Review on 2X-Large NuVein Surgical Stockings - 18MmHg Embolic Recovery Support, Unisex Knee High Fit, Closed Toe White by Jennifer Davis

I have used all sorts of compression socks over the past ten years or so due to venous insufficiency which has resulted in varicose veins and swelling. The swelling is worst when it is humid out, or if I have been doing a lot of sitting (like in a computer chair, or restaurant chair) or prolonged standing. Beyond that, they are great even just to energize the legs (though this pair is not made for that).I buy compression socks often as I wear them daily, as I dont want to have to keep rewashing the same pair/s. I have used various brands including NuVein. NuVein makes a decent pair of compression socks. They have a huge assortment to chose from, so depending on your needs you should be able to find something that works. I wasn't sure at first of these would be suitable for me, as I am not bed ridden, nor have had surgery. But I do experience the greatest amount of swelling in my ankle area at times, so I was curious how these affected that.This set is different that the other compression socks in that the compression is targeting the ankle, and is for those that are limited in mobility. The product description says 'This product is recommended during hospital stays or periods of inactivity. It is not intended to be worn every day'.These are the lightest of the bunch. They remind me of tights. Kinda sheer, not "medical" looking. Not as light as panty hose, but not as thick as a lightweight dress sock, and not as opaque/thick as some medical compression socks. The light material makes them great right now for me in the summer. In terms of compression, the 18 mmHg is fairly light, but it is targeted at the ankle, with less compression as it nears the top. I usually go 20-30mmHg for the more swollen days, but will use lighter ones when I am not as swollen, or for maintenance, or being proactive-- like for days that I know that I am likely to swell, but I don't yet need the greater compression, so something in the 15-20mmHg is usually good.So these are super light weight, are closed toe (very roomy), and are on the long side. Top band is soft, and not constrictive- the compression likely ends just before band, which makes them more comfortable to wear.Regardless of which style, According to NuVein you should MEASURE around your ANKLE and around your CALF to give you the best size. Going by your shoe size is just a quick reference. My ankle and calf fall into the Large category despite my feet actually being smaller than the range given for large. For these, I found it better to situate them once they hit my knee area, then if need be have overhand at my toes. The main thing is to not have any of it bunch up anywhere. If I pulled them up tight to my toes, then the rest of the sock would almost go over my knees. So yeh, it is hit and miss for lengths with these things. But to get the proper compression, into the correct spots make sure ankle and calf measurements are being used, and place the sock once on from knee down.I found this set to be rather hard to get on at first. More difficult than any other I have tried, even within NuVein. I put them on for a couple hours, then took them off. I noticed that when I went to put them back on, they were much easier to get on. So it may have been just that initial time. Maybe put them over the arm to help initially loosen them up?Since these are all one color, there are no inside seams that typically exist with patterned compression socks. This may not matter to some, but if you are dealing with edema, the additional seams will pit the skin, so I know some people try to avoid that. Rest assured these dont have additional seams. Very smooth sock.As with any compression sock, hand wash and air dry to extend life of them. or at very least, regular warm or cold wash with air dry.