Compression socks, as the name suggests, are used to provide compression therapy to your legs. It can improve blood circulation while fighting against inflammation and mild to moderate discomfort.
Proper blood circulation is imperative to your health. When there is a problem with circulation in the body, it may lead to discomfort, pains, and aches. In some cases, it could be dangerous too. Though it seems harmless, a sedentary lifestyle also prevents an adequate flow of blood. Here, compression socks could be the simple solution to ease your body.
Compression care is a proven solution for inadequate blood circulation. However, medical supervision is recommended.
Compression Socks & Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are a painful condition when blood is collected behind the valves in the veins rather than flowing normally back to your heart. They commonly occur in the feet and legs, as blood returning to your heart has to travel farther.
A study conducted in 2018 found that using compression socks with a pressure level of up to 21mmHg for one week can reduce pain and aches associated with the condition, compared to usual stockings. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1078588417306421)
Doctors generally recommend compression socks for improved blood circulation and prevent worsening varicose veins. It also reduces pain and discomfort.
How do Compression Socks work?
Traditionally, compression socks work by improving proper blood flow. The book, Sclerotherapy: Treatment of Varicose and Telangiectatic Leg Veins, reveals that Roman soldiers used leather straps to wrap their legs and improve blood circulation during long hours of marching.
Today, compression care is a more sophisticated approach, designed to deliver pressure in your legs constantly, thus aiding blood to return to the heart. Socks exert more pressure on the feet and ankles, providing additional squeeze to promote the flow of blood.
Other Uses of Compression Socks
As stated before, these socks are specially designed to relieve the manifestations of various diseases affecting the legs or the lower limbs. These socks can be used for many other conditions, including:
- Edema affecting lower limbs
- Venous insufficiency or the inability of veins to thrust blood back into your heart
- Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, occurring when your lower limbs do not receive adequate blood due to immobility for hours post-surgery or a long flight. Blood pools in your lower limbs to form clots
- Lymphedema, or lymph fluid accumulation in your lower limbs
- Phlebitis or swelling of veins
- Pregnancy
Types of Compression Socks
When you choose compression stockings, make sure you get the right kind with the precise amount of compactness and pressure.
There are 3 primary types of compression stockings:
- Prescription: The ones that doctors prescribe to comfort patients suffering from a lot of pain. These stockings are fitted specially to make sure they are highly effective but not too tight to affect circulation.
- Compression Socks: These are the range of socks available at medicine stores that provide support.
- Nonmedical Support: While these may exert some amount of pressure, but these are not tight options.
Stockings are generally knee-length or thigh-length. While knee-length socks promote blood circulation in the legs, thigh-length stockings provide better protection.
Benefits of Compression Stockings
Compression stockings are increasingly effective for many diseases involving the veins in your legs. The following benefits are admitted:
- Improved blood flow to the legs
- Prevents blood pooling in the leg veins
- Reduces leg swelling
- Prevents ulcers
- Prevents all types of blood clots in the legs involving the veins
- Reduces pain
- Reduces varicose veins
- Improves lymphatic drainage
When to wear Compression Stocking?
People generally wear them in the daytime, as standing and sitting upright may cause circulatory problems.
However, if someone has varicose veins, he might try to put the feet up during the night, to boost blood circulation. Some doctors recommend using the stockings at night too.
Risk Factors
While these socks are extremely effective in soothing pain and discomfort from varicose veins, there are certain risk factors to be noted. As compression socks are extremely tight, they are increasingly difficult to wear. Make sure the legs are clean before wearing them. Ensure you wear them on dry legs only. If you applied some lotion to the body, wait for some time to let it absorb before wearing the stockings.
There may be some mild side effects from prolonged use, including:
- Skin irritation
- Broken skin
- Temporary skin dents
- Discomfort
Wrinkled stockings, or incorrectly worn socks, or an inappropriate size can cause problems too.
When blood flow is inhibited by any condition like peripheral neuropathy that may damage the veins in your legs, you may have the feeling to determine whether your socks are too tight or simply falling.
There may be negative side effects if you wear socks for a long time. Remove your compression socks daily and check your feet and legs for any signs of irritation or damage.
Outlook
While compression socks may not cure varicose veins completely, they may reduce swelling and pain associated with the condition.
To achieve the best results, examine your legs daily for signs of change, irritation, or damage. Replace the socks after at least 3 months.
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