Compression Socks: What Are They and Who Needs Them? (2024)

0 Shares

It’s likely you’ve seen athletes or travelers on lengthy flights using tight compression socks to enhance blood circulation. But their applications aren’t limited to travel and sports. Several medical disorders may cause pain and swelling, which compression socks can aid.

Compression Socks: What Are They and Who Needs Them? (1)

Compression socks for men and women work as they can enhance their health. Some people might not know about them because they are suggested to people with specific health ailments. Don’t worry about this write-up; we will discuss compression socks and which individuals should wear them. Keep reading for more!

Compression Socks: What Are They?

Compression socks are a kind of elastic hosiery intended to help return venous blood to the heart by applying sufficient pressure at various points along the foot, ankle, and leg.

  • The graded compression design gradually loosens the leg after being tighter at the ankles.
  • This mild compression improves blood flow through veins and lessens soreness, exhaustion, and edema.

Compression socks are available in various designs and lengths, giving patients bedridden or undergoing surgery alternatives for treating deep vein thrombosis and varicose veins and preventing blood clot development after surgery.

Compression Socks Types

Typical kinds of compression socks are:

Graduated Compression Socks

  • The knee-high compression socks 15-20 mmHg provide graded pressure from the foot to the knee using interlaced fabric fibers with an inherent memory. Depending on the kind of compression socks the doctor has prescribed, these socks provide the most significant amount of pressure at the ankle and progressively lessen it up to the knee.
  • Patients with lymphedema, venous malformations, varicose veins, and deep vein thrombosis often get them as an adjunctive therapy.

Anti-Embolism Socks

  • As their name implies, these socks provide sufficient compression to the veins in the legs and reduce the chance of clot formation throughout the healing and recovery process when movement is restricted.
  • Medically appropriate sizes and fittings are necessary for hospital-grade anti-embolism socks.

Common Health Issues Addressed by Compression Socks

Your doctor may suggest the best compression socks to treat vein or venous disease symptoms. Venous diseases are caused by malfunctioning vein valves, which impede blood flow back to the heart. This may result in:

Twisted or bulging veins and these may develop close to the skin surface and it is often known as the varicose veins. These veins might even bring a heavy feeling in your legs, cause itching and result in burning or hurting.

Damage to the veins in the legs results in chronic venous insufficiency. The symptoms include leg ulcers, skin abnormalities, cramps, and soreness. Chronic venous insufficiency may occur in people with varicose veins.

A kind of chronic venous insufficiency brought on by deep vein thrombosis is known as post-thrombotic syndrome (DVT). When a blood clot develops in a deep leg vein, DVT occurs. Vein damage might result from scarring left by a DVT clot. DVT may be fatal if treatment is not received because the clot has the potential to break free and get stuck in the lung’s bladder. This is known as a potentially lethal pulmonary embolism.

Swelling brought on by a buildup of lymph, a fluid, in the body’s tissues is known as lymphedema. Infections, tumors, cancer treatments, and issues with lymph system development may cause lymphedema.

Who Needs Compression Socks?

Compression socks can be helpful for a wide range of people who experience circulation problems, such as:

For individuals experiencing swelling and discomfort: Conditions such as chronic venous insufficiency, varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis, and other related issues can lead to the accumulation of fluid and feelings of discomfort.

  • Compression socks offer a gentle touch that aids fluid drainage and relieves tired, weary legs.
  • Getting a suitable class of compression socks is crucial to be effective.

Requirements for Recovery after Surgery: Patients who have undergone surgeries such as knee and hip replacements may experience immobilization. During their recovery phase, it is beneficial for these patients to use products such as knee high compression socks 20-30 mmHg for preventing the formation of blood clots.

  • Sizing correctly in the hospital ensures the right amount of gradient pressure.

How Do Compression Socks Work?

Your circulatory system will benefit greatly from the gentle embracing support that compression socks provide to your lower legs and feet. Compression socks aid in natural processes that keep us comfortable and energetic throughout our everyday lives.

Increased Blood Flow Efficiency

Compression socks provide a tight fit that helps blood vessels carry oxygenated blood easily to lower extremities while helping slow-moving veins return blood to the heart against gravity.

Reduction of Pain and Swelling

Increased blood flow throughout the body may also stop blood from accumulating in veins, which lowers the risk factors linked to the formation of harmful clots.

Compression socks relieve swollen ankles and feet and the aching heaviness in the legs that often follows an injury or prolonged immobility by promoting normal blood flow.

Encouragement of Active Lives

Even athletes use compression clothing to enhance their leg awareness during exercise and expedite their recovery after training.

The tight fit provides fast elimination of lactic acid buildups and proprioceptive cues about positioning.

Bottom Line

Compression socks for women and men have a wide range of applications beyond just athletes and travelers. They provide relief by improving circulation and reducing pain and swelling caused by different medical conditions. They come in various types and lengths, relieving venous disorders and assisting with post-surgery recovery. Having a clear understanding of these tools’ advantages and practical uses is essential for using them correctly and getting the most out of them.

0 Shares

Compression Socks: What Are They and Who Needs Them? (2024)

FAQs

Compression Socks: What Are They and Who Needs Them? ›

Compression socks – or compression stockings – are specialized socks that apply gentle pressure to your legs and ankles. They can help improve blood flow from your legs to your heart. “Compression socks have also been shown to help decrease swelling and pain in the legs and ankles,” explains a Riverside provider.

Who should not use compression socks? ›

People who suffer from arthritis, concomitant dermatoses or advanced peripheral neuropathy will also be discouraged from using compression stockings.

How can I tell if I need compression socks? ›

There are many different symptoms in which a compression sock, compression stocking or pressure stockings can help and reduce pain and discomfort. For example, there may be a heavy, tired or painful feeling in the legs with load, especially when walking, standing or sitting.

Where does the fluid go when you wear compression socks? ›

The leg can be so edematous (swollen) that once the sock is on, it will squeeze fluid out of the tissue to above the sock. When the circumference of the leg covered by the sock is reduced, the squeeze becomes less and the remaining fluid in the leg remains.

How long should you wear compression socks for? ›

Yes, compression socks are safe to wear all day. In fact, you'll get the most benefits if you wear them all day. For the best results, put them on first thing in the morning before your feet have a chance to swell. Take the socks off at night before you shower or go to bed.

Is there a downside to wearing compression socks? ›

Is there a downside to wearing compression socks? Compression stockings are generally safe but can cause you pain or even cut off your circulation if you don't wear the proper size. The pressure also can cause minor bruising or skin ulcers, and tightly fitting socks also can cause dry skin, redness, and itching.

What conditions need compression socks? ›

Your doctor may recommend you wear compression socks for:
  • Boosting circulation in the legs.
  • Decreasing swelling in the legs and ankles.
  • Improving lymphatic drainage.
  • Managing orthostatic hypotension, or low blood pressure when you stand up after a period of sitting down.
  • Preventing blood from pooling in the leg veins.

How many hours a day should you wear compression stockings? ›

This is because when you lay down to sleep at night, the effect of gravity on your legs significantly lessens, which helps blood and lymph circulate out of the legs. So, for general wear, you CAN wear compression socks for 24 hours, but it is certainly not required.

Should you elevate your legs when wearing compression socks? ›

Compression stockings and elevation work together to reduce the venous pressure and increase the return of venous blood to the heart. You certainly cannot elevate your legs at all times. I tell patients to elevate when they can and stockings can be kept on with elevation.

What happens when you start wearing compression socks? ›

Benefits of wearing compression socks

Increasing circulation and blood flow in your legs. Decreasing swelling in your legs and ankles. Preventing blood from pooling in your veins. Preventing blood clots.

What is the number one brand for compression stockings? ›

The SB Sox Compression Socks are a top pick for runners and other athletes looking to enhance blood flow during their workouts. They offer a compression level of 20 to 30 mmHg and are available in four sizes to offer a comfortable fit for a range of users.

What are the side effects of compression socks? ›

Compression socks can cause:
  • Discomfort: At higher pressures, compression socks can feel really tight and uncomfortable.
  • Skin irritation or damage: Signs of irritation may include tingling, itching, redness, or bruising.
  • Poor circulation: Compression socks that don't fit properly can cause decreased blood flow.
Mar 20, 2024

Can you stop wearing compression socks once you start? ›

Compression socks do not work after one use. So, wearing them for weeks or months after surgery is a good idea to help prevent complications during your healing process. However, always consult with your doctor or medical professional for their recommendation.

Should I wear compression socks while sitting? ›

Compression Socks and All-Day Sitting

If you're sitting at home or at a desk all day, compression socks can help prevent problems. You don't have to wear them all the time. But even keeping them on for a few hours while you sit could help.

How tight should compression socks be? ›

Most people generally find that compression socks should feel snug but not too tight. You should be able to slip a finger under the fabric at the widest part of your calf without much resistance. If you can't do this, the socks are probably too tight and could cut off your circulation.

What is the major drawback of compression stockings? ›

One of the concerns of compression socks is the negative impact they can have on the skin, especially for older adults. It's possible for these stockings to put enough pressure to break the skin, which could lead to further problems such as sores or infection.

Do compression socks affect heart rate? ›

However, the results showed the significant lower HR (p < 0.05) after 80-min recovery in the participants with compression clothing compared with without compression garments. Enhancement of redistribution of blood flow and blood flow was associated with a lower mean heart rate [24].

Can compression stockings dislodge a clot? ›

The pressure exerted by compression stockings is designed to improve blood flow and prevent new clots. It is generally not forceful enough to dislodge an existing, adhered blood clot. The primary function of these stockings is preventative, rather than being a treatment for existing clots.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Twana Towne Ret

Last Updated:

Views: 6513

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (44 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Twana Towne Ret

Birthday: 1994-03-19

Address: Apt. 990 97439 Corwin Motorway, Port Eliseoburgh, NM 99144-2618

Phone: +5958753152963

Job: National Specialist

Hobby: Kayaking, Photography, Skydiving, Embroidery, Leather crafting, Orienteering, Cooking

Introduction: My name is Twana Towne Ret, I am a famous, talented, joyous, perfect, powerful, inquisitive, lovely person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.