To investigate the adherence to and efficacy of different compression methods in elderly patients.

A retrospective review of compression therapy in 120 elderly patients (≥65 years) with chronic venous insufficiency was performed to study the initially preferred compression method, adherence to each method, and its efficacy.

Initially, an oversize strong stocking (24%), an appropriate size moderate stocking (19%), and bandages (37%) were equally preferred. Adherence at 1 month was 69%, 96%, and 91%, respectively, and they reduced ankle circumferences in C3 patients by 1.8 ± 1.9 cm, 0.3 ± 1.7 cm, and 2.9 ± 1.7 cm, respectively. The improvement rates of C4 symptoms were 79%, 60%, and 91%, respectively. Only three patients (2%) preferred an appropriate size strong stocking.

In elderly patients, an appropriate size strong stocking was not preferred. The best adherence was achieved by using a moderate stocking, while the best efficacy was achieved by using bandages.