We’re sure you have heard about compression socks before. But maybe you don’t quite understand what they do and why you might need a pair yourself. For many individuals out there, compression socks are a great solution to helping them get through their daily lives. Compression socks aren’t only for those who suffer from bad blood circulation. This post will give you a breakdown of what compression socks are and what you need to know about them.
Compression socks and stockings are made to improve leg health. They do this by applying gentle pressure or compressing your lower legs and ankles. This pressure, also referred to as compression therapy, helps promote blood flow from your legs to your heart. This applied pressure is the tightest at the ankles and then tapers off towards the top of the sock. This helps the blood and fluids circulate with more ease within the leg itself, which helps prevent swelling and helps reduce pain.
Compression socks and stockings come in a few different styles:
- Knee-highs;
- Thigh-highs;
- Tights
Compression socks feature different levels of compression, which is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg). In order to understand what level is best for you, keep reading.
Why Should I Wear Compression Socks?
Compression socks can offer a wide range of benefits for leg health, regardless of how old you are. Essentially, by applying this gentle force to the legs, they improve the veins and help blood flow easier to the heart. They help blood vessels work better, promoting better blood circulation. Blood flows more freely and your arteries can relax more. This helps prevent blood from refluxing toward the feet and helps prevent blood clots.
Along with improving blood flow, they help reduce discomfort from heavy legs, edema, varicose veins and other disorders. They are typically prescribed by doctors for venous insufficiency to help improve leg health, and reduce the appearance of varicose veins. Most athletes also wear compression socks to help with performance and recovery. There are also maternity compression socks, which provide benefits for expecting mothers.
Who Should Wear Them?
If you are wondering if compression socks are the right choice for you, consider the following:
- If you work sitting or standing for long periods of time and you suffer from leg pain or swelling, then compression socks can help minimize these symptoms;
- If you need to travel by air, compression socks can give you therapeutic support and reduce the risk of thromboembolism from prolonged sitting, leg pains, and swelling ankles and feet;
- If you are pregnant, then maternity compression socks can help with reducing swelling, fatigue, pain, varicose veins, and more;
- If you are an athlete or marathon runner, then compression socks can help improve your performance and reduce fatigue, cramps, and heavy legs. They can also improve recovery, reduce micro lesions and reduce injury risks.
If you need more information regarding compression socks and how tight they should feel, Allwell Pharmacy can help! We are a compounding pharmacy and will gladly provide you with more details. Our knowledgeable team will answer all of your questions, and we will also address your concerns, so if you are in the Brampton or Mississauga areas, contact us today!