Compression socks may have crossed your mind even if you haven't worn them. It's not uncommon to see someone wearing them on a flight or at a sporting event. You'll feel a gentle squeeze on your legs and ankles when you wear compression socks or stockings. A special pair of socks promote blood flow.
What exact mechanism by which compression socks work, and who should wear them? Please find out more about compression garments by looking at their science.
How do compression stockings work?
It's similar to wearing pantyhose or tights, except compression stockings are made from different materials and work differently.
The elastic fabric of compression stockings allows them to fit snugly around the ankles, legs, and thighs, unlike ordinary socks worn for style or protection. It is snugger around the ankles and less snug around the calf and thigh area of these stockings.
Stockings create pressure in the legs, which allows fluid to move up or down the legs. The use of compression stockings improves blood flow as well as reduces swelling and pain. Specifically, they are useful for preventing DVT since their pressure prevents blood from pooling and clotting.
How to use compression stockings?
The doctor may prescribe compression stockings for you to wear while in the hospital or at home if you have had leg trauma or surgery. You can find these items in pharmacies and medical supply stores.
These stockings can be worn to relieve some of the discomfort and swelling associated with a DVT diagnosis.
Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) can cause chronic swelling, pain, skin changes, and ulcerations on the lower extremities, and compression stockings have previously helped to prevent it. The recommendation has changed, however. Using compression stockings to prevent injuries is also recommended.
Make sure compression stockings are on before getting up and moving in the morning. When you move around, your legs may swell, making it harder to put on your socks. If you want to take a shower, you will need to remove your stockings first.
To make compression stockings glide smoothly up your leg, you should apply lotion to your skin before you put them on. Before putting on your socks, ensure that the cream has absorbed fully into your skin.
A compression stocking is put on by grabbing the top, rolling it down toward the heel, putting your foot inside, and slowly pulling it up. Wear your stockings continuously throughout the day, and don't remove them until you're ready to sleep.
When you wear the stocking, wash it with mild soap and let it air dry. Every four to six months, replace your socks.
How to choose compression stockings for DVT
There are different levels of compression stockings, so choosing the right pair is crucial. The length of your hose can vary from knee-high to high-high to full-length. Swelling below the knee may require knee-highs, and swelling above the knee may require thigh-highs or full-lengths.
Even though your doctor can prescribe compression stockings, you do not need one for socks less than 20 mmHg (millimeters of mercury). Mercury millimeters were used to measure pressure. There is a greater level of compression in stockings with a higher number.
For DVT, a tightness range of 30 to 40 mmHg is ideal. We offer mild compression (8-15 mmHg), moderate compression (15-20 mmHg), firm compression (20-30 mmHg), and extra firm compression (30-40 mmHg).
A proper amount of tightness is also important for preventing DVTs. To determine the right size for you, take your body measurements and then refer to the sizing chart provided by the brand.
Measuring your ankle circumference, calf width, and calf length starting from the floor up to your knee bend will give you the size of your knee-high stocking.
Whether you're purchasing thigh-highs or a full-length stocking, you'll also need to measure the width of your thighs and the length of your leg starting at the floor.
Are there different types of compression socks?
Materials like lycra, nylon, and spandex tend to create compression socks. Their typical length falls below the knee but may also reach the thigh or act as tights. Additionally, there are compression garments for the arms and the whole body.
There are generally three types of socks:
Non-Medical support hosiery: Over-the-counter garments, such as flight and elastic support socks, can be purchased. Medical compression stockings provide a tighter fit and uniform compression throughout the garment.
Anti-embolism stockings: They can be used by less mobile people to reduce their chances of deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot forming in a deep vein). The pressure is greatest at the ankle and gradually declines toward the top of the sock (gradient pressure).
Medical or graduated compression stockings: Doctors prescribe these socks to provide a specific compression level. A gradient pressure is also made available by these stockings, similar to anti-embolism stockings.
How many hours a day should you wear compression socks?
Professional fitting of graduated compression stockings is available if you have a prescription. Wearing them for a long period can be explained to you by your healthcare provider.
It has been verified that compression socks can be worn all day to prevent or treat venous problems except when bathing or sleeping.
There is a possibility that not all of this information applies to you. Even if you do not have a prescription, it is a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider. Using your medical history and health needs as a guide, you can decide which compression garments to wear and how to use them.
Is there any downside to wearing compression socks?
Wearing compression socks has some potential risks, as with any treatment option. Compression socks can cause the following conditions:
Discomfort: Compression socks tend to be tight and uncomfortable when worn at higher pressures.
Skin irritation or damage: Itching, redness, or tingling are signs of irritation.
Poor circulation: Lack of blood can occur by ill-fitting compression socks.
A tight pair of compression socks may cause superficial venous thrombosis in rare instances. It is less likely for superficial blood clots to cause complications because they occur in veins near the skin's surface.
There is no evidence that compression socks can cause deep vein thrombosis, a more serious type of blood clot. The most common complications with compression garments are that they do not fit correctly or the wearer is wearing them incorrectly.
Bottom line
A common symptom of DVT is swelling and pain. Having a blood clot travel to your lungs can be potentially life-threatening. Identify this condition when you've recently taken a long trip, experienced trauma, or had surgery, especially if you've taken a long journey, experienced trauma, or had surgery.
If you suspect a blood clot in your legs, seek medical treatment. Make sure you ask your doctor if compression stockings can help prevent DVT if you are about to undergo surgery or are going on a long trip.