Compression hose are form-fitting socks that gently squeeze your legs. They’re designed to improve the blood circulation in your feet and legs. They feel snug but not overly tight. Most of the time, compression stockings are customized just for you. That way, they fit the unique shape of your legs perfectly, exercising just the right amount of pressure.
For health reasons such as varicose veins, graduated compression hose are usually the best choice. This specialized type of hosiery puts maximum pressure around the feet and ankles and less pressure near your calves and thigh. This way, you can benefit from improved circulation while also feeling completely comfortable.
The purpose of compression hose is to increase the blood flow in your veins and arteries naturally. By gently squeezing these blood vessels, compression socks help blood flow more quickly and easily throughout your body.
Normally, your muscles, heart, and even the veins themselves have to work hard to fight the pull of gravity. The more you sit or stand, the more tiring it is to pump blood upwards. However, with the added support of compression hose, your veins have some help pushing blood back to your heart.
Promoting good blood flow and protecting your circulatory system is vital for every part of the body. After all, your blood is what carries essential nutrients to your cells, including muscles, organs, and joints. Wearing compression socks can help in many ways:
Promoting good blood flow and protecting your circulatory system is vital for every part of the body. After all, your blood is what carries essential nutrients to your cells, including muscles, organs, and joints. Wearing compression socks can help in many ways:
People of all ages and lifestyles can benefit from using compression hose. For example, many athletes use compression socks to improve performance in sports by increasing blood flow to leg muscles and preventing soreness. Here are several other types of people who can experience great results:
If you spend a long time standing or sitting down at work, compression hose can provide the extra support your legs need. This can help prevent excessive fatigue, soreness, pain, and swelling. Positive pressure for the veins is especially important for people who are at increased risk of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) or DVT.
The results of wearing compression hose are firmly backed by science. They’re a recognized and recommended treatment for people who have CVI, varicose veins, and other circulatory problems. Articles touching on the benefits of compression socks and compression therapy appear in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, the Cleveland Clinic’s website, and the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
One way that compression hose help to protect you is by preventing blood from pooling in your feet. When blood has trouble flowing properly, it exerts much more pressure than normal on the walls of your blood vessels. This is what leads to the soreness, heaviness, pain, and burning sometimes associated with varicose veins. The best compression socks for swelling can help you feel more comfortable during the day and night.
The reason compression therapy is frequently recommended following surgery or when DVT is a risk is that it helps to prevent dangerous blood clots. When blood circulation is healthy, it’s much harder for clots to form.
Can wearing compression socks be harmful? For most adults, there are few, if any, risks to using support hose. Some people with sensitive skin may have allergies to the materials used. Not wearing the socks correctly can lead to redness or irritation. Of course, to avoid problems, you should always follow your doctor’s recommendations.
It’s important to speak with a health professional when you have circulatory issues because the amount of pressure provided by compression socks needs to be adjusted to your specific circumstances. Some people need a tighter fit while others are more comfortable with less-snug stockings.
To be effective, compression socks must fit properly, and you have to wear them correctly. Also, the amount of pressure needed to keep your veins healthy and comfortable can change over time, which is why visiting a vein professional every six months or so matters.
At Gilvydis Vein Clinic, we’re caring and knowledgeable. Our team can help you find the best compression socks for swelling, discomfort, pain, and other symptoms. Contact us right away to learn more.
We’re proud to be one of three vein centers in Illinois with an IAC accreditation. Get back on your feet with a team of vein specialists who help you understand your vein treatment options.
We’re proud to be one of three vein centers in Illinois with an IAC accreditation. Get back on your feet with a team of vein specialists who help you understand your vein treatment options.