What are compression socks?

Compression socks, also known as “compression stockings,” are designed to compress the legs and help improve circulation. The compression restricts blood vessels in your legs by compressing them, thereby forcing more blood flow back up towards your heart.  It is a great product that people of all ages can use.

Who Needs Compression Garments?

Compression socks are excellent for:

• Patients That Just Came From Surgery.
  If you just came from surgery, your doctor may suggest you use compression wear. The purpose of these socks is to reduce your swelling. The provided compression will force out more fluid from the legs, thereby reducing swelling.
• People That Suffer From Varicose Veins and Spider Veins.
  Varicose veins and spider veins are common problems. If you suffer from these conditions, you may have a lot of discomforts. Compression garments can help reduce your pain and relieve pressure on the affected veins.
• Older Adults and People Who Are Bed-ridden for a Long Time.
  If you are elderly or bed-ridden for an extended period, your blood will accumulate in your legs, making them swell. It can cause some severe problems, so it is essential to wear compression socks to prevent it from happening.
• Patients With a Condition Called Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI).
  Patients suffering from CVI may not get enough blood circulation in their legs. The condition can be caused by health problems like varicose veins or long-standing issues like chronic diabetes. If you are diagnosed with CVI, your doctor may recommend using compression socks to help improve blood circulation in your legs.
• People Who Sit for Long Periods.
  If you spend a lot of time sitting down at your job or home, you may develop compression foot syndrome. The condition happens when the arteries in your legs become stiff from sitting for long periods. It can make your legs swell, cause pain, and prevent proper blood flow. Compression wear can help alleviate these conditions by reducing inflammation and improving blood circulation.
• Pregnant Women.
  Pregnant women should wear compression footwear to help reduce swelling and prevent edema. If you are pregnant, it is essential to use compression socks to prevent edema.
• Athletes
  Athletes may sometimes participate in sports that require longer sitting down and standing. As a result, you may notice that your legs swell after the activity. It can cause some severe problems, especially when it happens often. Compression socks can help reduce swelling and improve circulation.
• People With Diabetes
  If you have diabetes, you may experience many issues with your legs. Your blood is not able to flow properly because of the problem. Compression can help reduce inflammation and improve blood circulation, reducing the pain associated with diabetes.

Compression socks are great to wear when you travel and on long flights. These socks can also be worn while sleeping or sitting at work.

What Exactly Does Compression Garments Do?

Some of the things you can expect compression socks to do for you are:

• Reduce Swelling and Kick-start Circulation in Your Legs
  Can make your legs feel lighter and improve blood circulation. The compression makes it look like you have no swelling in your legs. It can help prevent edema and alleviate pain.
• Provide Support for Your Legs
  Compression socks are designed to provide support for your legs. They apply pressure evenly to keep your legs in a comfortable position while you sit or walk around the house or office. These socks will also prevent feeling tired or cramping when you stand up after sitting or walking around the house.
• Reduce Foot Pain and Prevent Corns, Bunions, and Blisters
  Compression socks do not only provide support to your legs, but they can also be beneficial to your feet. They help reduce foot pain that is caused by problems like corns, bunions, and blisters. Wearing compression garments also helps maintain your daily activity because it prevents you from being tired too soon.
• Help Delay the Need for Vein Treatments, Like Phlebectomies and Sclerotherapy
  If you are diagnosed with CVI, your doctor may recommend compression socks to help prevent it from getting worse. Compression socks can also be used to help reduce your pain.
• Improve Your Skin
  One of the benefits of using compression socks is improving your skin’s appearance. If you have varicose veins and spider veins, wearing these socks will reduce the redness and discoloration in your legs, thereby making them look more radiant.
• Provide Pain Relief
  Compression socks can be used to provide pain relief due to venous insufficiency, varicose veins, and other conditions. The compression is also beneficial in relieving pain from other health problems.
• Prevent Dehydration
  If you suffer from CVI, the swelling that occurs may cause you to become dehydrated over time. Compression socks will slow down the process of dehydration, which may aid in preventing your legs from becoming swollen and painful.

How Should You Wear Compression Socks?

It would help if you smoothed out the stocking between your toes and ankle then pulled the sock up. Make sure the sock stays tight enough to prevent it from falling off.

How Long Should You Wear Compression Socks?

There is no limit to how long you can wear them if you follow the instructions. However, you should wear them for a maximum of eight hours as per recommendations. Also, don’t abuse them by wearing them too frequently or without washing them properly.

There’s a wide variety of compression socks on today’s market. It can be hard to choose the best, but you can use the information in this article as a guide. If you are suffering from any condition requiring compression socks, you must get the right size and brand. Also, read the instructions carefully if they are printed on the box label or found online. If you have diabetic neuropathy or issues with your diabetes, you must buy compression socks specifically designed for people with diabetes