It’s likely you’ve seen athletes or travelers on lengthy flights using tight compression socks to enhance blood circulation. But their applications aren’t limited to travel and sports. Several medical disorders may cause pain and swelling, which compression socks can aid.
Compression socks for men and women work as they can enhance their health. Some people might not know about them because they are suggested to people with specific health ailments. Don’t worry about this write-up; we will discuss compression socks and which individuals should wear them. Keep reading for more!
Compression Socks: What Are They?
Compression socks are a kind of elastic hosiery intended to help return venous blood to the heart by applying sufficient pressure at various points along the foot, ankle, and leg.
- The graded compression design gradually loosens the leg after being tighter at the ankles.
- This mild compression improves blood flow through veins and lessens soreness, exhaustion, and edema.
Compression socks are available in various designs and lengths, giving patients bedridden or undergoing surgery alternatives for treating deep vein thrombosis and varicose veins and preventing blood clot development after surgery.
Compression Socks Types
Typical kinds of compression socks are:
Graduated Compression Socks
- The knee-high compression socks 15-20 mmHg provide graded pressure from the foot to the knee using interlaced fabric fibers with an inherent memory. Depending on the kind of compression socks the doctor has prescribed, these socks provide the most significant amount of pressure at the ankle and progressively lessen it up to the knee.
- Patients with lymphedema, venous malformations, varicose veins, and deep vein thrombosis often get them as an adjunctive therapy.
Anti-Embolism Socks
- As their name implies, these socks provide sufficient compression to the veins in the legs and reduce the chance of clot formation throughout the healing and recovery process when movement is restricted.
- Medically appropriate sizes and fittings are necessary for hospital-grade anti-embolism socks.
Common Health Issues Addressed by Compression Socks
Your doctor may suggest the best compression socks to treat vein or venous disease symptoms. Venous diseases are caused by malfunctioning vein valves, which impede blood flow back to the heart. This may result in:
Twisted or bulging veins and these may develop close to the skin surface and it is often known as the varicose veins. These veins might even bring a heavy feeling in your legs, cause itching and result in burning or hurting.
Damage to the veins in the legs results in chronic venous insufficiency. The symptoms include leg ulcers, skin abnormalities, cramps, and soreness. Chronic venous insufficiency may occur in people with varicose veins.
A kind of chronic venous insufficiency brought on by deep vein thrombosis is known as post-thrombotic syndrome (DVT). When a blood clot develops in a deep leg vein, DVT occurs. Vein damage might result from scarring left by a DVT clot. DVT may be fatal if treatment is not received because the clot has the potential to break free and get stuck in the lung’s bladder. This is known as a potentially lethal pulmonary embolism.
Swelling brought on by a buildup of lymph, a fluid, in the body’s tissues is known as lymphedema. Infections, tumors, cancer treatments, and issues with lymph system development may cause lymphedema.
Who Needs Compression Socks?
Compression socks can be helpful for a wide range of people who experience circulation problems, such as:
For individuals experiencing swelling and discomfort: Conditions such as chronic venous insufficiency, varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis, and other related issues can lead to the accumulation of fluid and feelings of discomfort.
- Compression socks offer a gentle touch that aids fluid drainage and relieves tired, weary legs.
- Getting a suitable class of compression socks is crucial to be effective.
Requirements for Recovery after Surgery: Patients who have undergone surgeries such as knee and hip replacements may experience immobilization. During their recovery phase, it is beneficial for these patients to use products such as knee high compression socks 20-30 mmHg for preventing the formation of blood clots.
- Sizing correctly in the hospital ensures the right amount of gradient pressure.
How Do Compression Socks Work?
Your circulatory system will benefit greatly from the gentle embracing support that compression socks provide to your lower legs and feet. Compression socks aid in natural processes that keep us comfortable and energetic throughout our everyday lives.
Increased Blood Flow Efficiency
Compression socks provide a tight fit that helps blood vessels carry oxygenated blood easily to lower extremities while helping slow-moving veins return blood to the heart against gravity.
Reduction of Pain and Swelling
Increased blood flow throughout the body may also stop blood from accumulating in veins, which lowers the risk factors linked to the formation of harmful clots.
Compression socks relieve swollen ankles and feet and the aching heaviness in the legs that often follows an injury or prolonged immobility by promoting normal blood flow.
Encouragement of Active Lives
Even athletes use compression clothing to enhance their leg awareness during exercise and expedite their recovery after training.
The tight fit provides fast elimination of lactic acid buildups and proprioceptive cues about positioning.
Bottom Line
Compression socks for women and men have a wide range of applications beyond just athletes and travelers. They provide relief by improving circulation and reducing pain and swelling caused by different medical conditions. They come in various types and lengths, relieving venous disorders and assisting with post-surgery recovery. Having a clear understanding of these tools’ advantages and practical uses is essential for using them correctly and getting the most out of them.
