's measurements
Write down your measurements - you'll use the same size across all 20-30 mmHg products
Free exchanges available if your first pair doesn't fit perfectly
The Challenge with Standard Sizing
The Impossible Choice
Most brands offer 4-6 standard sizes. If your calf-to-ankle ratio doesn't match their assumptions, you face two risks:
How Extended Sizing Solves This
Extended sizing means medical-grade graduated compression is maintained across ALL sizes, accommodating:
- Proper ankle compression where therapeutic pressure starts.
- Comfortable calf fit with no painful restriction or rolling.
- Proportions that fit athletic builds, larger calves, and plus-size bodies.
When you get the right strength (20-30 mmHg) AND the proper fit, you get the relief compression is designed to provide.
Wearing 20-30 mmHg Compression Correctly
When to contact doctor
Numbness/tingling, increased pain, skin color changes, new swelling above compression band, skin irritation. Remove compression and call your doctor.
Caring for Your 20-30 mmHg Compression
20-30 mmHg Compression Frequently Asked Questions
No prescription required, though many doctors recommend this strength for specific conditions. You can purchase 20-30 mmHg compression directly. However, always consult your healthcare provider if you have diagnosed medical conditions or concerns about appropriate compression strength.
Firm and snug, but not painful. You should feel noticeable pressure, especially at the ankle. Slight indentation from the top band is normal. If you experience numbness, tingling, or pain, the compression may be too tight or improperly fitted.
Yes, most people wear 20-30 mmHg compression during all waking hours (8-12 hours daily). Put them on in the morning before swelling develops and remove at bedtime unless your doctor specifically instructed overnight wear.
20-30 mmHg provides firmer therapeutic pressure for more significant symptoms. Choose 20-30 mmHg for moderate varicose veins, daily moderate swelling, prolonged sitting with afternoon swelling, or post-surgical recovery. Choose 15-20 mmHg for mild symptoms, prevention, or if you're new to compression.
Compression manages symptoms (reduces aching, swelling, heaviness) but doesn't cure underlying vein valve problems. Many people with varicose veins use 20-30 mmHg compression as part of ongoing symptom management while working with a vascular specialist for treatment options.
Start with 20-30 mmHg if you have moderate symptoms. If symptoms persist after 2-3 weeks of consistent daily wear, consult your healthcare provider about whether 30-40 mmHg (extra firm, requires medical supervision) might be appropriate. Don't skip directly to stronger compression without trying 20-30 mmHg first.