What are Compression Socks Used For? Explained

Compression Stockings, Sleeves, and Toe Socks are made of subtle gradients of medical-grade elastic fibers, which gradually compress your leg as they move from your foot to your thigh. By applying indirect pressure to the leg, you’ll benefit from improved circulation and oxygenation. In return, it increases the oxygen supply to the muscles and aids muscle recovery after a demanding activity.

They are actually one of the coolest healthcare innovations. They increase your blood flow, which can help relieve tired or achy feet, prevent swelling, and give you more energy. You feel like you have a surge of new life! In addition to compression stocking benefits, they also relieve leg fatigue (also suitable for travel) and reduce the swelling in your legs. Sweat will be reduced significantly as well. You’re going to love your compression stockings!

What conditions can be treated with compression stocking?

Wearing a compression hose may positively affect the subjective feeling of comfort, especially in the long term, and HR responses, as indirect indices of the autonomic nervous system.

 Indicators of general health status include lower-limb performance and endurance, which can be improved by wearing compression stockings. Furthermore, changes in saliva cortisol levels, which measure psychological stress, were independent of whether a person wore or didn’t wear compression stockings and related to lower-limb VAS changes.

Compression stockings help minimize the appearance of leg swelling caused by pressure on the gums (onycholysis). This condition is a common problem in athletes, soldiers, firefighters, and other persons who may have had difficulty standing for a long time.

The causes of orthostatic hypotension can be varied and include medications, viral infections, injuries, specific surgical procedures, and compression clothing. As stated above, a compression stocking is often placed under the leg bone to provide additional support when lowering the limb in standing or sitting positions.

 How do compression stockings work?

These stockings apply pressure on your legs and function to improve the circulation of your blood vessels. Your arteries, which carry oxygen-rich blood, relax and allow blood to flow without obstruction. Meanwhile, the same pressure helps your veins guide and push blood.

As a result, your feet, ankles, and legs will be less prone to swelling. This is why wearing this type of garment can also help decrease the stress on your legs, which in turn helps keep them from getting weary more quickly.

 Types of Compression Socks

Compression socks come in three varieties: graduated, anti-embolism stockings, and non-medical support hosiery. Each type of sock comes with its own unique benefits. Treating swelling is just one of the many benefits that graduated compression socks provide. For people whose ankles swell during the day, these socks can be a lifesaver. Specifically designed to fit your feet smoothly, they provide optimal circulation throughout the entire body.

Anti-embolism stockings, which are more common, are especially beneficial for people who have had deep vein thrombosis or who are at risk of having it. These stockings usually range from knee-high to thigh-high and get tighter the further up the leg they go. 

1. Generally, graduated compression socks feature a thick band that keeps the socks in place and prevents clumping at the heel. Extended use of knee-high compression socks or thigh-high compression socks offers numerous health benefits, including improved circulation, reduced swelling, and even increased energy levels.
2. An anti-embolism stocking features a spider web design that constricts the legs and helps blood flow return to the heart, preventing blood clots from developing. The stockings are most used in patients who have undergone abdominal, orthopedic, or vaginal surgery and are restricted to remaining upright for at least 48 hours. The anti-embolism stocking’s purpose is to promote circulation and prevent blood clots from forming in your legs.
3. Non-medical support hosiery is perfect for those who want to keep their legs feeling lighter and fresher without the need for a prescription. If you’re looking for a plantar fasciitis relief, back support, or even your feet’s best friend after a long day at work, we have a pair that will do the trick.

How to Wear Them?

The easiest way to wear them is to smooth them that way, so they sit flat against your skin. Avoid clumping. Don’t fold or roll the tops down because it will make them too tight. They may cause blood flow problems or cut off circulation like a tourniquet.

People with vascular disorders should wear compression socks that are not so tight so that they do not cut off their circulation. If they are too loose, they will not be effective. Compression socks are available in several sizes and lengths.

Wear compression stockings as instructed by your doctor. Bear in mind that you may have to take them off to bathe or shower. Put socks on top of them and wear slippers with them. Discuss how often to wear them and how long.

Pros of Compression Stockings

They Help In Recovery

Knee-high socks, when worn during exercise, will provide benefits such as getting rid of lactic acid. This happens when you wear sports gear while training or competing.

They Provide Added Protection.

It’s not unusual to end up with mud-covered legs or a few bruises and scratches when you play or work outside. You can wear compression socks over your legs to cover them up and protect them, and they can also be used to avoid sunburn if they have SPF protection.

Available in different styles.

A variety of designs and colors are available. In addition to that, they are made from various fabrics, such as Spandex, Lycra, CoolMax, nylon, polyester, and wool. These fabrics provide plenty of options for those who have skin allergies from any particular fabric.

Cons of Compression Stockings

Compression socks have numerous advantages, but there are also side effects. If you wear inappropriate socks or are allergic to the material, it can cause skin changes. – If not worn properly, compression socks could cause skin blisters, nerve damage, and pain.

So please consult with a doctor before picking the perfect compression socks/stockings to cure varicose veins, venous deficit, or prevent blood clots.

Final Words! 

In addition to improving circulation and stimulating the flow of blood in the body, compression socks also work best in lowering blood clot risks, leg ulcers, and swelling. Ask your pharmacist or doctor to recommend you the right socks that fit you properly.

Diabetics should also talk to their doctors before using compression socks, as narrowed or blocked arteries can further impede blood flow. Compression socks can worsen arterial insufficiency. Hope you found this blog post informative; for more such information-rich blogs, stay tuned.