Why Wear Compression Socks?

There are many reasons why someone would wear compression socks. To better understand why, we need to understand what they are and how they work.

Compression socks go by many names. You may have heard someone refer to them as medical socks, surgical stockings, support stockings, or even travel socks. While each of these references to compression socks would be used in a different situation, they are all referring to the category of compression socks or stockings.

Compression socks are special socks constructed with tension woven into the garment. They provide a gentle hug to your ankles, which helps to move blood through your body. They are categorized by their strength, or the amount of pressure the socks provide to your body when you wear them. They are available in several different strengths, and each strength has a specific job to do. Wearing compression socks helps to support your circulation and circulatory system. Wearing the right strength of compression can also help to treat or prevent swelling and other symptoms of poor circulation.

Many factors contribute to having compromised circulation, reduced blood flow, or being at risk of developing compromised circulation. A few of the most common factors are high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, having a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, and heart disease. When circulation is compromised, or blood flow is reduced, our body sends us warning signals. While there are several symptoms of poor circulation or reduced blood flow, the most common ones experienced by my clients are:

• Pain or discomfort in the lower legs

• Discoloration of the skin in the feet

• Swelling

• Varicose veins

• Leg wounds that don't heal

Aside from the pain or discomfort in the lower legs, many of the symptoms experienced in their early stages are painless. Left untreated, they can develop into more serious situations.

Twenty-five years ago, compression stockings were not commonly talked about and were used most often only to treat conditions affecting the lower legs. However, compression socks have come a long way, and with our increased understanding of how they can support our bodies, we are now using them to prevent some of the very conditions we used to treat.

So that brings us to the question of why wear compression socks. If you want to support your body, if you have any of the conditions that put you at risk of a compromised circulatory system and/or reduced blood flow, or if you have any of the symptoms of poor circulation, then wearing compression socks can help.

I'm a firm believer in prevention, so it's never too early to start.

NOTE: This post is not intended to diagnose or be construed as medical advice.  It is intended to provide some basic information to start a conversation with your health provider.  Ask your physician or member of your health care team before starting, stopping or making any changes to your health care plan.  All opinions are my own. 

Compression Garments at a strength of 20mmHg or higher are considered medical-grade compression and must be prescribed by a doctor.  They are used for the treatment of various medical conditions and should be used under the supervision of a doctor.