Compression Therapy for Joint Swelling: Does It Help?

Key Takeaways

• Compression helps reduce swelling by supporting fluid drainage
• Works best for mild to moderate swelling, especially in legs and arms
• Different levels of compression suit different needs
• Proper fit is essential—too tight causes problems, too loose doesn’t help
• Generally safe but some conditions require caution
• Often used with elevation and movement for best results

Joint swelling is one of the most uncomfortable aspects of arthritis. Compression therapy—using specialized garments or wraps to apply pressure—can help manage swelling and improve comfort.

How Compression Works

The Mechanism

When external pressure is applied to swollen tissues:

• Fluid is pushed out of tissue spaces
• Venous and lymphatic return improves
• New swelling is discouraged from forming
• The pressure gradient helps move fluid centrally

Types of Swelling It Helps

Edema (fluid swelling):

• Responds well to compression
• Common in legs, ankles, hands
• Often worse at end of day
• Improves with elevation

Inflammatory swelling:

• May have some benefit
• More complex cause
• Often needs additional treatment
• Compression is adjunctive

What Compression Can’t Do

• Doesn’t treat underlying disease
• Won’t reduce bone swelling
• Not effective for all swelling types
• Doesn’t replace medical treatment

Types of Compression Products

Compression Sleeves

Knee sleeves:

• Pull-on elastic sleeves
• Provide mild compression
• Also warmth and proprioception
• Good for mild knee swelling/OA
• Cost: $15-$50

Elbow and wrist sleeves:

• Support for upper extremities
• Various compression levels
• May help with activity
• Cost: $10-$40

Hand and finger compression:

• Compression gloves
• Individual finger sleeves
• Help with hand arthritis
• Often worn at night
• Cost: $15-$40

Compression Wraps

ACE-type bandages:

• Adjustable compression
• Reusable
• Requires proper technique
• Cost: $5-$15

Self-adherent wraps:

• Stick to themselves
• Easy to apply
• Various widths
• Cost: $5-$20

Compression wrap systems:

• Velcro closure
• Consistent pressure
• Easier than bandages
• Cost: $30-$100

Compression Stockings

Levels of compression:

• Light (8-15 mmHg): Mild swelling, tired legs
• Moderate (15-20 mmHg): Mild to moderate swelling
• Firm (20-30 mmHg): Moderate to severe swelling
• Extra firm (30-40 mmHg): Severe swelling (prescription)

Styles:

• Knee-high: Most common for leg swelling
• Thigh-high: For more extensive swelling
• Waist-high/Pantyhose: For whole leg compression

Intermittent Pneumatic Compression (IPC)

What it is:

• Inflatable sleeves with pump
• Sequential compression
• Used for significant lymphedema
• Usually prescribed/used in clinic
• Cost: $200-$1,000+ (or clinical use)

When Compression Helps

Good Indications

Arthritis-related swelling:

• Post-activity swelling
• Chronic mild swelling
• After flares subside
• During travel (prevents worsening)

Post-surgical:

• After joint surgery
• Per surgeon’s recommendation
• Helps prevent blood clots
• Reduces swelling

Chronic venous insufficiency:

• Leg swelling at end of day
• Varicose veins
• History of leg clots (with doctor approval)

Lymphedema:

• Arm or leg swelling after lymph node removal
• Requires professional fitting
• Often combined with other therapies

Less Likely to Help

• Acute severe inflammation
• Infected joints
• Swelling from heart/kidney disease (need medical treatment)
• Bone-related swelling

How to Use Compression Safely

Getting the Right Fit

Measuring:

• Follow package instructions exactly
• Measure in the morning (least swelling)
• Measure at multiple points
• When in doubt, see a fitter

Proper donning:

• Put on in the morning before swelling increases
• Use techniques to ease application
• Consider donning aids for stockings
• Smooth out wrinkles

Wearing Schedule

General guidelines:

• Wear during the day/activity
• Remove at night (usually)
• Start with shorter periods
• Build up to full day as tolerated

Exceptions:

• Some conditions require nighttime wear
• Post-surgical protocols vary
• Follow specific instructions if given

Signs of Problems

Remove compression if:

• Numbness or tingling
• Increased pain
• Color changes in fingers/toes
• Cold extremities
• Skin breakdown

Seek help if:

• Sudden increase in swelling
• New redness or warmth
• Symptoms worsen with compression
• Unsure about using compression

Safety Considerations

When to Avoid Compression

Absolute contraindications:

• Peripheral arterial disease (poor circulation)
• Skin infection in the area
• Uncontrolled heart failure
• Acute DVT (blood clot)—until treated

Use with caution:

• Diabetes (check with doctor)
• Skin conditions
• Sensation loss
• Very fragile skin

Important Precautions

Before starting:

• Consult doctor if significant swelling
• Rule out serious causes
• Get professional fitting for moderate-firm compression

Ongoing:

• Check skin regularly
• Wash garments frequently
• Replace worn items
• Monitor for changes

Compression for Specific Joints

Knee

Options:

• Compression sleeves (most common)
• Wrap bandages
• Full leg stockings (if whole leg swells)

Tips:

• Ensure covers entire swollen area
• Not too tight behind knee
• May combine with ice

Ankle

Options:

• Ankle sleeves
• Figure-8 wrapping
• Knee-high compression stockings

Tips:

• Include foot for dependent swelling
• Check circulation in toes
• Elevate when possible

Hand/Wrist

Options:

• Compression gloves
• Wrist sleeves
• Individual finger sleeves

Tips:

• Open-fingertip gloves allow function
• Often helpful at night
• May reduce morning stiffness

Combining Compression with Other Treatments

R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)

For acute swelling episodes:

1. Rest: Reduce activity temporarily
2. Ice: 15-20 minutes to reduce inflammation
3. Compression: Support and prevent more swelling
4. Elevation: Above heart level to drain fluid

With Exercise

• Compression during activity may help
• Reduces post-exercise swelling
• Provides proprioceptive feedback
• Don’t use to push through pain

With Elevation

• Compression + elevation very effective
• Use together when resting
• Elevation: Legs above heart level
• 20-30 minutes several times daily

Choosing Products

Quality Indicators

Look for:

• Graduated compression (tighter at extremity)
• Medical-grade materials
• Clear compression rating (mmHg)
• Good reviews from similar users

Avoid:

• Unclear compression levels
• Poorly constructed seams
• Non-breathable materials
• Bargain products with no specifications

Where to Buy

Over-the-counter (mild-moderate):

• Pharmacies
• Medical supply stores
• Online retailers
• Some department stores

Prescription (higher compression):

• Medical supply companies
• Through your doctor’s office
• Specialized fitters

Cost and Insurance

Typical Prices

Item	Price Range
Compression sleeves	$15-$50
Compression gloves	$15-$40
Light stockings	$15-$30
Medical-grade stockings	$40-$100
Compression wraps	$30-$80

Insurance Coverage

Often covered:

• Stockings for documented venous disease
• Lymphedema garments with diagnosis
• Post-surgical compression

Usually not covered:

• Over-the-counter sleeves
• General comfort items
• Without medical documentation

Tips:

• Get prescription if possible
• Document medical necessity
• Use DME-certified suppliers

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sleep in compression garments?

Usually, compression is worn during the day and removed at night. However, some conditions (like lymphedema) may require nighttime compression. Compression gloves for hands are often worn at night specifically. Follow your provider’s recommendations for your situation.

How tight should compression feel?

Firm but not painful. You should be able to slide a finger underneath. It shouldn’t cause numbness, tingling, or color changes. If uncomfortable, it may be too tight, too loose, or the wrong style. Proper fitting solves most problems.

How long do compression garments last?

Most compression garments lose elasticity over time. Replace every 3-6 months with regular use, or when they feel looser, develop holes, or no longer provide adequate compression. Having multiple pairs allows rotation and longer life per garment.

Will compression make my joints stronger?

No, compression manages swelling but doesn’t strengthen anything. You still need exercise to maintain strength. Some people do use compression during exercise for support and swelling management, but the compression itself isn’t building strength.

Can compression cause blood clots?

When properly fitted and used appropriately, compression prevents clots rather than causing them. However, improperly tight or applied compression could theoretically restrict blood flow. This is why proper fitting and technique matter, and why people with certain conditions need medical guidance.

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Exploring other ways to manage swelling? Read about heat vs. ice for joint pain or learn about anti-inflammatory diets.

Last medically reviewed: January 2025

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. If you have significant swelling, especially sudden swelling, consult your healthcare provider to rule out serious causes before using compression therapy.