Benefits of Wearing Circulation Socks

Compression socks, also known as compression stockings or circulation socks, are specially designed, snug-fitting, stretchy socks that apply pressure to your lower legs and ankles more than typical socks, but in a gentle way. The main purpose is to promote better blood circulation from your lower extremities to your heart and lessen pain and swelling in your legs.  

Doctors often recommend this type of socks to their patients to alleviate symptoms associated with varicose veins and spider veins, swelling, lymphedema, pre-and post-op recovery and more. Besides venous insufficiency, another common reason for wearing compression socks is to aid blood flow when sitting for long periods, like a long flight, or when just standing for long periods of time.  

The idea is to find a balance between the two and keep your muscles working, helping the blood flow up your legs against the pull of gravity. You can buy them online, at medical supplies companies and in drug stores, but if you’re not sure about the best compression range for your body, talk to your doctor first. You can find a variety of circulation socks and choose below- or above-knee socks and most suppliers these days offer features for personal preferences, including colour and a choice of an open or closed-toe. 

Benefits of Compression Socks 

Before purchasing a pair of compression socks or stockings, remember that they are just one part of your regimen. You need to make sure to drink plenty of water every day, consume a low salt diet and move your legs as much as you can. 

Boost Circulation in Your Legs 

People opt for compression socks and stockings to ensure comfort, better sports results or to prevent certain medical conditions. Your circulation socks can help you if you’re with or at risk for circulation problems if you’re pregnant or stand all day at work. Also, they can be beneficial for people who have a hard time moving their legs or can’t leave their bed. 

Make sure to consult a doctor before opting for compression therapy if you have diabetes, skin infection, peripheral neuropathy, congestive heart failure or ischaemia.  

Prevent Blood Clots  

With less movement and weaker circulation, there is more pooling and retention of blood in the legs. It can raise chances of clots and cause discomfort, swelling, discoloured skin and other problems. Compression socks can help keep circulation going and reduce the symptoms.  

Help Blood Flow Up Toward Your Heart 

Medical compression stockings can keep your legs from getting tired and achy and ease the swelling in your feet and ankles. In some cases, they may even help you not feeling dizzy or light-headed when you stand up. The pressure these stocking put on your legs helps the blood vessels perform better. The veins get a boost pushing blood back to your heart as the arteries that take oxygen-rich blood to the muscles can relax and blood can flow easily.

Help with Muscle Recovery 

It’s very common to see athletes in many different sports, wear compression socks or compression sleeves on their legs and arms. Most of them believe that during activity, better blood flow will help get oxygen to their muscles and the support will prevent tissue damage. Also, it can be associated with better muscle recovery as the muscles won’t be as sore and won’t cramp as much. 

Even though studies have shown that compression socks, compression stockings and compression sleeves have little to no effect on athletic performance, it doesn’t stop people from wearing them.  

  
Choose the Right Compression Socks and Stockings Size 

It’s very important to find the right size compression socks for you. Wearing the wrong size could accidentally cut off circulation to your lower leg, feet or toes. Compression socks are available in a range of sizes and lengths, so you could easily find the right fit. 

Make sure you don’t select compression stockings that are too long. Smooth out the stockings, so they lie flat against your skin and avoid bunching. Avoid folding or rolling the tops down as it can make your stockings too tight and cause blood flow problems. 

If you’re wearing compression socks for the first time and you find them uncomfortable, you can take them off and give yourself some time to adjust to them. If you experience loss of circulation, redness or allergic skin reactions, discomfort and pain in joints, tingling feet or corns, take off your compression socks and consult your doctor. 

How Many Hours a Day Should You Wear Compression Socks? 

Always check with your doctor about how often and how long you should use them. Most compression socks and stockings are intended to be worn for long periods of time, but keep in mind that compression therapy should not be used while you sleep. That’s because when you’re asleep, you’re not able to notice if a sock becomes bunched or folded over. Still, it can be recommended sometimes for people with limited movement or bed rest. 

Your doctor can determine how long you should wear your compression socks considering the symptoms you’ve experienced. So, if you want to reduce leg swelling, you’ll need to put on compression socks before a long period of standing. Also, some people use them when they want to recover faster from an intense workout by wearing them 3 to 4 hours after exercise.