Blog What Are Compression Stockings and Compression Socks?

Compression stockings or compression socks have a snug-fitting design made of stretchy material to help maintain blood flow while reducing swelling and discomfort in the lower extremities. If you have swollen or enlarged veins, your doctor may prescribe these compression stockings to help improve blood flow in your legs.

Compression socks can be worn during exercise to help recover and reduce soreness. Compression socks can help you stand for long periods without fatigue if your job involves lengthy standing. People in recovery can also make use of these socks.

You might need it for your medical condition or for the sake of well-being, but that should never make you an average boring-ass adult in their compression socks.

What Other Options Do You Have, Then?

Stylish options are available so you don't have to compromise on fashion and style. Fashionable thigh-high compression stockings and below-thigh compression socks come in various types, so you can wear them as a fashion accessory while meeting your medical needs.

Compression stockings began as strictly medical garments in their early days. But an important factor that eventually made these more style-friendly is that consumers want to feel good and look good simultaneously. As a result, stylish and elegant graphic compression stockings were born to fulfill both needs of the modern consumer.

Who Should Wear Compression Socks or Compression Stockings?

Compression socks are best for numerous people and conditions:

People with Medical Conditions:

The compression socks can help with medical conditions and help in:

• Venous problems of the legs
• Decreasing legs and ankles’ swelling
• Preventing venous ulcers
• Managing orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure when you stand up after a period of sitting down)
• Reversing venous insufficiency
• Stopping blood from pooling in the leg veins
• Improving lymphatic drainage
• Preventing deep vein thrombosis
• Reducing varicose veins pain

Other People Who Can Wear Compression Socks:

Compression stockings are great for the following people:

Wheelchair-Bound People:

As compression socks improve blood circulation, these can be worn by people confined to wheelchairs to enhance blood flow. The blood flow problems occur due to reduced mobility which is efficiently dealt with by compression wear.

Medical practitioners frequently prescribe compression garments to their patients to minimize swelling and lower the risk of blood clots forming after surgery.

Athletes:

Athletes very commonly use compression socks to speed up muscle recovery after workouts. Compression socks have also been proven to increase oxygen and blood flow in feet and legs, so athletes wear them during workouts and other physical activities.

Compression socks and even compression sleeves are now commonly worn by athletes across various sports.

People Standing Or Sitting All Day:

People who have to sit or stand all day can wear compression socks as they help with oxygen and blood flow and reduce muscle fatigue. The most relatable group is the airplane crew, pilots, and passengers on long flights.

Compression socks, worn when sitting, can reduce the stress on your circulatory system and keep you more comfortable. When you sit down, wear knee-high compression socks to help your body be healthier and happier by improving circulation and blood flow.

Pregnant Women:

Swollen legs are common in pregnant women, especially ankles and feet. Compression socks should be worn first thing in the morning since they prevent swelling better than they reverse it, and once your feet and legs are bloated, it isn't easy to put them on. As a safety measure, wear them before the swelling on your legs.

Do You Need a Prescription to Buy Compression Stockings?

No, you don't. Your doctor may prescribe compression stockings if you need these because of your medical condition, but that doesn't mean you can only buy compression wear with a prescription.

If you need compression stockings for yourself as a safety measure, you can buy one without a prescription.

There are certain compression wears, by the way, which can only be purchased after getting prescribed. Compression stockings with relatively higher compression strengths (20 mmHg or higher) are used to treat various medical issues, but only under the guidance of a physician.

So, if you want to buy one for yourself to improve oxygen and blood flow in your lower body, feel free to order one without any prescription.

Is It Safe to Wear Compression Stockings All Day Long?

Compression socks are comfortable to wear all day long. Whether you're working the night shift, on a round-the-world flight, or spending the day at a desk, these are made to be worn for extended periods. Even for the ones recuperating in a chair or running on a sports field. They're comfortable enough to wear all day without worrying.

When you're ready to sleep, take off your compression socks.

How Long Do Compression Socks Take to Work?

Compression socks can alleviate and relieve medical issues (depending on severity) within a few days. Wear your compression garment first thing in the morning for the best benefits. Your limbs will be at their least swollen during this time. It may take up to six weeks before you notice a major difference in the look of your veins.

Are There Different Sizes Available in Compression Stockings?

If your physician prescribes wearing these compression stockings, they will also tell you the size and strength you should go for. Compression socks come in many sizes and strengths per the consumer's medical needs. Follow your doctor's sock size and compression strength recommendations when buying compression socks. There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution.

What Colors Are Available in Compression Socks

There are as many colors easily available for compression stockings as for a t-shirt. You can have them in your favorite color and rock them at the same time while giving your leg veins a rest.

What is Compression Strength?

The compression strength of compression socks is measured in mmHg, which stands for millimeters of mercury and indicates the level of compression or pressure. Compression socks come in various compression levels, each showing how much pressure the garment applies to the feet. In terms of compression levels, the most common ranges are 15-20 mmHg, 20-30 mmHg (medical class 1), 30-40 mmHg (medical class 2), and 40-50 mmHg (medical class 3).

15-20 mmHg:

The cheapest and most widely available pair of compression socks are the 15-20 mmHg pairs. These are not worn for medical conditions. Instead, they are more common for precautions and regular well-being.

20-30 mmHg:

These are also for daily use, sports recovery, medical recovery, and moderate symptoms management. For varicose, spider, or swelling veins or after surgery, this is the ideal compression strength. Wearing 20-30 mmHg isn't dependent on having a medical issue. It just provides a little bit more support than 15-20 mmHg.

30-40 mmHg:

A medical-grade class II compression of 30-40 mmHg is more effective for high compression needs. It is prescribed for leg health symptoms ranging from moderate to severe. Blood clots and deep vein thrombosis DVT are treated with 30-40 mmHg compression.

40-50 mmHg:

Compression stockings with a pressure of 40-50 mmHg are classified as Class III. These medical compression stockings should only be used on the advice of a physician because of the very high compression and potential for serious side effects. Physicians only prescribe these in case of severe medical conditions.

How Will You Feel After Wearing Compression Socks All Day?

When wearing compression socks, fluids are pushed away from the leg, which reduces the chance of pooling. This eases tired muscles by letting go of the tension that has built up throughout the day. Legs that aren't under as much stress may feel more energized. This is the reason it feels so good to wear compression socks.

They may even help you to stand up without feeling dizzy or light-headed. Consider using compression stockings to keep your legs from becoming tired and aching.

What You Should Keep in Mind When Buying Compression Stockings

There are three extremely important things you must avoid before buying yourself compression socks:

Correct Size:

Don't risk cutting off circulation to your lower leg, feet, or toes by wearing the improper compression sock size. There are various sizes available, whichever suits the requirements best.

Correct Compression Level:

Lower compression stockings are ideal for people without medical conditions. Make sure to consult your physician about the perfect compression range in case of a medical condition.

High-Quality Fabric:

Good-quality compression stockings will keep you comfy and supported throughout the day. Something that retains its shape, does not harbor odor-causing bacteria, and can absorb moisture would be ideal.

Stylish Compression Socks Keep You in Style:

Compression stockings are now made with attention to detail, so you may show off your style while still caring for your lower legs' health. You can wear them as a fashion accessory or as a medical necessity, depending on your preference for sassy or feminine thigh-high compression stockings.

Sky Medical Supplies is the best store for compression socks in Denver, Colorado. We also serve the colorado population around Parker, Littleton, Boulder, Aurora, Broomfield, Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, Greenwood Village, Longmont, Westminster, Lakewood, Erie, Centennial, Englewood, Denver Tech Center, Cherry Creek, Superior, Lafayette, Golden, Arvada, Wheatridge, Englewood, Lone Tree, Brighton, Thornton, Elizabeth, Franktown.