What is a key feature of graduated compression garments used in chronic edema?

• A. It applies uniform pressure along the limb
• B. It provides greater pressure at the distal end and gradually decreases proximally
• C. It applies greater pressure proximally and decreases distally
• D. It uses no gradient

Answer: (B)

Gradated compression garments are designed to apply a pressure gradient along the limb, with the greatest pressure at the ankle that gradually decreases as you move up the leg. This setup helps venous and lymphatic return by squeezing the vessels most where pooling tends to occur (near the foot and ankle) and easing pressure higher up to maintain forward flow toward the heart. The distal-to-proximal gradient reduces fluid leakage into tissues and promotes reabsorption, which is essential in chronic edema. If the pressure were uniform or higher up the limb, the garment wouldn’t effectively assist venous return and could be less comfortable or even counterproductive.