What are compression socks?
Compression socks, compared to normal socks, are specialized garments that help prevent the development of and guard against the further progression of venous diseases. Common venous diseases may include blood clots, deep vein thrombosis, varicose veins, spider veins, chronic venous insufficiency, and others. Besides preventing venous diseases, compression socks also help people in a variety of ways. For example, they help promote blood circulation, improve lymphatic drainage, and enhance athletic performance. This article is a detailed account of the fact of how compression socks work. As well as this, you can also get the possible benefits of wearing compression socks. Moreover, the article ends with the ideas of how to choose the best compression socks. So, here we go;
How do compression socks work?
Studies have shown that compression socks work in a variety of ways – particularly concerning venous leg disorders. However, it has also been revealed that nearly 90% of all leg problems happen with the leg veins. Generally, compression socks help increase pressure on the tissues beneath the skin by gently squeezing your legs. This gentle squeezing reduces the excess fluid leakage from the capillaries. Consequently, the tissue fluid absorption increases by the capillaries and lymphatic vessels. As well as this, they help blood vessels to work better by exerting pressure on them. They relax the arteries that carry oxygenated blood to the muscles, enabling blood to flow freely.
Possible benefits of compression socks
From preventing venous diseases to enabling people to perform better and speeding up recovery following an injury, compression socks are helpful. However, the following are some amazing benefits of wearing compression socks:
1. Energise your legs
Compression socks provide therapeutic tightness to your legs, improving blood circulation in your legs. This improved blood circulation contributes to many benefits you can see all around your body. As blood circulates throughout your body, it deposits oxygen where it is needed, refreshing your muscles. Improved blood circulation provides better oxygen to your muscles to make and increase ATP (energy). However, in order to improve blood circulation, healthcare professionals suggest wearing graduated compression socks.
2. Reduce swelling and fluid retention
Improved blood circulation helps you in a variety of ways. For example, it helps decrease swelling and fluid retention. That’s why healthcare professionals suggest wearing compression socks to people having swelling and fluid retention problems.
3. Speed up muscle recovery
Compression socks are also beneficial in speeding up muscle recovery after sports and other athletic activities. Studies have shown that some 65% of runners experience injuries at least once a year. The constant pounding may lead to several problems, including shin splints, soreness, and inflammation. compression socks are designed to reduce pressure or stress on your muscles during workouts or other athletic activities, helping recover your legs quickly. This is the reason that compression socks are increasingly popular on a race’s starting line. Compression socks make circulation more efficient, reducing muscle fatigue during running or races. They also help stop lactic acid to build up in tired muscles, helping soothe exhausted calf muscles resulting from cycling and other strenuous activities.
4. Improve athletic performance
Keeping your legs safe from an injury will obviously improve your athletic performance. It is difficult to practice at the highest level when you have an injury. Wearing compression socks helps prevent injuries, allowing you better quality training or practice.
5. Relief from chronic health conditions
Healthcare professionals prescribe compression socks for illnesses, including EDS, POTS, Neuropathy, and many others. Compression socks help manage all diseases in particular ways. However, it is recommended to consult your GP or healthcare professionals to get more information on what you need.
How to choose the best compression socks?
Choosing the best compression socks is essential to get maximum benefits. Remember that using the wrong types of products will not benefit you and may make you feel uncomfortable at one point or another. The same case applies when choosing or wearing compression socks. Here we come with the possible ideas of how to choose compression socks, helping you to get the perfect product according to your needs:
1. What compression level do you need?
Compression socks are divided into three main categories based on their compression level. Check out the given compression levels and choose the best one according to your needs:
- Mild compression (15 – 20 mmHg compression): Compression socks with mild compression are the greatest options for daily wear, travelling, and sports activities. These are easy-to-wear compression socks, helping improve circulation without being too much tight on your calves or legs. These compression socks are designed in a variety of materials and fabrics to fit any lifestyle.
- Moderate compression (20 – 30 mmHg compression): Compression socks with moderate compression levels are ideal options for swelling, varicose veins, spider veins, and after-surgery treatment. If you are suffering from any of these conditions, you can wear these compression socks. However, you must consult your GP before wearing them.
- Maximum compression (30 – 40 mmHg compression): Compression socks with maximum compression are usually recommended for more serious conditions, such as lymphedema, severe swelling, blood clots, severe varicose veins, and post-surgery treatment.
2. What do you need: Socks or Stockings
Compression socks are also divided into two main categories based on their size. For example, they are designed as socks and stockings. Check out what is the suitable option according to your needs:
- Knee-high compression socks: These compression socks just stop below the bend of the knees. If you need to provide compression below the knees, these are the best options for you.
- Thigh-high compression stockings: Thigh-high compression stockings cover the entire legs. If you need to improve blood circulation throughout your entire legs, wearing thigh-high compression stockings is highly recommended.
- Pantyhose or waist-high compression socks: These are also known as maternity pantyhose and have both legs connected by a torso portion. These compression socks are the best options to reduce swelling in your legs. They bring swelling up and out of your legs through the hip or waist areas.
3. Material and style
Usually, compression socks are designed with materials and fabrics that are suitable for both men and women. However, based on the style you may also find some variations in compression socks. you can check below the different types of compression socks based on their materials and styles:
- Sheer fabric – for women: Sheer fabric is transparent, lightweight, and fashionable. Compression socks with sheer fabric make it easy for compression to pair with any other stylish wardrobe.
- High-tech blend, cotton, or wool – for sportspersons: These compression socks are durable that control moisture and heat. That’s why these are recommended for runners and other sports professionals Read More
