Activa Class I Below Knee Closed Toe Compression Stocking Black – Large

Class I compression stockings deliver 14–17 mmHg of graduated pressure at the ankle, reducing towards the knee. This is the lightest medical compression class and is appropriate for mild varicose veins, tired and aching legs, prevention of leg swelling during long flights or periods of standing, and early-stage chronic venous insufficiency. If your symptoms are more significant — significant swelling, active venous leg ulceration, or more advanced varicose vein disease — a higher compression class such as Class II may be more appropriate. A healthcare professional, pharmacist, or vascular nurse can advise on the right class for your individual condition.

Compression stocking sizing is based on specific ankle and calf circumference measurements, not on general clothing size. To find the correct size, measure around your ankle at its narrowest point, then around the widest part of your calf, ideally first thing in the morning before any leg swelling accumulates. Compare your measurements against the Activa sizing guide on the packaging. NOT FOUND — please confirm the specific measurement ranges for the large size from Activa product documentation. If you are between sizes or unsure, visit a Pearl Chemist Group branch where our pharmacist can measure your leg and recommend the correct fit.

The purpose of graduated compression is to support venous return and prevent fluid from accumulating in the lower leg. When you are upright — standing or sitting — gravity causes blood and tissue fluid to pool in the legs. By the end of the day, this accumulated fluid makes the legs measurably larger in circumference than first thing in the morning. Putting on compression stockings in the morning, before this fluid accumulation occurs, allows the stocking to fit correctly and deliver the right level of compression throughout the day. Trying to apply a compression stocking to an already-swollen leg is uncomfortable and results in a poor, potentially harmful fit.

Yes. Class I compression stockings are widely recommended for long-haul flights and extended periods of sitting — such as long train or coach journeys — where reduced movement and cramped seating increase the risk of lower leg swelling and deep vein thrombosis in susceptible individuals. Wearing compression stockings during a flight is a straightforward and well-evidenced preventive measure. If you have a history of DVT, a blood clotting disorder, or a significantly elevated risk of thrombosis, speak to your GP before travelling for personalised advice on compression and other preventive measures.

Yes, Class I compression stockings are commonly recommended for mild to moderate varicose veins, both to manage symptoms such as aching, heaviness, and swelling, and as part of the management plan following procedures such as endovenous ablation or sclerotherapy. If you have significant or symptomatic varicose veins, your GP or a vascular specialist will advise on whether Class I is adequate or whether a higher compression class is needed, and whether compression alone or in combination with a procedural intervention is the most appropriate management for your individual situation.

With daily use and correct washing and drying care, compression stockings typically maintain adequate compression for approximately three to six months. The elastic fibres gradually lose their stretch with repeated washing and wearing, and a stocking that has lost its compression provides no meaningful therapeutic benefit. Signs that replacement is needed include visible thinning of the fabric, a noticeably looser fit, the stocking rolling down easily, or an absence of the firm, supportive feel on the leg. Replacing on a regular schedule every three to six months, rather than waiting until deterioration is obvious, ensures continuous effective compression.

Yes. Our pharmacists can measure your ankle and calf circumference and advise on the correct Activa size and compression class for your individual leg measurements and clinical need. A proper fitting appointment takes only a few minutes and significantly reduces the risk of selecting an incorrectly sized stocking, which would either fail to provide therapeutic compression or create pressure damage to the leg. Visit your nearest Pearl Chemist Group branch or contact us to arrange a fitting. Browse our full range of compression hosiery online for all available styles and sizes.