Compression socks are specialized, stretchy socks that apply pressure to your legs and ankles. They help improve your blood flow and decrease pain and swelling in your legs. They apply pressure to the legs to reduce the extra fluid, reduce inflammation, and eventually improve blood flow to the heart through veins.
Wearing Compression socks also helps:
- Improve blood circulation problems
- Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) (blood clot) medical condition, primarily after surgery or injury
- Aching and heavy feeling in legs
- Minimize blood clot complications in legs, like post-phlebitic syndrome (swelling and pain in legs)
People also wear compression stocks to perform better in sports, comfort and avoid serious medical issues.
How Do Compression Socks Work?
Compression socks gently squeeze legs a bit more than regular socks, by which the pressure in tissues beneath the skin increases. It decreases excess fluid leakage from capillaries and increases the absorption of tissue fluid resulting in reduced swelling.
They also minimize the expansion of superficial veins’ ability to fill with blood and prevent it from flowing backward, causing congestion.
Compression socks also aid in blood flow when sitting for a long time during travel. The reduced movement and weaker circulation may cause blood retention in the legs, leading to clots.
Though the threat of clots isn’t high, you may notice some discomfort and swelling taking place on a long journey. Compression socks help keep the circulation going and minimize these symptoms.
Benefits of Compression Socks
Compression socks can benefit you in many ways. They
- Boost blood circulation in your legs
- Reduce swelling
- Support veins
- Reduce orthostatic hypotension, which causes dizziness or lightheadedness while standing
- Prevent blood pooling in your veins
- Lessen the pain caused by varicose veins(swollen and enlarged veins)
- Prevent the development of deep vein thrombosis in the legs
- Improve lymphatic drainage
- Reverse venous hypertension
Who Can Use Them?
People who underwent surgery
People who are at risk or with circulation problems, like varicose veins, DVT, diabetes
Athletes
Bed-ridden patients or those who have a hard time moving their legs
Pregnant women
People who stand all day at work
People who spend a long time sitting, during a journey, or on airplanes, like pilots
Types of Compression Socks
Comes in various lengths, these compression socks or stockings are available in two types:
- Graduated &
- Anti-embolism socks
Graduated compression stockings are the most common type used by people. These socks are tight around the ankle and get looser going higher on the legs. They are available in a range of compression tightness.
Anti-embolism socks are excellent for a specific purpose like maintaining circulation and preventing blood clots for patients confined to bed after surgery.
They come in different sizes, from knee-high to the top of the thigh
Pressures (from light to strong pressures) & color
You must consult with your doctor about which compression socks will work best for you. Besides, you can get separate compression socks for men and compression socks for women.
How to Wear Compression Socks
Wear the stockings the first thing in the morning before you get out of your bed. The swelling on your legs will be less early in the morning.
To put on it,
Hold the top of the compression socks and roll them down to the heel.
Put your foot into the socks as far as you can and your heel in the heel of the compression stocking.
Pull the socks up and unroll them over your leg.
Smooth out any wrinkles after pulling the socks over the top of your leg.
Do not let the compression socks bunch up or wrinkle.
The knee-length compression stockings should come to 2 fingers below the knee bend.
Note that the socks should feel strong around your legs. You should feel more pressure around your ankles and less sliding up your legs.
Here are some quick tips to help you put on the socks easily.
Apply moisturizer/lotion on your legs before you put on the stockings. But make sure you let it dry.
Use a little cornstarch or baby powder on your legs. It may help the compression socks slide up.
Wear rubber dishwashing gloves to adjust the stockings and make them even.
Use a stocking donner to roll it over your foot. You can get a doner at a medical store or online.
Maintaining your compression socks clean is also significant to avoid infections.
Wash your compression socks every day. You can use water and mild soap. Rinse and then air dry them properly.
It is good to have two pairs of stockings to use them alternatively.
Replace your compression socks every 3 to 6 months
If you feel uncomfortable wearing your stockings, call your practitioner. Check if you have to use a different kind of stocking that will work best for you. Don’t stop wearing them without talking to your doctor.
Where to Get the Best Compression Socks
Many online sites sell compression socks for various purposes. To buy the high-quality, best compression socks online, reach out to Bison Life. We have a good collection of compression socks in different lengths, colors, and strengths. Also, find separate compression socks for men and compression socks for women here. Get the best compression socks based on your requirement to reduce or prevent your medical conditions.
FAQs:
It depends on an individual’s medical conditions and other needs. You can wear compression socks all day long or just a few hours at a time. However, remove them off before you go to bed. Consult with your doctor regarding the type and pick one that best suits your healthcare routine.
Compression socks primarily help in reducing leg swelling and discomfort. They are specially designed to apply pressure on your legs and help maintain blood flow. The stockings can improve circulation and prevent health conditions like varicose veins.
Yes, the right ankle-high compression socks work well if you have swelling and pain in your foot. They are easy and more comfortable to wear than knee-length stockings. The ankle-length socks provide many similar benefits that regular compression socks offer.
The important thing is that you should choose the right size compression socks that best fit your calf and legs. Ensure the top of the stockings doesn’t get folded over or rolled down. They should be worn on smoothly, just below or above your knee.
It depends on the type of compression socks you buy. Most compression socks have to be air-dried after washing with mild soap and water. There are medi compression socks which you can tumble-dry. However, make sure you use only a low setting or a gentle cycle.
