20-30 mmHg Compression Socks for Nurses: Medical-Grade Support for 12-Hour Shifts
Firm graduated compression designed for healthcare professionals who stand, walk, and move for 12+ hours. Our 20-30 mmHg compression delivers the therapeutic pressure nurses need to manage leg fatigue, prevent varicose veins, and finish shifts without swollen ankles. Lab-tested medical-grade compression in sizes XS-3XL with wide calf options means you get professional-grade support that actually fits your body
Why Nurses Choose Rescue Legs 20-30
mmHg Compression
Healthcare work demands compression that keeps up with 12-hour shifts, constant movement, and real clinical environments. Rescue Legs 20-30 mmHg compression combines lab-tested therapeutic pressure with extended sizing that accommodates athletic calves and diverse body types.
Complete Compression
Collection for Nurses
Each style is designed to provide 20-30 mmHg graduated compression to address leg
fatigue and swelling during clinical shifts.
Most popular choice for nurses. Closed-toe works with any shoes and stays comfortable through entire shifts.
Breathable option for warmer hospital environments. Same 20-30 mmHg graduated compression through the leg and ankle.
Extended coverage for swelling above the knee. Silicone band keeps socks in place during constant movement.
Maximum coverage with breathable toe design. Ideal for nurses who prefer open toe comfort with extended compression.
Why Nurses Need 20-30
mmHg Compression
Medical-grade 20-30 mmHg compression is the standard for managing the
physical demands of a nursing career.
12-Hour Shifts & Movement
Walking 4-6 miles per shift creates sustained leg fatigue. Firm compression supports circulation throughout extended hours.
Developing Varicose Veins
Visible veins appearing from years of standing. 20-30 mmHg provides therapeutic pressure to manage symptoms while working.
Daily Ankle Swelling
Ankles noticeably swollen by hour 8-10 of shift. Firmer compression prevents fluid accumulation during long-standing periods.
Previous DVT or Clotting Risk
Personal or family history of blood clots. Healthcare provider recommended compression for prevention during work.
Pregnancy While Working Shifts
Managing increasing leg swelling and venous pressure during shifts. Soft material is ideal for sensitive pregnancy skin.
Athletic Build & Calf Muscles
Developed calf muscles from active careers. Need wide calf options that maintain therapeutic ankle compression.
Finding Your Size:
Nurse Compression Sizing
Getting the best results from compression starts with getting the correct size stocking.
How to Measure
Best time: Measure in the morning before your shift, when swelling is minimal.
- Ankle: Around narrowest part, just above ankle bone.
- Calf: Around widest part of your calf.
- Thigh: Around the widest part of your thigh (for thigh-highs).
| Size | Ankle | Calf | Thigh | Hip/Waist | Length (Knee/Thigh) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A Short | 7 1/2" - 8 1/4" (19-21 cm) |
11" - 15" (28-38 cm) |
18" - 23" (45.5-58.5 cm) |
H: 35-42" / W: 25-32" | K: < 16" / T: < 28" |
| A Regular | 7 1/2" - 8 1/4" (19-21 cm) |
11" - 15" (28-38 cm) |
18" - 23" (45.5-58.5 cm) |
H: 35-42" / W: 25-32" | K: > 16" / T: > 28" |
| B Short | 8 1/2" - 9 3/4" (21.5-25 cm) |
13" - 17" (33-43 cm) |
21" - 26" (53.5-66 cm) |
H: 41-48" / W: 31-38" | K: < 17" / T: < 29" |
| B Regular | 8 1/2" - 9 3/4" (21.5-25 cm) |
13" - 17" (33-43 cm) |
21" - 26" (53.5-66 cm) |
H: 41-48" / W: 31-38" | K: > 17" / T: > 29" |
| C Short | 10" - 11 1/4" (25.5-28.5 cm) |
15" - 19" (38-48.5 cm) |
24" - 29" (61-73.5 cm) |
H: 47-54" / W: 37-44" | K: < 17" / T: < 29" |
| C Regular | 10" - 11 1/4" (25.5-28.5 cm) |
15" - 19" (38-48.5 cm) |
24" - 29" (61-73.5 cm) |
H: 47-54" / W: 37-44" | K: > 17" / T: > 29" |
| D Short | 11 1/2" - 13 1/2" (29-34 cm) |
17" - 21" (43-53 cm) |
27" - 32" (68.5-81 cm) |
H: 53-60" / W: 43-50" | K: < 17" / T: < 29" |
| D Regular | 11 1/2" - 13 1/2" (29-34 cm) |
17" - 21" (43-53 cm) |
27" - 32" (68.5-81 cm) |
H: 53-60" / W: 43-50" | K: > 17" / T: > 29" |
Pro Tips for Healthcare Workers
If you are between sizes, choose the larger size to ensure comfort during long 12-hour shifts.
Always measure both legs individually and use the measurements of the larger leg to find your fit.
Most nurses with athletic builds from active clinical work need our wide or extra-wide calf options.
We offer free exchanges if your first pair doesn't fit perfectly. Your comfort is our priority.
The Extended Sizing Difference for
Healthcare Professionals
The Challenge with Standard Sizing
The Impossible Choice for Nurses
Many nurses develop athletic leg muscles from years of walking shifts. Standard compression sizing (4-6 sizes) assumes sedentary proportions, leaving healthcare workers with an impossible choice:
How Extended Sizing Solves This
Rescue Legs offers XS-3XL with dedicated wide and extra-wide calf options because nurses need compression that accommodates developed muscles while maintaining ankle pressure.
- Proper 20-30 mmHg ankle compression where you need therapeutic pressure most.
- Comfortable calf fit for developed leg muscles with no painful restriction during movement.
- Athletic builds accommodated without losing compression effectiveness or graduated gradient.
When compression fits your body properly, you'll actually wear it for every shift instead of leaving it in your locker.
Wearing 20-30 mmHg During Nursing Shifts
Warning Signs
Remove immediately and contact a doctor if you experience: numbness, tingling, increased pain, skin color changes, or new swelling above the compression band.
Caring for Your Compression Socks
Nurse Compression Questions
No. Many nurses purchase 20-30 mmHg compression directly for occupational leg fatigue without a prescription. However, if you have diagnosed venous conditions or a DVT history, consult your healthcare provider about appropriate compression strength.
While compression can't guarantee 100% prevention, research shows that occupational compression significantly reduces the risk and incidence of varicose veins in healthcare workers. Starting early in your career provides better protection than waiting until veins appear.
Yes. You should wear compression during all waking, active hours regardless of shift timing. Put them on before your night shift starts and remove them after the shift ends before sleeping.
20-30 mmHg compression maintains its effectiveness even through extended shifts. If you regularly work 16+ hours and still experience significant symptoms, discuss 30-40 mmHg (extra firm) options with your doctor, but always try 20-30 mmHg first.
Absolutely. Knee-high closed-toe compression fits perfectly inside any nursing shoes and sits under your shoe and sock line. Many nurses choose to wear our compression as their primary shift sock.
Yes. We specifically offer wide and extra-wide calf options because we know many nurses develop athletic leg muscles from active careers. Our extended sizing maintains therapeutic ankle pressure while accommodating developed calf muscles.