Venous insufficiency, where weaker leg veins let blood pool under gravity, is widespread, and it causes painful varicose veins, swelling, skin problems and ulceration.
Graduated compression stockings are strongest at the ankle and ease off as they go up the leg, redirecting blood into healthier veins and improving circulation. That reduces pain, swelling, aching and heaviness.
Modern stockings are nothing like the ones you may be picturing. As one patient put it: they are so comfy we forget we are wearing them.