Gone are the days when socks just keep your feet dry and warm. There are now specialized socks that can prevent and improve different health conditions.
Compression socks also called compression stockings are a type of specialized socks that can apply gentle pressure on the ankles and legs. These socks can boost the blood flow from the legs to the heart.
Compression stockings are also revealed to help reduce the amount of pain and swelling in your ankles and legs. This application of pressure to the legs reduces the excess fluid in the area, cuts back inflammation, and ultimately boosts the flow of blood to the heart through the veins.
Compression stockings are also revealed to help reduce the amount of pain and swelling in your ankles and legs.
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The Basics of Compression Socks
Compression stockings are available at most big box stores, pharmacies, and online retailers. Depending on the specific type of compression sock that suits you best, you might need professional fitting or a doctor’s prescription to achieve the best results.
Compression stockings or socks have three primary types, and these are the following:
Anti-embolism Stockings
These stockings also feature graduated compression that reduces from the ankle upwards although it is used for non-mobile people. Anti-embolism stockings help lessen the risks of suffering from deep vein thrombosis. Anti-embolism stockings, in general, also need a professional fitting and a doctor’s prescription.
Graduated Compression Stockings
This type of compression stockings has the strongest compression at the ankle and reduces up to the knee. Doctors may suggest the use of this type to people with orthostatic hypotension or peripheral edema. Graduated compression stockings also need professional fitting and doctor’s prescription.
Nonmedical Support Hosiery
It is a kind of compression that doesn’t require a prescription and you can buy it from most pharmacies today. Support hosiery provides a similar level of compression all over the stocking and can offer relief for achy and tired legs.
Who Needs Compression Stockings?
Compression socks are beneficial for a lot of conditions. Doctors may recommend wearing compression stockings for the following reasons:
It boosts leg circulation.
It reduces swelling in the ankles and legs.
It improves lymphatic drainage.
It manages low blood pressure or orthostatic hypotension when you stand up after a certain period of sitting down.
It prevents the pooling of blood in the veins in the legs.
It prevents deep vein thrombosis in the legs.
It prevents venous ulcers.
It reduces varicose vein-related pain.
It reverses venous hypertension.
You can also use compression stockings if you are one of the following groups of people:
Athletes
People confined to wheelchairs
Pregnant women
Airplane crew or passengers
People who are standing at work all-day
Tips for Using Compression Stocks
When wearing compression stockings, you can wear them just like how you do with other socks. Start with pulling the stockings over the foot and unrolling them up to your leg. When you find it hard to slide on the compression socks, try to apply a small amount of talcum powder on your legs or feet.
Try pulling the compression stockings up to ensure that the compression is properly dispersed all over your legs and feet. Ensure that the socks don’t bunch up in any spot. Compression stockings should fit tightly and securely over your skin without being painful.
