In short
Choosing the right compression stocking size is essential to their effectiveness: an ill-fitting size can compromise the pressure needed for venous return. Compression stocking 3D scanning lets healthcare professionals obtain reliable leg measurements directly from a smartphone, using MyFit mobile photogrammetry. This approach makes it easier to recommend the right standard size, or design a fully custom stocking, while reducing returns linked to poor fit.
What are compression stockings?
Compression stockings are medical devices designed to support blood circulation in the legs. This is called “graduated pressure“: it’s strongest at the ankle and gradually decreases toward the top of the leg. This controlled pressure helps blood flow back to the heart, preventing stagnation in the lower limbs, which is often the cause of swelling, pain, and other venous complications.
When and why wear compression stockings?
Healthcare professionals recommend compression stockings for specific medical reasons:
- Preventing venous disorders and everyday relief: compression stockings can relieve the sensation of heavy legs and the discomfort associated with prolonged standing or sitting, while helping prevent the development of varicose veins.
- Post-surgical care: in a post-surgical context, they’re often prescribed to reduce the risk of thromboembolic complications linked to reduced mobility.
- Preventing risks linked to long trips: prolonged immobility on a plane, train, or in a car increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and edema; wearing compression stockings can help maintain blood circulation.
- Supporting muscle recovery for athletes: moderate, graduated pressure can support venous return after exercise.
What’s the difference between contention and compression?
The terms “contention” and “compression” are often used interchangeably, but they carry nuances:
| Criteria | Compression | Contention |
| Main purpose | Improve blood circulation and reduce swelling, via graduated pressure | Immobilize or restrict movement in a specific area |
| Pressure | Graduated, stronger in certain areas | Constant, strong, and localized |
| Field of application | Venous disorders (varicose veins, swelling), sports recovery | Injuries, post-surgical immobilization |
| Examples | Compression stockings, sports compression garments | Bandages, splints, orthoses |
How do you choose the right compression stocking size?
An ill-fitting size can make stockings ineffective, or even uncomfortable.
Compression classes
There are several compression classes, each corresponding to a pressure level defined by the Haute Autorité de Santé (French National Authority for Health):
- Class 1 (light pressure, 10-15 mmHg): generally recommended for the first signs of venous disorders, or for prevention.
- Class 2 (moderate pressure, 15-20 mmHg): suited to more pronounced venous disorders, such as varicose veins or edema.
- Class 3 (high pressure, 20-36 mmHg): recommended for severe venous insufficiency or significant edema.
- Class 4 (very high pressure, over 36 mmHg): used for specific cases of severe lymphedema.
Leg measurements to take
To properly fit a compression stocking, several leg measurements are needed: ankle, calf, and thigh circumference, as well as leg length depending on the stocking type (sock, mid-thigh, or full-length stocking).
How does compression stocking 3D scanning work?
Step 1: preparing the scan
With MyFit Solutions, measurement is taken via a mobile app, available on the App Store or Play Store — a ready-to-use app, white-label, or SDK-integrated depending on the need. Before starting the scan, even lighting and keeping the subject still are needed.
Step 2: performing the scan and obtaining measurements
Once the environment is ready, the professional starts the scan: the phone’s rear camera captures a series of photos of the leg. The images are then processed using MyFit mobile photogrammetry to generate a 3D leg model and the associated digital measurements.
Tape measure or compression stocking 3D scanning: what’s the difference?
| Criteria | Tape measure | MyFit mobile 3D scanning |
| Required equipment | Tape measure | None, just the smartphone camera |
| Measurement reliability | Depends on the operator | Guided by the app, reproducible |
| Data obtained | Point measurements | 3D model + digital measurements |
| Remote capability | No | Possible |
| Size recommendation | Manual | Based on digital measurements |
What are the benefits of compression stocking 3D scanning?
Based on digital measurements of the ankle, calf, and thigh, this approach makes it possible to:
- personalize sizing: precise recommendation for a standard size, or design of a custom solution if needed;
- optimize comfort and effectiveness: a precise fit ensures the stocking delivers the expected graduated pressure;
- reduce return rates: the recommended size is right the first time.
This same approach applies to designing custom products through 3D leg scanning, or other medical compression garments.
FAQ
Ankle, calf, and thigh circumference, as well as leg length, depending on the desired stocking type.
Yes, as long as the professional has a compatible smartphone and the MyFit Solutions app, the scan can be performed in any care setting.
No. MyFit mobile photogrammetry works with the standard camera on an iOS- or Android-compatible smartphone.
The choice of class (1 to 4) depends on the condition and is determined by the prescribing healthcare professional, following the Haute Autorité de Santé’s recommendations.
