Guide to Compression SocksUpdated 10 months ago
Why Do People Use Compression Socks?
Compression socks and stockings are used for compression therapy to help people managing chronic venous disease (often called insufficiency) who are experiencing fatigue, heaviness, and aching.
Compression offers two primary benefits to individuals suffering from chronic venous insufficiency:
1. Increasing the pressure in the tissue under the skin (subcutaneous) to reduce and prevent swelling.
2. Reducing the ability of the superficial veins in the leg to expand and overfill with blood, causing congestion which leads to swelling and skin changes common in persons with venous problems.
Read the full Guide to Compression Socks
Compression Levels for Compression Socks
Who Should Use Compression Socks?
People with the following leg issues:
- Those who spend a lot of time sitting or standing
- Tired, aching, heavy feeling legs
- Varicose veins
- Venous insufficiency
- Post-Thrombotic Syndrome
- Healed venous ulcer
- Active venous ulcer
- Lymphedema
Who Should Not Use Compression Socks?
People with the following medical conditions should talk to their doctor before considering compression socks:
- Ischemia (e.g. advanced arterial disease) of the legs
- Uncontrolled congestive heart failure
- Untreated septic phlebitis of the leg
- Incompatibility to fabric of garment
- Impaired sensitivity of the limb
- Phlegmasia cerulea dolens
- Immobility (confinement to bed)
- Skin infections
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Should I use knee-length or thigh-high compression socks?
A: A knee-length gradient compression stocking is generally recommended to prevent or manage signs and symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency or other causes of lower leg swelling and skin changes.
When swelling or varicosities are present above the knee then a thigh-length compression sock or stocking may be a more effective choice.