If you have any kind of leg swelling, including edema or pregnancy swollen legs, your doctor may prescribe compression stockings. These help move fluid out of the veins, reduce swelling and relieve symptoms like pain, aching and heaviness in the legs.
Compression stockings can also stop you from feeling light-headed or dizzy when you stand up and prevent spider and varicose veins, which are swellings of the legs that can cause a rash and aching. They can also prevent blood clots in the legs, which can be dangerous.