How long wear compression socks

Compression socks — or compression stockings — are specialized socks that apply gentle pressure to your legs and ankles. They can help improve blood flow from your legs to your heart. You can purchase compression socks at most pharmacies, big box stores and many online retailers.

Compression socks can be beneficial for many conditions. Your doctor may recommend you wear compression socks for:. If you wear compression stockings, you should put on your compression socks or stockings just like any other socks — starting with pulling it over your foot and unrolling up your leg.

If you have trouble sliding the compression sock on, try using a small amount of talcum powder on your feet or legs. Try to pull the compression sock all the way up, so that the compression is well dispersed across your feet and legs. Try not to let the sock bunch up in any certain place.

If you want to reduce leg swelling, try to put on compression socks before a long period of standing. Some people wear compression socks for medical reasons, such as lymphedema or chronic venous insufficiency. Chung et al. E, E We recommend asking a medical professional to explain the ideal amount of time to wear compression garments in order to treat your symptoms. Although compression therapy should not be used while you sleep, it is sometimes recommended for people on bed rest or with limited movement.

Pregnant women and people recovering from surgery can benefit from wearing compression socks during times of low mobility. So, whether you're recovering in a lounge chair or sprinting on a sports field, you can use compression socks to prevent poor circulation and reduce swelling and discomfort.

They're safe to wear all day. Different kinds of compression therapies exist. Some forms of compression therapy include compression sleeves, compression socks, compression stockings, and compression bandages. Compression socks are inexpensive and easy-to-use, compared to other forms of compression therapy. Dolibog et al. At Comrad , we offer graduated knee-high compression socks with mmHg compression strength. We also offer ankle socks with targeted compression that remains consistent throughout the length of the sock.

Graduated compression is more effective than uniform compression for improving circulation and reducing swelling. Our graduated compression socks work by exerting 25 mmHg of pressure on your foot and ankle. As the sock moves up your calf, the pressure reduces to 15 mmHg. Graduated compression supports your leg veins by helping blood flow up your legs and against gravity. Not only do graduated compression garments keep blood from pooling in your lower legs, but they can also help to prevent the formation of blood clots deep in your leg veins.

Doctors often recommend that patients use compression socks to alleviate symptoms associated with:. Back to Accidents, first aid and treatments. If you have been prescribed compression stockings for a condition that affects your circulation, you may need to wear them for several years or, in some cases, the rest of your life.

Compression stockings are specially designed to apply pressure to your lower legs, helping to maintain blood flow and reduce discomfort and swelling. They may be prescribed by your GP if you have a condition that causes poor blood flow in your legs, such as:.

Compression stockings come in a variety of sizes, lengths and colours. Still, it feels good to take them off and give your legs a break. Nighttime is a good time to peel them off, rub in some lotion and let your skin breathe. Some research has shown that using them during a run can increase performance the next time you hit the pavement. Wearing compression socks at night can help them heal.

For such medical uses, talk to your health care provider about when to wear compression socks and the right level of tightness. For athletes or people looking to ease leg swelling from sitting or standing, over-the-counter options abound. They come in an amazing variety of styles for daytime use.

Compression socks help prevent leg swelling in people with vein problems, athletes and those who sit or stand for long periods.