What Is a Compression Garment Used For?

The garment may be a sleeve, glove, stocking, or other fitted item. Its pressure is usually strongest farther from the body and lessens along the limb, helping limit fluid build-up in tissues. It can be recommended after cancer surgery, radiotherapy, or lymph-node treatment when lymph drainage has been affected.

A garment does not remove the underlying cause of lymphoedema. Fit, fabric, pressure level, and wearing schedule matter, and the correct choice depends on the affected area, skin condition, movement, and circulation. Lymphoedema Therapy may include other measures alongside compression.

Have the garment measured and fitted by a trained professional. Put it on as instructed, checking that it lies smoothly without folds, rolling, pinching, or numbness. Keep the skin clean and dry, inspect it regularly, and follow washing and replacement instructions so its shape and pressure remain suitable.

Remove it and contact the treating team if it causes new pain, marked tightness, colour change, tingling, numbness, or worsening swelling. Do not borrow a garment or increase its pressure without advice, because a different fit may be unsuitable.

Seek prompt medical advice for rapidly increasing swelling, redness, warmth, skin breaks, drainage, or fever in the affected area. Urgent help is needed for sudden breathlessness, chest pain, or a cold, pale, or severely painful limb. These signs may need assessment beyond adjusting the garment.

Ask which garment style and pressure are appropriate, how many hours to wear it, how to put it on, and when it should be removed. Ask how to check the fit, what to do during exercise or travel, and when the garment should be refitted.