Easing the Load: How Compression Socks Relieve Leg Discomfort 

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Quality compression socks are companions of people from all ages and walks of life. While they can be doctor-prescribed to mitigate the side effects of various health conditions, compression stockings have also found wide use among athletes, pregnant ladies, and people who spend most of their days standing or walking.

If you’re dealing with achy legs after a hard day of work, compression socks could be a good solution for you. The same goes if you’re trying to improve the circulation in your legs to treat spider veins or avoid blood clots, and the list of benefits goes on. If you’re considering getting your first pair of compression stockings, here’s how they work and what you can expect.

How Compression Socks Relieve Leg Discomfort

How do socks actually help with blood circulation? The basics of it are simple – the veins in our legs can sometimes lag and slow the blood flow back to the heart which can cause a variety of health issues, one of the most dangerous ones being blood clots. It’s called venous insufficiency and it’s basically the inability of your veins to do their job. 

The simplest way to fix this problem is to apply a certain amount of pressure to the lower legs to balance things out. This will allow for better lymphatic drainage and boost oxygenated blood to flow to the heart instead of lingering in the lower legs. Frequently using compression socks can be a huge help if you’re dealing with swollen ankles, skin discoloration, and venous ulcers on the skin due to circulation issues.

Poor circulation can lead to all kinds of complications, most prominently Deep Vein Thrombosis, as well as spider and varicose veins. Sometimes venous insufficiency happens because you’re spending a lot of time standing or walking and your blood just can’t keep up. Compression socks are also prescribed after surgery or when a person can’t move for prolonged periods of time, to diminish extreme swelling in the lower extremities.

But compression socks aren’t reserved just for people with circulation issues. They can be used to relieve leg discomfort during pregnancy, long flights, and hiking, and they can improve performance in athletes. If your lifestyle dictates a strong tempo and you feel achy and tired at the end of most days, compression stockings could be of great help.

How to Choose Compression Socks

If you have a health condition that could be improved by regular use of compression socks, your doctor will help you choose the right type for your particular needs. Compression levels are the most important factor to think about when buying your first pair of stockings. The more support you need, the higher the compression levels will be.

These levels are measured in mmHg (millimeters of mercury, the same measure used for blood pressure), and they can vary from 15–50 mmHg. You can buy socks with lower compression levels over the counter, you don’t need a prescription for them. However, if you’re in need of medical-grade stockings, you should consult your doctor first and figure out just how much support you need.

For example, compression stockings with 20 mmHg are perfect for everyday use, whether you’re a recreational runner, a nurse, or you’re dealing with varicose veins. If you’re pregnant, moderate compression socks for women could be just the thing for you to keep swelling and achiness at bay. 

If you’ve just had surgery or you’re trying to mitigate symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis, then you’ll want to use firmer support, that can go up to 30 mmHg. If you already have chronic DVT, you’ll probably need the highest level of support, which can go up to 50 mmHg. 

Types of Compression Socks

The two most common types of compression stockings are graduated compression socks and anti-embolism compression socks. 

Graduated compression socks are most commonly used, and they come in various shapes, sizes, and compression levels. This type of stocking usually goes up to your knees, provides the most pressure around the ankle, and pressure gets lighter toward the knee. They’re less constricting, more comfortable, and will help your legs feel lighter and more energized.

Anti-embolism socks, on the other hand, provide the same amount of pressure everywhere, and they’re mostly used for people who can’t move much or at all. They’re prescribed by a doctor and shouldn’t be used otherwise.

The compression socks you can use without a prescription are more of a support in your everyday activities than a medicinal aid, that’s why sometimes they’re called non-medical support compression socks.

Regular use of compression socks is great proof that prevention is better than cure. If you’ve got a busy lifestyle and spend most of your days on your feet, using compression socks might be just the thing that will help you keep your circulation in check and your legs in tip-top form. Another option is to find ways and slow down from time to time because compression socks can help a lot, but they can’t replace rest and peace.