Compression therapy makes use of special socks and stockings made for the purpose. They work by gently pressing on your lower legs and ankles to encourage blood flow from your legs to your heart.

Socks that provide compression help to minimize swelling and soreness in the legs and ankles as well.

Continue reading to discover the many health benefits of wearing compression socks, as well as the various types available and any potential adverse effects.

The Basics of Compression Socks

Any pharmacy, big-box retailer, or online merchant will carry compression socks. Depending on the type of compression sock you choose, you may require a doctor's prescription and/or professional fitting to get the best benefits.

Compression Socks: How Do They Work?

By applying pressure to the legs and ankles, compression stockings can:

• Increasing the volume and speed of blood flow reduces the main vein diameter.
• Increase blood flow to the heart.
• Supports venous return up the leg or sideways into superficial veins by preventing blood reflux.

Compression Socks/Stockings Styles

Generally speaking, compression stockings fall into one of three categories:

1. Gradual compression socks.
2. Socks with built-in anti-embolism protection.
3. Hosiery for non-medical purposes.
   
   

1. Gradual Compression Socks

Gradual compression socks have a higher level of compression at the ankle and lower levels at the top of the sock. Designed for movement and to suit certain length and strength medical requirements, they are:

• Compression stockings with graduated compression often necessitate a professional fitting.
• Wearing stockings that end just above the knee helps to reduce swelling in the lower legs.
• Wearing socks that cover the thighs or waist can help keep orthostatic hypotension at bay.
• Personal choices, such as color and open- or closed-toe options, can be accommodated by some suppliers.
  

Deep vein thrombosis is less likely with anti-embolism socks. Gradual compression, like graduated stockings, is provided by these socks. I can't wait to put them on. Depending on how much compression is used, the results can differ.

Anti-embolism stockings are created for people who are unable to walk.

1. Ankle-High Non-Medical Support Socks

Support hosiery that does not require a prescription is called non-medical Elastic support hose and flight socks are two examples. Both are marketed to alleviate sore, fatigued legs.

In comparison to prescription compression stockings, these provide uniform compression that imposes less pressure.

If you are looking for non-prescription compression stockings, you can get them at your local pharmacy or online.

Compression Socks May Be Beneficial For Anyone.

A wide range of medical conditions can benefit from compression stockings. It is possible that your physician will advise you to use compression socks in the following situations:

• Increasing blood flow to the limbs.
• Swelling in the legs and ankles is reduced.
• Increasing lymphatic flow.
• Orthostatic hypotension, or low blood pressure when you get up from a sitting. position needs to be managed.
• The goal is to keep blood from collecting in the lower leg veins.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prevention in the legs.
• Vein ulcer prevention is essential.
• Alleviation of varicose veins' discomfort.
• It is possible to reverse hypertension in the veins.

The Bottom Line

Compression socks put pressure on your legs and ankles to encourage blood flow from your lower extremities to your heart.

If you've been prescribed compression stockings to treat a problem like venous insufficiency, make sure you:

• Put on the correct footwear and clothing.
• Put them on and remove them according to the directions provided.
• Observe all prescription directions, such as when and how long you should wear them.
• Inspect the stockings' contact regions for signs of skin damage.