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Reviewed for 2024
You may have been wondering if compression socks could be a beneficial addition to your daily routine. If you're spending extended periods of time on your feet, engaging in frequent travel, or you're managing a medical condition such as varicose veins or lymphedema: could compression socks offer some relief? In this guide we will cover a basic overview of how medical compression socks work and give you some pointers on how to select a style and compression level.
Click to jump to section
- What is a Compression Sock? (the different names)
- How They Work
- For Medical Conditions
- For Athletics, Tired Legs, Travel
- How to Choose: Style, Compression Level
- Styles
- Mild (15 - 20 mmHg)
- Moderate (20 - 30 mmHg)
- High (30 - 40 mmHg)
What is a Compression Sock?
Compression socks are known by several names, depending on their intended use, design, or specific features. Some of these names include:
- Compression stockings: This term is often used interchangeably with compression socks and refers to the same type of garment that applies pressure to the legs and feet.
- Support stockings: This name emphasizes the supportive nature of compression socks, which help to alleviate discomfort, swelling, or fatigue in the legs and feet.
- Graduated compression stockings: This term specifies that the compression applied by the socks is graduated, meaning it is strongest at the ankle and gradually decreases towards the top of the sock.
- Medical compression stockings: This name is used when the compression socks are specifically designed for medical purposes, such as managing venous disorders or preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
- Athletic compression socks: This term refers to compression socks that are designed for athletes or individuals participating in sports or physical activities. They are meant to enhance performance, reduce muscle fatigue, and promote faster recovery.
- Travel compression socks: These are designed for individuals who travel long distances or sit for extended periods, such as during flights, to help prevent swelling and reduce the risk of developing DVT.
- Anti-embolism stockings (TED hose): These are specifically designed for bedridden or post-surgical patients to help prevent blood clots and improve circulation.
Regardless of the name, the primary purpose of these snug-fitting garments is to apply pressure on the legs and feet to improve blood circulation, reduce swelling, and prevent or alleviate various medical conditions.
Compression (mmHg)
Compression socks come in different levels of compression (pressure), measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) typically ranging from 15 - 20 mmHg up to 40 - 50 mmHg. You may also hear the term 'medical grade' when referring to compression levels.
When a manufacturer or healthcare provider says 'medical grade compression' they are typically referring to 'how' the garment is designed and manufactured: according to strict standards and guidelines to ensure their effectiveness and safety. Socks with higher pressure levels (such as 20 - 30 mmHg, 30 - 40 mmHg) are also more frequently called 'medical grade', although the lower compression level garments may also be manufactured according to medical grade standards.
To determine what mmHg compression level is right for you, consider consulting a medical professional who can assess your specific needs and advise you on the appropriate level of compression, sock length, and usage regimen. Doctors often prescribe medical compression socks as a non-invasive, cost-effective intervention to manage and alleviate the symptoms of various circulatory issues. If you have a prescription it also makes it easier for our team to help you narrow down your options, and pick the best compression sock for you to match your needs and style.
How Compression Socks Work
Compression socks work by applying gentle, consistent pressure to the legs and feet, which helps improve blood flow, reduce swelling, and provide support to the muscles and veins. They are typically designed with graduated compression, meaning the pressure applied is strongest at the ankle and gradually decreases as it moves up the leg. This design aids in promoting better blood circulation and preventing blood from pooling in the lower extremities.
The primary mechanisms through which compression socks work are:
- Enhancing blood flow: Graduated compression encourages blood to flow upwards, counteracting the effects of gravity and helping blood return to the heart more efficiently. This improved blood circulation ensures that the leg muscles receive adequate oxygen and nutrients.
- Supporting vein function: Compression socks provide external support to the veins, helping them maintain their shape and function, which is particularly important if the veins' walls or valves are weak or damaged.
- Reducing swelling: By promoting better blood circulation and preventing blood from pooling, compression socks can help minimize the swelling (edema) often associated with various medical conditions or prolonged periods of inactivity.
- Alleviating symptoms: Compression socks can help alleviate symptoms of various conditions, such as pain, aching, heaviness, and fatigue in the legs.
- Preventing complications: Consistent use of compression socks can help prevent or manage complications of certain conditions, such as varicose veins, skin changes, or venous ulcers.
Graduated vs. Uniform Compression
Graduated compression and consistent (uniform) compression serve different purposes and are used in different situations. The choice between the two depends on the specific condition or symptoms being addressed.
Graduated compression: Graduated compression socks apply pressure that is strongest at the ankle and gradually decreases as it moves up the leg. This design helps promote blood flow back towards the heart and is particularly effective for managing conditions related to blood circulation and venous disorders. Graduated compression is commonly used for:
- Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)
- Varicose veins
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prevention
- Lymphedema
- Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS)
- Pregnancy-related leg issues
- Athletic performance and recovery
- Prolonged standing or sitting
Consistent (uniform) compression: Consistent compression socks apply the same level of pressure throughout the garment, without any variation along the length of the sock. This type of compression is less common and is typically used for specific situations or conditions that require consistent support or pressure. Consistent compression may be used for:
- Certain types of edema that require uniform pressure
- Some cases of lymphedema, particularly when wrapping or bandaging is not an option
Compression Socks and Stockings: For Medical Conditions
Before selecting a compression garment, you need to understand what condition you are trying to treat, this will help you pick the style and compression level required.
Compression socks can be used to treat, manage, or prevent a variety of medical conditions related to the circulatory and lymphatic systems. Some common medical conditions that can be addressed with compression socks include:
- Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI): Compression socks can help alleviate the symptoms of CVI, such as leg pain, swelling, and heaviness, by improving blood flow and supporting vein function.
- Varicose veins: Compression socks can help prevent the progression of varicose veins and alleviate symptoms like pain, swelling, and discomfort by promoting better blood circulation and supporting the veins.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): Compression socks can be used to prevent DVT in high-risk situations, such as long-distance travel or post-surgery, by promoting blood flow and reducing the risk of blood clot formation.
- Lymphedema: Compression socks can help manage lymphedema by promoting lymphatic fluid drainage and reducing swelling in the affected limbs.
- Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS): Compression socks can help manage the symptoms of PTS, such as chronic pain, swelling, and skin changes, by improving blood flow and providing support to the veins.
- Diabetes-related foot issues: Diabetic patients can benefit from compression socks, as they promote better blood circulation, minimize swelling, and reduce the risk of foot injuries or complications.
- Post-surgical care: Patients recovering from surgery, particularly in the lower extremities, may use compression socks to prevent blood clots, reduce swelling, and promote healing.
- Pregnancy-related leg issues: Pregnant women can benefit from compression socks to alleviate leg swelling, discomfort, and reduce the risk of developing varicose veins or DVT
Important Note: Before you wear compression stockings to treat a medical condition, we recommend contacting your physician to ensure you are screened for conditions that increase the risk of complications prior to use. It is essential to consult a healthcare professional before using compression socks to treat or manage any medical condition, as they can help determine the appropriate compression level, style, and proper fit for your specific needs.
Examples of Medical Compression Socks
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Mediven Karesse Knee High 20-30 mmHg Stockings
As low as $140.00
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Mediven Karesse Pantyhose 20-30 mmHg Stockings
As low as $240.00
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Mediven Karesse Thigh High 20-30 mmHg Stockings
As low as $200.00
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Sigvaris Style Sheer 780 Thigh Compression Stockings
1 Review
As low as $173.00
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Sigvaris Style Sheer 780 Calf Compression Stockings
As low as $112.00
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Mediven Select 20-30 mmHg Knee High Stockings
1 Review
As low as $81.50
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Mediven Plus Pantyhose Compression Tights
As low as $240.00
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Mediven Elegance Pantyhose Compression Stockings
As low as $240.00
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Mediven Plus Thigh High Compression Tights
As low as $200.00
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Mediven Plus Knee High Compression Tights
As low as $140.00
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Mediven Elegance Thigh High Compression Stockings
As low as $200.00
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Mediven Comfort Thigh High 20-30 mmHg Compression Tights
As low as $200.00
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Mediven Comfort Pantyhose 20-30 mmHg Compression Tights
As low as $240.00
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Mediven Comfort Knee High 20-30 mmHg Compression Tights
As low as $140.00
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Levaire Opaque 20-30mmHg Compression Pantyhose
As low as $129.96
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Levaire Opaque 20-30 mmHg Knee-High Stocking
As low as $99.96
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Levaire Women's Diamond 20-30 mmHg Knee-High
As low as $99.96
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Levaire Simply Sheer 20-30 mmHg Compression Pantyhose
As low as $129.96
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Levaire Simply Sheer 20-30mmHg Knee-High
As low as $99.96
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Levaire Simply Sheer 20-30 mmHg Thigh-High
As low as $119.96
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Use in Athletics, Tired Legs, Travel
Athletics: For athletes or individuals participating in sports or physical activities, compression socks can provide the following benefits:
- Improved blood circulation: The graduated compression promotes blood flow, which helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to the muscles more efficiently.
- Reduced muscle fatigue: Compression socks can help stabilize muscles, reducing vibrations and micro-tears that contribute to muscle soreness and fatigue.
- Enhanced recovery: By improving blood circulation, compression socks can help remove metabolic waste products from muscles, promoting faster recovery after exercise.
- Reduced risk of injury: Compression socks can help prevent muscle strains, shin splints, plantar fasciitis, and other injuries by providing additional support to the leg muscles and tendons. Special versions are available to treat Plantar
Tired legs: People who spend long hours on their feet or experience tired, aching legs can benefit from compression socks by:
- Reducing swelling: Compression socks can help minimize fluid buildup in the legs, reducing swelling and discomfort.
- Alleviating pain: By improving blood flow and providing support to the muscles, compression socks can help relieve pain and aching in the legs.
- Preventing varicose veins: Consistent use of compression socks can help prevent or alleviate the symptoms of varicose veins by promoting better blood circulation and vein function.
Travel: Compression socks can be particularly beneficial during long-distance travel or when sitting for extended periods, such as on flights or car rides. They can help:
- Prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT): Sitting for extended periods can increase the risk of blood clots in the legs. Compression socks promote blood flow and reduce the risk of developing DVT.
- Reduce leg swelling: Compression socks help prevent fluid buildup in the legs, which is common during long flights or car rides.
- Improve comfort: By reducing swelling and discomfort, compression socks can make long journeys more comfortable.
In each of these scenarios, compression socks work by applying pressure to the legs and feet, promoting better blood circulation, providing support to muscles and veins, and reducing swelling. It is essential to choose the appropriate compression level and proper fit for maximum effectiveness and comfort.
If you want to browse our Athletic Compression (including for travel and tired legs) you can view them Here.
Examples of Compression Socks for Athletics, Tired Legs, Travel
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2XU Compression Socks for Recovery
As low as $49.99
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2XU Flight Compression Socks (Pair)
As low as $54.99
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2XU Vectr Cushion Full Length Sock
As low as $59.99
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2XU Vectr Light Cushion Full Length Socks
As low as $59.99
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Bauerfeind Compression Sock Training (pair)
1 Review
As low as $130.00
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Bauerfeind Performance Compression Socks (pair)
1 Review
As low as $130.00
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CEP 80's Socks Hiking Men
As low as $80.00
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CEP 80's Socks Hiking Mid Cut Men
As low as $40.00
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CEP 80's Socks Hiking Mid Cut Women
As low as $40.00
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CEP 80's Socks Hiking Women
As low as $80.00
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CEP Allday Recovery Mid Cut Socks Men
As low as $37.00
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CEP Allday Recovery Mid Cut Socks Women
As low as $37.00
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CEP Allday Recovery Socks Men
As low as $70.00
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CEP Allday Recovery Socks Women
As low as $70.00
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CEP Ankle Support Short Socks Women
As low as $76.50
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CEP Business Mid Cut Socks Women
As low as $35.00
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CEP Business Socks Men
As low as $65.00
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CEP Business Socks Women
As low as $65.00
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CEP Camocloud Knee High Socks For Men - Black/Grey
As low as $80.50
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Compression Socks and Stockings: How to Choose a Style and Compression Level
Compression stockings are available in different designs, colours and compression strengths. You can get models in your size or individually made to measure, depending on your needs.
#1 Pick a Style - Below Knee, Thigh High, Full Waist, Waist with Attachment:
Compression socks and stockings come in different lengths to cover different parts of your body, from just below the knee, thigh-high and full waist high tights. What style you need depends on where the affected area is on your body. If you have swelling only in your ankles, then a knee-high sock would be appropriate. If you have swelling on or above the knee, then a thigh high or waist high compression stocking would be required.
There are a variety of stocking heights available, here some examples:
Fitting Tip:
Measurements should be taken in the morning before swelling occurs to get a true representation of size. Also, stockings applied in the morning will prevent swelling and must fit properly before swelling develops. Stockings should feel snug, but not painfully tight.
Below Knee
Thigh High
Waist High
Thigh High With Waist Attachment
