Graduated Pressure
Firmest at the ankle and easing up the leg to keep fluid moving upward.
Daily Support to Help Control Leg Swelling
Best Medical Grade Compression Socks for Lymphedema
Rescue Legs compression garments help keep fluid from building up in legs swollen by lymphedema. Lymphedema happens when the body can't drain lymph fluid properly, often after cancer treatment removes or damages lymph nodes. Our garments squeeze tightest at the ankle and ease off higher up the leg, and our sizing guide shows you how to measure for the right fit.
How Graduated Compression Helps
How Graduated Compression Helps With Lymphedema
Lymph has no heart to pump it, so it moves only when your muscles squeeze it or something presses on your skin. Exercise and compression both give it that push.
Once treatment reduces the swelling, wearing compression every day helps keep it from coming back.
Comfortable All Day
A breathable knit built for daily wear from morning until bedtime.
Holds Up to Washing
The socks keep their compression level after repeated washes.
Levels From Light to Extra Firm
Choose support for early heaviness through the firm levels a therapist may recommend.
Accurate Sizing
Measure your ankle and calf so the top band sits flat and doesn't dig in.
Find the Right Product
Compare Our Lymphedema Socks
The right sock depends on how far up the leg the swelling reaches and how firm your therapist wants the support. Support is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg), and the table below compares our main options.
15 to 20 mmHg
Knee-High
15 to 20 mmHg Compression Socks
Best For: Early heaviness or a tight feeling in the lower leg
- Light graduated support that's easy to wear every day
20 to 30 mmHg
Knee-High
20 to 30 mmHg Compression Socks
Best For: Ongoing lower-leg swelling that needs daily maintenance
- Firm graduated support that holds its pressure through the day
20 to 30 mmHg
Knee-High
20 to 30 mmHg Open Toe Compression Socks
Best For: Warm weather or sensitive toes, with your therapist's approval
- Same firm support with a breathable open toe
30 to 40 mmHg
Knee-High or Thigh-High
30 to 40 mmHg Compression Socks
Best For: Swelling that needs extra firm support or reaches above the knee
- Our firmest graduated level, with a thigh-high option
Available across levels
Knee-High
Wide Calf Compression Stockings
Best For: Larger or uneven calf measurements
- Extra room in the calf, with the same firm-at-the-ankle pressure
Who It's For
Which Level Fits Your Situation?
Lymphedema looks different at each stage. Use the table below as a starting point for a conversation with your care team.
| Situation | Compression Level to Consider | Next Step |
|---|---|---|
| Heaviness or tightness in a leg after lymph node removal or radiation | Ask your care team first |
An early evaluation, since lymphedema responds better when treated early |
| Mild lower-leg swelling that goes down overnight | 15 to 20 or 20 to 30 mmHg |
A comfortable knee-high you can wear every day |
| Keeping swelling down after therapy | Set by your therapist |
Wear the level and style your therapist recommends |
| Swelling that extends above the knee | 30 to 40 mmHg thigh-high, with guidance |
Choose a thigh-high that covers the whole swollen area |
| Larger or uneven calf measurements | Wide calf, at your recommended level |
Choose a sock that fits without rolling or digging in |
| Advanced swelling with hardened skin | Custom or flat-knit garment |
Get fitted by a certified lymphedema therapist |
Compression Levels Explained
Understanding Compression Levels for Lymphedema
Compression is measured in mmHg, and higher numbers mean firmer pressure. Here is how each level tends to line up with lymphatic swelling.
Lymphedema generally calls for firmer support than everyday tired legs. Most people managing it wear 20 to 30 mmHg for milder swelling or 30 to 40 mmHg for swelling that's harder to control, with a therapist making the final call.
| Compression Level | Category | Common Use for Lymphedema |
|---|---|---|
| 8 to 15 mmHg | Light |
Rarely enough for lymphedema on its own |
| 15 to 20 mmHg | Moderate |
Early heaviness or very mild swelling |
| 20 to 30 mmHg | Firm |
Mild to moderate swelling and daily maintenance |
| 30 to 40 mmHg | Extra Firm |
More persistent swelling under a therapist's direction |
Sizing & Fit Tips
Get the Right Fit Before You Order
Fit matters more with lymphedema because a tight spot can trap fluid. A few careful measurements make the difference.
1
Measure first thing in the morning, when swelling is usually lowest.
2
Measure around the narrowest part of your ankle.
3
Measure around the widest part of your calf.
4
Measure from the floor to just below the bend of your knee.
5
For thigh-highs, measure around the widest part of your thigh.
Quick Size Calculator
This calculator is a general guide only. Always review the size chart on the product page before ordering.
| Measurement | Where to Measure | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Ankle | Narrowest point above the ankle bone |
Sets the base pressure point where compression is firmest |
| Calf | Widest point of the calf |
Shapes how the gradient eases up the leg |
| Length | Floor to just below the knee, or to the thigh for thigh-highs |
Keeps the band from bunching where fluid can collect |
Why Rescue Legs
Why Choose Rescue Legs for Lymphedema Support
A sock that pinches or slides can trap fluid instead of moving it along. The table below shows where a typical drugstore pair falls short.
| Standard Compression Sock | Rescue Legs Compression for Lymphedema |
|---|---|
Generic small, medium, large sizing |
Measurement-based fit guidance built around your ankle and calf |
Stretch fabric marketed as "compression" |
Carolon medical-grade compression, lab-tested to hold its rated pressure |
One support level for everyone |
Multiple mmHg levels and styles to match your therapist's plan |
No exchange when the size is wrong |
Free size exchanges when your first pair doesn't fit right |
Care & Maintenance
Care Instructions
Washing
Machine wash according to the care label, using a mild detergent. Smooth the fabric flat after washing to help the sock keep its shape.
Drying
Carolon products can be machine dried following the approved care guidance.
Storage
Keep 2 to 3 pairs in rotation, so you always have a clean pair ready to wear.
FAQ
FAQs
Can compression socks cure lymphedema?
No. Lymphedema is a long-term condition that can be managed but not cured. Compression is one part of a plan that often includes exercise and skin care.
Which compression level should I choose for lymphedema?
Most people start at 20 to 30 mmHg or 30 to 40 mmHg. A certified lymphedema therapist should confirm the level, especially after decongestive therapy.
How long should I wear compression each day?
Most people put their socks on in the morning and wear them until bedtime. Wear them at night only when your therapist recommends it.
What if one leg is larger than the other?
Measure each leg separately and order the size that fits the affected leg. Our wide calf stockings help when the calf runs larger than standard sizes.
Do I need a prescription?
No prescription is required for the levels we carry. Your therapist or doctor should still guide what you wear for lymphedema.
When should I see a doctor?
See a provider at the first sign of heaviness or swelling, since early treatment tends to work better. Call right away if you notice redness and warmth in the swollen leg, especially if you have a fever.
Medical Disclaimer
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Compression therapy is a medical treatment. Consult your healthcare provider before using compression if you have peripheral artery disease, diabetes, neuropathy, heart conditions, or circulation problems, or if you have open wounds or a skin infection on the leg.