THE BENEFITS OF COMPRESSION SOCKS HOW TO
THE BENEFITS OF COMPRESSION SOCKS SKIN

Compression socks can cause:ĭiscomfort: At higher pressures, compression socks can feel really tight and uncomfortable. Is there any downside to wearing compression socks?Īs with any treatment option, there are some potential risks of wearing compression socks.

THE BENEFITS OF COMPRESSION SOCKS HOW TO

That way, you can get guidance on compression garments and how to use them based on your medical history and health needs. So it's a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider even if you don't have a prescription. It's important to note that this information may not apply to everyone. Many reports suggest that you can wear compression socks all day to treat or prevent venous problems except while bathing or sleeping. And your healthcare provider can explain how long you should wear them. If you have a prescription, your graduated compression stockings will be professionally fitted. How many hours a day should you wear compression socks?

THE BENEFITS OF COMPRESSION SOCKS SKIN

Severe skin disorders or infections like cellulitis If you have certain medical conditions, it's best to check with a healthcare provider before using compression therapy. But they are not the right treatment option for everyone. Can everyone wear compression socks?Ĭompression socks are generally safe. If you're not sure how tight your compression socks should be, a healthcare provider can help. But generally, compression socks should be snug but not so tight that they hurt. The amount of pressure you feel may vary based on the sock material and your leg shape and activity level. High pressure (30 to 40 mmHg): after sclerotherapy, venous leg ulcers, ulcer recurrence prevention, and lymphedema Medium pressure (20 to 30 mmHg): acute blood clots Low pressure (under 20 mmHg): varicose veins in pregnancy, occupational leg edema, and blood clots after surgery But research offers some general guidelines: There is some debate about how much pressure is required to treat certain conditions. That stands for millimeters of mercury, which measures the level of pressure. If you've ever purchased over-the-counter compression socks, you may have noticed 'mm Hg' on the tag. That depends on the type of sock and what you are using it for. And the effects may be at least partially due to a placebo effect.

Some people wear nonmedical compression socks while exercising or playing sports to enhance performance and recovery. Relieve leg pain and swelling in pregnancy Lower the risk of deep vein thrombosis or the symptoms of post-thrombotic syndrome Stop blood from pooling or clotting in your leg veins Promote lymphatic drainage for people with lymphedema Heal or prevent leg ulcers and other symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency A healthcare provider may prescribe compression socks to: That's why you might see people on long flights wearing compression socks.ĭepending on the type of sock used, compression therapy can help with several conditions. Prolonged sitting or standing can slow circulation and cause swelling or edema in your legs or ankles.

Like anti-embolism stockings, they provide gradient pressure. Medical or graduated compression stockings: Healthcare providers prescribe these medical-grade socks to provide a specific level of compression. They exert the greatest pressure at the ankle, gradually declining toward the top of the sock (gradient pressure). They provide uniform compression throughout the garment and are not as tight as medical compression stockings.Īnti-embolism stockings: These stockings are designed to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot that forms in a deep vein) in people who are not mobile.

Nonmedical support hosiery: You can buy these garments –– including flight socks and elastic support socks –– over the counter. The socks usually fall into three main categories: There are also arm and full-body compression garments. While they typically fall below the knee, they can also come up to the thigh or be worn as tights. To effectively provide pressure, compression socks are usually made of synthetic materials such as lycra, nylon, or spandex. Are there different types of compression socks? The compression increases blood flow to help prevent blood from pooling in your leg veins, which could cause damage and clotting. What’s the science behind compression socks?Ĭompression socks apply pressure to your legs and ankles. The special socks are designed to promote blood flow.īut how exactly do compression socks work, and who should wear them? We’ll take a peek at the science behind compression garments to find out. Compression socks or stockings gently squeeze your legs and ankles. You might have spotted someone wearing them on a flight or seen an athlete wearing them during a game. You may have seen compression socks, even if you’ve never worn them.

The benefits of compression socks