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The LEVSOX 20-30 mmHg Compression Socks have noticeable arch support and an even better price-per-pair value.
Compression socks aren’t just for seniors with vein issues anymore. Athletes are wearing compression socks to improve their performance and recovery, pregnant women are finding relief from leg and ankle swelling, and people who stand all day are using them to avoid that heavy, achy-leg feeling that comes from working a 12-hour shift on their feet.
How do compression socks work all this magic? According to Jashan Valjee, DPM, of The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics in Maryland, compression socks are designed to apply consistent and constant pressure to the feet, ankles and calves, which forces your vascular and lymphatic system to work more efficiently and prevents the accumulation of fluid, swelling, and blood clotting.
We had 21 staffers each wear compression socks for 8-hour days for one week. The staffers had various reasons for needing to wear compression socks, including working long hours sitting or standing, pregnancy, air travel, and one editor who has postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), a condition that causes your heart to beat faster than normal when you transition from sitting or lying down to standing up. Her cardiologist recommended she wear compression socks to keep her blood circulating well. Throughout testing, our staffers rated the socks on a scale of 1 (would not recommend) to 5 (highly recommend) based on fit, support, comfort, feel and value.
Levsox Compression Socks
Best Overall
Why We Like It: From a comfortable fit to snug but flexible support, these socks have every quality that a good pair of compression socks should.
It’s Worth Noting: The patterns are loud and lean somewhat feminine—if you’re hoping for a discreet pair of socks, this isn’t it.
The best compression socks will fit well, feel comfortable, provide a just-right amount of support, and be affordable enough for you to buy multiple pairs. The LEVSOX 20-30 mmHg Compression Socks Women and Men met all these requirements when we tried them ourselves, so we’ve selected them as our best overall pick.
The fit, feel, support, and value were all perfect. They weren’t hard to wear; they were about as snug and flexible as tights or leggings. We were pleasantly surprised by the noticeable arch support, too. As for feel, our legs felt awesome after wearing them all day. The fabric itself was breathable and silky and held up well to multiple washings.
Price at time of publication: $20
Product Details:
Compression Level: 20 – 30 mmHg
Material: 90% nylon, 10% spandex
Available Sizes: S – XL
CHARMKING Compression Socks
Best Value
Why We Like It: You get eight pairs of well-constructed, comfortable, and supportive socks for just $20, making it easy to stock up.
It’s Worth Noting: They’re made from a combination of nylon and spandex, so they aren’t the most breathable socks on the market.
If you need a full week’s worth of compression socks but don’t want to spend a full week’s salary stocking up on them, CHARM KING Compression Socks come in an 8-pack for just $20 (and no, they don’t skimp on quality).
When we tried them out, we thought these socks were supportive without being overly restrictive. We wore them for a whole 12 hours and our legs felt great throughout a variety of activities, from sitting to walking to working out. The socks also didn't bunch up or slide down during use.
The only area where the CHARM KING socks underperformed slightly was how they felt, simply because they weren’t quite as breathable as other pairs and sometimes left our feet a little sweaty. Overall, the CHARM KING socks are the perfect blend of quality and cost-savings.
Price at time of publication: $20
Product Details:
Compression Level: 15-20 mmHg
Material: 85% nylon, 15% spandex
Available Sizes: S/M and L/XL
Away Travel The Compression Socks
Best for Travel
Why We Like It: These socks are so comfortable, You’ll forget you’re wearing them.
It’s Worth Noting: They’re more expensive than other options, at $35 for one pair.
When you’re traveling long distances, the last thing you want to think is, “Ugh, I can’t wait to take these compression socks off!” With the Away Travel Compression Socks, that definitely won’t be a problem—in fact, you might even forget you’re wearing them, just like we did when we left them on for our work day and to happy hour later.
When we slipped them on, the Away Travel Compression socks were immediately cozy. We appreciated how lightweight and comfortable they are, but also how they stayed in place all day, went on and came off easily, and helped our legs feel less fatigued at the end of the day. The fabric was soft and breathable and washed up well, too.
The only downside is that these are a bit pricey for a single pair, but we think they’re worth the investment, especially if you spend a lot of time traveling and need a reliable but comfortable pair of compression socks for your trips.
Price at time of publication: $35
Product Details:
Compression Level: Unspecified
Material: 45% organic cotton, 25% Coolmax® polyester, 20% lycra, 10% nylon
Available Sizes: S – XL
Comrad Knee-High Compression Socks
Best for Wide Calves
Why We Like It: They’re cozy and can accommodate wider calves with ease.
It’s Worth Noting: After about eight hours of wear, we were ready to take them off.
You get a lot of stretchable comfort with the Comrad 15-20 mmHg Knee-High Compression Socks, making them work well for a variety of activities and a variety of body sizes. In testing, these socks hugged our feet and legs with just the right amount of tightness—never too much or too little—and didn’t lose their shape during wear or washing.
In terms of fit and support, the Comrad socks were snug and cozy, stayed in place, and helped our legs feel supported and energized during long stretches of sitting (including air travel). The socks didn’t perform quite as well for feel, only because we were ready to take them off and let our feet breathe after about eight hours.
Still, we thought the fabric was generally soft and durable, surviving multiple washings without showing signs of wear.
Price at time of publication: $32
Product Details:
Compression Level: 15-20 mmHg
Material: 91% nylon / 9% spandex
Available Sizes: S –L, plus medium wide and large wide
Bluemaple Copper Compression Socks
Best for Pregnancy
Why We Like It: They relieve fatigue regardless of your activity level. So they'll benefit you even if you’re resting up before giving birth.
It’s Worth Noting: After very long days (i.e. from morning until night), the socks become tight and itchy.
If you’re shopping for compression socks because you’re pregnant, you need a pair that can energize your legs no matter what you’re doing: walking, exercising, sitting, or even just chilling on the couch growing a baby. We liked how compatible the Bluemaple Copper Compression Socks were with all of our daily activities. Since they come in an affordable variety pack, expectant moms can wear them as often as needed.
We love the quality-to-cost ratio as we’ve spent the same amount of money on a single pair of compression socks before (so a multipack at this price, with this level of quality, can’t be beaten). We also gave them high ratings for feel since they were breathable, kept our feet cool and dry all day, and featured a soft, non-restrictive fabric that washed up well.
These socks are also super supportive; the difference in how our legs felt between wearing them and not wearing them was noticeable, with the socks relieving end-of-day heaviness and fatigue. Our only complaint was that on some days, after more than eight hours of wear, our legs did feel a little tight and itchy. In all, the Bluemaple socks are a great, flexible option for pregnancy.
Price at time of publication: $20
Product Details:
Compression Level: 15-20 mmHg
Material: 85% nylon, 15% polyester
Available Sizes: S/M and L/XL
Bombas Women's Strong Compression Socks
Best for Varicose Veins
Why We Like It: They combine the well-loved Bombas comfort with medium-to-strong compression capable of treating medical conditions like varicose veins.
It’s Worth Noting: They’re a little pricey, and you might end up with some indented sock lines on your calves at the end of a long day.
If you have varicose veins, you’ll probably need to opt for more compression to find relief. We like that the Bombas Women’s Strong Compression Socks offer 20-30 mmHg of compression but never actually feel like it, thanks to the signature Bombas comfort.
We looked forward to wearing these socks, which fit almost perfectly and felt amazing. They did require some effort to get on, but they stayed in place well and never felt overly restrictive.
They also helped us feel supported during several cross-country flights. Our feet didn’t sweat in these socks, and we regularly forgot we were wearing them. When our editor took them off at the end of the day, she noticed some indented lines on her legs from the strength of the socks, but they went away quickly. For socks that also provide medium-to-strong compression, there are many wins.
Price at time of publication: $28
Product Details:
Compression Level: 20-30 mmHg
Material: 64% cotton, 15% polyester, 12% nylon, 9% spandex
Available Sizes: S – L
Lululemon MicroPillow Compression Knee High Running Sock
Best for Running
Why We Like It: These are truly designed for movement and exercise, offering performance-enhancing support and soothing post-workout relief.
It’s Worth Noting: They are only for working out—these aren’t cozy compression socks to slip on while you sit at your desk.
Many athletes are catching on to the fact that compression socks can improve their athletic performance and aid in their muscle recovery after workouts. To work out in a pair of compression socks, you’ve got to know they’ll be comfortable like these are.
We loved how these socks supported our legs while running, walking, and spinning. To be clear, though, these are workout socks: we could only wear them for short periods of time before they started to cause discomfort. But when that short period of time involved any kind of exercise, we were impressed by the deep compression they provide around the calves and the perfect amount of flexible support we felt in the heels, ankles, and feet.
We also noticed they wick away sweat, offer comfy cushioning, and hold up for several rounds through the washing machine and dryer. The only thing we felt was lacking was the fit. This pair has a designated left and right sock, which Lululemon says makes them fit more comfortably, but we thought it made the toe seam a little stiff and uncomfortable.
Price at time of publication: $38
Product Details:
Compression Level: Unspecified
Material: 93% nylon, 7% elastane
Available Sizes: S – L
Comrad Cozy Compression Socks
Best for Feet
Why We Like It: These socks were made for anyone who wants their cozy house slippers to come with a side of extra support.
It’s Worth Noting: They’re truly “light support,” offering more benefits to the feet than the legs.
These aren’t the most supportive socks on this list, but moderate support isn’t necessary for everyone. And if you want your compression socks to come with a serious side of comfort, we recommend the Comrad Cozy Compression Socks. With light support of 10-15 mmHg, these socks are easily mistakable for extra-comfy knee-highs (except for the circulatory benefits, which we felt as we tested).
We’d describe these as a mashup of slipper socks and compression socks. We loved how warm, soft, and snug they felt and that they stayed in place, weren’t bulky and were compatible with our daily activities.
The only drawback to their light compression is that we didn’t feel they helped our legs much—the extra circulation was mainly in our feet. The plus side to the minimal compression is that we never once felt the need to take them off at the end of the day.
Price at time of publication: $32
Product Details:
Compression Level: 10-15 mmHg
Material: 81% feather nylon, 16% nylon, 2% spandex, 1% polyester
Available Sizes: S – L
Wellow Women's Twist Knee-High Compression Socks
Best for Sitting
Why We Like It: They work best for people who spend a lot of time in stationary positions.
It’s Worth Noting: The fabric could be more comfortable and they seem to run long.
If you spend long hours at your desk, compression socks can relieve fatigue and soreness in your legs. The Wellow Compression Socks are well-suited to offering support while seated for prolonged periods.
In testing, we liked that the Wellow socks offered the right support and didn’t overheat under our sweatpants (hello, work-from-home people!). We thought they ran a bit long, but we think that attribute could work well for taller users—and we didn’t experience any added discomfort from needing to fold them over to fit under the knee.
We liked that they’re pretty supportive— enough to make our legs feel awake at the end of the day—but the fabric isn’t the most comfortable. We felt like these socks were just a little too scratchy, which made us ready to take them off at the end of the day. But, overall, we think these are great for anyone who works a 9 to 5 and doesn’t plan on wearing them for extended periods.
Price at time of publication: $29
Product Details:
Compression Level: 18-25 mmHg
Material: 76% bamboo, 16% polyester, 6% spandex, 2% nylon
Available Sizes: S – XL
Hi Clasmix Graduated Medical Compression Socks
Best Medical-Grade
Why We Like It: They feature gradient compression, which helped us warm up for physical activity more quickly.
It’s Worth Noting: We’re not sold on the overall quality after multiple washes and wears.
Medical-grade compression socks feature gradient compression, or compression that starts off strong around the ankles and then slowly decreases further up the leg. This encourages blood to circulate away from the lower extremities and toward the heart. As the only sock on this list specifically designed with gradient compression, we love how well the Hi Clasmix Graduated Medical Compression Socks work as a medical-grade equivalent to prescription socks.
In testing, we liked how well the socks fit and noticed they went on easily, kept our feet warm, and never sagged. We also noticed the compression working (they felt pretty tight for the first 15 minutes, then eased up).
We even loved how these socks made our legs and feet feel while we exercised on a studio bike. They primed the lower legs for the ride and helped us feel ready and warm up faster. The only potential drawback to these socks is that they didn’t wash up quite like new, and we noted some inconsistencies in the fabric after laundering them.
Price at time of publication: $19
Product Details:
Compression Level: 20-30 mmHg
Material: 85% nylon, 15% polyester
Available Sizes: S/M and L/XL
Our Testing Process
We began by speaking to experts about who may benefit from compression socks and how they help. Experts we spoke to include:
Jashan Valjee, DPM, of The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics in Maryland
Diana Levin Valencia, DPM, a podiatrist in private practice in New York
Bruce Pinker, DPM, of Progressive Foot Care in New York.
Then, we narrowed down a list of the most popular socks on the market and tested them for fit, feel, support, and value. To do this, we stood on our feet for hours at a time and sat down for hours at a time in each pair of compression socks. Then we noted how our legs felt during and after wear, including how easy it was to put on and take off the socks, how soft and breathable the fabric was, and whether the socks were overly loose or restrictive while being worn.
Finally, we repeated this evaluation for one week (i.e. standing or sitting for several hours in a row and occasionally exercising). During that week, we washed the socks to see how they held up and judged each pair’s overall value or quality relative to their cost.
What to Know About Compression Socks
One look at a package of compression socks and you’ll have some questions. Not only are there different levels of compression, but there’s also a wide range of prices and various fabrics used.
Level of Compression
According to Dr. Valjee, there are three main levels of compression, measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg):
Light (8 to 15 mmHg)
Mild (15 to 20 mmHg)
Heavy (20 to 40 mmHg)
Different levels of compression are needed for different conditions or uses; someone who spends a lot of their day standing may only need light, supportive compression, while someone with spider veins or edema may need to look for socks with heavy compression.
Breathability
Even if your feet don’t naturally run hot, if you plan to spend most of your daytime hours in compression socks you should consider their breathability. Most medical-grade compression socks are made of either cotton or stretchy synthetic fibers like LYCRA® and spandex, says Dr. Pinker. Both can be constructed to be breathable, though cotton (or cotton blends) often perform better than synthetic fabrics.
If your feet do run hot and you’re worried about sweating or odors, Dr. Valjee suggests choosing a sock made of moisture-wicking material and infused with copper or antimicrobial silver; this can not only keep your feet more ventilated, but these metals are antimicrobial (i.e. they’ll eliminate the bacteria that cause odors).
Reason for use
The reason why you want or need to wear compression socks will help you determine the level of compression you need, as well as any other features that might be helpful. The people who most benefit from wearing compression socks range from athletes and pregnant women to people who stand all day and people with vascular diseases.
Here’s a look at how compression socks can be used in many cases:
People who stand all day. Dr. Valjee wears compression socks on his surgery days because he stands for most of his work day. They’re popular with nurses for the same reason—if you spend most of your day on your feet, compression socks can give you added support and comfort.
People with chronic swelling. Compression socks can improve circulation, preventing fluid buildup in the legs. People with a previous injury in the lower extremities, who are diabetic or pregnant, and people with venous insufficiency tend to have consistent swelling throughout the day, says Dr. Valjee.
People who travel long distances. When you sit for prolonged periods, your circulation declines. That can increase swelling and your risk for blood clots, Dr. Valjee says, noting that people who travel by plane are especially at risk because of the high cabin pressure during flights.
Athletes. Compression socks can be helpful both during and after workouts. According to Dr. Valjee, the circulatory effects of compression socks clear away lactic acid buildup, reduce inflammation and pain, and make room for freshly oxygenated blood, which can increase performance and improve recovery.
People with lymphedema or peripheral vascular disease. Medical-grade compression socks are often gradient, which means the amount of compression is higher at the ankle and then decreases as the socks go up the leg. This makes it possible for the compression to direct blood flow up and away from the lower extremities toward the heart. This can be helpful for patients with venous diseases such as varicose veins, vein insufficiencies, and lymphedema, as well as patients trying to prevent deep vein thrombosis or recover from varicose vein surgery.
Cost
Technically, more expensive doesn’t always equal better quality with compression socks, but the pricing is often dependent on the type of fabric used. In that way, says Dr. Valjee, you can expect to get more out of more expensive pairs.
For example, athletes might want socks with additional shock absorption; people with sensitive skin may need to look for natural fabric; and people who sweat a lot may need to choose moisture-wicking fabrics infused with antimicrobial properties. All of these things can increase the cost of your sock, Dr. Valjee notes.
More Compression Socks to Consider
While these compression socks didn’t meet all of our expectations, they may still be of interest to you:
Sockwell Moderate Graduated Compression Socks: We liked this pair—they were cozy and breathable, provided noticeable warmth, and stayed in place—but we ultimately didn’t feel they were worth the cost ($30 for one pair).
Copper Fit Easy On/Easy Off Knee High Compression Socks: These socks fit well and felt supportive, but we didn’t like how tall they were because the top of the sock hit right at knee-level in an uncomfortable way.
Kindred Bravely Compression Socks: For extra-firm support, these socks work well; for the average user, though, we think they’re far too stiff and tight to be comfortable.
PRO Compression Marathon Socks: We thought these socks were too tight to be used regularly: it wasn’t easy to put them on or take them off, and they left deep, red marks on our legs at the end of the day.
Your Questions, Answered
Can I sleep in compression socks?
No, you should not wear compression socks while sleeping. Dr. Pinker says it’s better for people with leg swelling to remove the socks and elevate their feet at night.
He also says there are a few other times when you should avoid wearing compression socks or wear them with caution, including:
If you have diminished circulation in the legs, like with peripheral artery disease.
If the skin that the socks would cover is irritated or infected, or there are open wounds.
If the compression socks cause chafing, irritation, or bruising of the legs, ankles, or feet.
How many hours a day should I wear compression socks?
There’s no set number of hours when you should wear compression socks, but Dr. Valjee says they’re the most helpful when you wear them during the most active part of your day. It’s also best to put them on in the morning when your legs are least swollen and then take them off at night before bed.
If you don’t need to wear compression socks all day but want to use them to aid your workout recovery, Dr. Valjee recommends wearing them for several hours after athletic activity to keep your muscles from swelling and prevent tissue damage, resulting in less pain post-workout.
What level of compression should I use?
Dr. Valjee says that unless a doctor has advised you otherwise, it’s best to start with the lightest amount of compression and work your way up from there if you’re not satisfied.
Most people using compression socks for normal daily activities, like working out, traveling, or being on their feet all day, can choose socks with 10 to 15 mmHg of mild compression, or 20 to 30 mmHg of moderate compression. These amounts can also help people recovering from surgery or injury.
If you have venous disease or edema, you may want to aim for compression socks with 30 to 40 mmHg of compression—and if you need more than that, your doctor can prescribe an even firmer sock.
Who We Are
Sarah Bradley has been a freelance writer since 2017, tackling health commerce articles, product reviews, and shopping guides on everything from dry skin moisturizers and wart removers to menstrual cups and toothbrushes for braces. She has written about podiatry products many times, so she knows how to look for products that offer true symptom relief.
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Read the original article on Health.
FAQs
The 10 Best Compression Socks of 2023, Tested and Reviewed? ›
A good rule of thumb to follow is: 15-20 mmHg: Great for daily wear, travel, and sports. They help improve circulation without being too tight. 20-30 mmHg: Great for sports recovery, daily wear, medical recovery, and to manage mild symptoms of varicose and spider veins.
Which is better 15-20 mmHg or 20-30 mmHg compression socks? ›A good rule of thumb to follow is: 15-20 mmHg: Great for daily wear, travel, and sports. They help improve circulation without being too tight. 20-30 mmHg: Great for sports recovery, daily wear, medical recovery, and to manage mild symptoms of varicose and spider veins.
What are the best compression socks that don t make your feet stink? ›Best overall: Sockwell Firm Compression Socks
They also wick away moisture, provide odor control, and come in a range of colors from black to putty.
You should wear your compression stockings during the day and take them off before going to bed. Put them on again first thing in the morning. You should be given at least 2 stockings, or 2 pairs if you're wearing them on both legs. This means you can wear 1 stocking (or pair) while the other is being washed and dried.
What is the difference between 8 15 mmHg and 15 20 mmHg compression socks? ›Common levels for compression socks include; 8-15mmHg, 15-20 mmHg, 20-30 mmHg and 30-40 mmHg. Compression socks provide graduated compression so mmHg is listed as a range. The higher number in the range is the amount of pressure at the foot while the lower number is the amount at the top of the sock.
How tight is 20 30 mmHg compression socks? ›Medium compression. These provide tightness between 20 and 30 mmHg. They will help those who've had a DVT or varicose veins control swelling and pain. Moderate to high compression.
Who should wear 20 30 mmHg compression socks? ›Socks with 20-30 mmHg of pressure are typically recommended for those with moderate edema, lymphedema, varicose veins, venous reflux or more severe swelling. You may be able to find this level of compression over the counter or with a doctor's prescription at a durable medical equipment provider.
What are the side effects of wearing compression socks? ›While a lifesaver for many people, choosing compression stockings that don't fit properly, wearing or caring for them incorrectly can cause issues such as poor circulation, itchiness, skin irritations, redness, breaks in the skin, and necrosis of the skin.
What sock does a podiatrist recommend? ›Avoiding food odor, athlete's foot, and fungal toenails come down to a few factors; for one, moisture-wicking fabrics. Wearing acrylic, polyester, or wool blend socks helps to accomplish this. Another factor in odor control and avoiding fungus is to ditch the cotton.
What people should not wear compression socks? ›A compression garment should not be worn in the case of circulation disorders in leg arteries or for those with serious heart conditions. Caution is also recommended in the case of sensory impairments due to diabetes and neuropathy (nerve damage).
Why do my feet smell when I wear socks? ›
Wearing shoes and socks traps sweat and bacteria, often making foot odor worse. Bacteria collect in your shoes, socks, and on your skin. The bacteria multiply, eating the dead skin cells and oil that are on your feet. As the bacteria breaks down, it releases a smelly odor.
Is there a downside to wearing compression socks? ›As with any treatment option, there are some potential risks of wearing compression socks. Compression socks can cause: Discomfort: At higher pressures, compression socks can feel really tight and uncomfortable. Skin irritation or damage: Signs of irritation may include tingling, itching, redness, or bruising.
Why do my legs hurt when I wear compression socks? ›Compression socks can aggravate skin irritation and also cause itching. When compression socks are improperly fitted, redness and temporary dents in your skin may appear on your legs at the edge of the sock's fabric.
Is it better to wear knee high or thigh high compression stockings? ›Patients preferred knee length stockings over thigh length stockings. Thigh length stockings may be more effective than knee length stockings at preventing DVT in surgical patients. However, patients are more likely to wear knee length stockings correctly. Incorrectly worn stockings can be unsafe.
Where does the fluid go when wearing compression stockings? ›When you put on compression socks, the fluid in your body is forced up into your upper body. Compression socks are designed to help reduce swelling in the feet, legs and ankles by squeezing your lower extremities.
Can I elevate my legs while wearing compression socks? ›If you struggle with blood pooling while you sleep, give your skin a break from the compression garments by elevating your legs above your heart while you sleep. This will improve your circulation while allowing your skin to breathe.
Should I wear compression socks if I sit all day? ›If you're sitting at home or at a desk all day, compression socks can help prevent problems. You don't have to wear them all the time. But even keeping them on for a few hours while you sit could help.
How tight should compression socks be? ›Most people generally find that compression socks should feel snug but not too tight. You should be able to slip a finger under the fabric at the widest part of your calf without much resistance. If you can't do this, the socks are probably too tight and could cut off your circulation.
What strength are hospital compression socks? ›Support compression stockings are made available in multiple compression support levels. Most commonly compression support stockings come in mild (8-15 mmHg), Medium (15-20 mmHg), Firm (20-30 mmHg), X-Firm (30-40 mmHg) gradient compression levels.
What does 20 30 mmHg compression mean? ›Compression levels are indicated with a range of numbers like “20-30 mmHg”, which means that the amount of compression will not fall below 20 mmHg and not exceed 30 mmHg. The unit of measurement is called “millimeters of mercury” which is a measurement of pressure, also used in blood pressure.
Can you sleep in 15 20 mmHg compression socks? ›
It's OK to sleep in your compression socks. You can even wear compression socks 24 hours a day if you like. You just shouldn't wear the same compression socks 24 hours a day, day after day, night after night.
How long does it take for compression socks to work? ›In general, you may begin to feel the benefits of compression stockings immediately after putting them on, such as reduced swelling and increased comfort. However, it may take several days or weeks of regular use before you see significant improvement in your symptoms.
How do I know if compression socks are working? ›No matter what level of compression you wear, you'll probably notice that compression socks feel tighter than regular socks. You may even feel a slight tingling sensation as your blood circulation improves. Any warmth or tingling comes from the flow of blood returning from your feet to your heart.
Is there a difference between medical compression socks and regular compression socks? ›They improve blood flow and help prevent wearers from suffering from varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis, blood clots, and so on. Unlike regular socks, compression socks apply pressure in millimeters of mercury (mmHg), which are units of pressure equivalent to the pressure produced by a column of mercury.
What mmHg is medical grade compression socks? ›When doctors prescribe medical-grade compression socks for patients, it is generally a “high-level compression,” that can range from 30-40 mmHg to 40-50 mmHg. These stockings are prescribed for severe swelling and are usually worn under medical supervision.
What kind of compression socks do I need for lymphedema? ›The Juzo Varin fabric is a strong circular knit compression stocking that provides adequate containment when lymphedema causes legs and feet to swell. Healthcare professionals recommend the Juzo Varin because the fabric is strong enough to contain swelling and it's available in higher levels of medical compression.
Are compression socks good for your heart? ›Compression socks – or compression stockings – are specialized socks that apply gentle pressure to your legs and ankles. They can help improve blood flow from your legs to your heart.
Are copper compression socks better? ›DO COPPER COMPRESSION SOCKS WORK Better Than Regular Ones? It's the copper ion infused yarn that makes copper compression socks better than regular ones. Copper has special anti-microbial and healing effects that make it the ultimate element to add to compression socks.
Does wearing compression socks affect blood pressure? ›Compressing socks improve your blood flow and lower blood pressure in the most fundamental scientific terms. They lessen pain and swelling in your legs and feet and can lower your chances of getting deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a kind of blood clot, and other circulation problems.
What are the best socks for people who stand all day? ›The Best Compression Socks For Standing All Day
Dr. Segal's compression socks are a must-have for anyone who wants to improve their circulation and reduce pain and swelling. The socks are comfortable and easy to wear. They provide all-day support for people on their feet or sitting down for extended periods.
Do copper socks help foot pain? ›
Reduces swelling and aches
Then you must be familiar with swollen and aching feet. Compression socks offer the healing benefits of copper. Its anti-inflammatory properties help in soothing your muscles and aching feet. Copper socks help in easing skin inflammation and providing pain relief.
Socks are designed to keep your feet safe from uncomfortable friction, infections, and bacteria. Without socks, perspiration is absorbed by your footwear, setting up the perfect environment for bacteria and fungi to thrive, and it's your feet that pay the price.
When should you stop wearing compression stockings? ›When compression stockings are recommended after surgery, they should usually be worn as much as possible, day and night, until you're able to move around freely. Compression stockings are used after surgery to prevent blood clots developing in the leg, which is known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Can compression socks cut off circulation? ›MYTH 1 - COMPRESSION SOCKS CUT OFF CIRCULATION
The short answer is no! If your compression socks are painful or cut off circulation, then they are not the right fit or are being worn improperly. You should always choose compression socks that fit your calf size and length.
Compression socks improve nerve sensitivity if you suffer from nerve damage or neuropathy. Because compression socks help hinder excess swelling and inflammation, utilizing them can decrease swelling and, therefore, lessen the risk of infection.
What medical conditions cause stinky feet? ›For example, hyperhidrosis, a condition in which one's sweat glands produce excessive sweat, can lead to excessive odor. Similarly, fungal infections, a very common occurrence, can produce dry, flaky skin that bacteria love to feed on.
How do you get rid of stinky feet permanently? ›Practice good hygiene.
If you have stinky feet, you should wash your feet every day. You can wash them as you shower or you can scrub them in a tub with warm water. Dry your feet thoroughly, including between the toes. You should also keep your toenails clean and trimmed, and file off any dead skin on your feet.
Bacterial infections usually leak pus and, sometimes, blood. Fungal infections produce discolored toenails that are thick, brittle, and smell bad.
How do you wash compression socks? ›Wash your compression stockings separately or with garments of the same colour in the washing machine at a temperature of 30 or 40 degrees. Please wash them on a gentle wash cycle. Use a simple colour detergent without brighteners. Never use fabric softeners.
Do footless compression socks work? ›Footless compression sleeves do not offer the same ankle support as either closed- or open-toe options, so we do not recommend them. Both open- and closed-toe styles have benefits, so you'll have to consider your lifestyle and how you'll be wearing the socks or stockings as you make your decision.
Why are my feet swollen after wearing compression socks? ›
The most common side effect is that they can cause your feet and ankles to swell. This is because the compression stockings are putting pressure on your veins, which impedes the flow of blood. In some cases, compression stockings can also cause skin irritation.
Is 20 30 mmHg compression socks too much? ›A good rule of thumb to follow is: 15-20 mmHg: Great for daily wear, travel, and sports. They help improve circulation without being too tight. 20-30 mmHg: Great for sports recovery, daily wear, medical recovery, and to manage mild symptoms of varicose and spider veins.
How many hours a day should you wear compression stockings? ›You should wear your compression stockings during the day and take them off before going to bed. Put them on again first thing in the morning. You should be given at least 2 stockings, or 2 pairs if you're wearing them on both legs. This means you can wear 1 stocking (or pair) while the other is being washed and dried.
What causes your legs to feel heavy and tired? ›Without enough blood circulating, your legs can feel tired, crampy, and achy. These symptoms are one of the first signs of PAD. The same things that cause fatty buildup in your other arteries cause them in your legs as well. High cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, and high blood pressure are top risk factors.
Why do my thigh-high compression stockings keep falling down? ›The silicone top band on most thigh-high stockings won't stick to dry skin which will make the stocking slip down. Moisten skin with lotion, skin cream or even water to allow the stocking to stick to your skin.
How do I choose the right stockings? ›- If they're thicker, they're stronger, but they show less leg.
- Choose thicker stockings to reduce the volume of your legs or disguise imperfections.
- Understand deniers to talk about the stockings' opacity.
Compression levels are indicated with a range of numbers like “20-30 mmHg”, which means that the amount of compression will not fall below 20 mmHg and not exceed 30 mmHg. The unit of measurement is called “millimeters of mercury” which is a measurement of pressure, also used in blood pressure.
What is the difference between Class 2 and Class 3 compression stockings? ›The main difference between class 3 and class 2 compression stockings is the amount of compression it provides. Class 3 compression socks give 34-46 mmHg of compression and class 2 compression socks give 23-32 mmHg of compression.
What is the difference between Grade 1 and Grade 2 compression stockings? ›Class 1 stockings exert pressures below 20 mmHg and are used to prevent oedema. Class 2 stockings exert pressures between 20 and 30 mmHg and are used in the prevention of venous insufficiency and varicose veins.
Can you sleep in 15-20 mmHg compression socks? ›It's OK to sleep in your compression socks. You can even wear compression socks 24 hours a day if you like. You just shouldn't wear the same compression socks 24 hours a day, day after day, night after night.
Who should wear 20-30 mmHg compression socks? ›
Socks with 20-30 mmHg of pressure are typically recommended for those with moderate edema, lymphedema, varicose veins, venous reflux or more severe swelling. You may be able to find this level of compression over the counter or with a doctor's prescription at a durable medical equipment provider.
What are medical grade compression socks? ›Medical Grade Compression Stockings are elastic garments worn on the legs that provide graduated levels of compression, or snugness, to the leg. They are most snug near the foot and ankle becoming gradually less snug as they rise up the leg.
Who should avoid compression socks? ›A compression garment should not be worn in the case of circulation disorders in leg arteries or for those with serious heart conditions. Caution is also recommended in the case of sensory impairments due to diabetes and neuropathy (nerve damage).
Who Cannot use compression socks? ›“If you have peripheral vascular disease affecting your lower extremities, you should not wear compression socks,” he said. “The pressure provided by compression socks may make ischemic disease worse.
Which is better compression socks or compression stockings? ›Takeaways. Compression sock benefits outweigh those for compression stockings. Doctors prescribe compression socks to treat poor circulation and other conditions. Wear compression socks during long trips and when standing long hours at work.
Is there a difference between compression socks and medical compression socks? ›Comrad Socks offer graduated compression socks that apply pressure ranging from 10 to 30 mmHg. Compression levels above 30 mmHg qualify compression socks as medical products.
What is class 3 compression socks? ›Medical grade class 3 compression stockings and their uses
Being at the hight compression level, medical grade class 3 (40 - 50 mmHg) compression stockings provide the highest amount of pressure for treating any stages of varicose veins and other leg conditions.