Benefits of Medical Compression Socks for Men and Women

First off, what do compression socks do? Many people assume compression stockings are only for the elderly or those with poor blood flow, but many other people can receive great benefits from using compression socks.

Compression socks are specially designed to gently squeeze the leg more than traditional socks. This controlled pressure applied to the legs and ankles promotes better blood flow and circulation throughout the body. They also help decrease swelling and pain in the legs and ankles.

Medical compression socks add pressure to your veins, which reduces the excess fluid in the legs that is leaked from the capillaries. As a result, inflammation decreases and blood is better able to flow from the legs to the heart. Your heart does not have to work as hard to bring the blood through the veins. By wearing compression stockings, blood will stay near your head and heart rather than in the feet. Keeping blood from pooling in the legs will prevent inflammation in that area and result in better circulation.

A variety of people with different circumstances and conditions wear compression socks for numerous reasons. Medical compression stockings can help those with diabetes, lymphoedema, oedema, and venous ulcers.

Oedema is a condition that causes swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet, and it is common in diabetics. This makes it difficult for blood to flow back from the feet to the heart. Another condition called lymphoedema is caused by a blockage in the lymphatic system that causes inflammation in the legs or arms. This is commonly caused by lymph node removal or damage from cancer treatment. At Garnet Medical, we offer a variety of Sigvaris compression socks, such as the Eversoft Diabetic Sock, for those with diabetes and a selection of compression sleeves and socks for those with lymphoedema. For someone experiencing venous ulcers, our ULCER X Kit has a significantly higher healing rate and shorter healing time compared to conventional bandages.

Those with medical conditions are not the only people who wear compression socks. Many pregnant women, athletes, and people who sit or stand for many hours each day have found compression socks to be useful. Pregnant women are prone to swelling, but with pregnancy compression socks, pain and inflammation in the legs can be reduced. People who are on their feet all day, such as nurses, or those who sit for long hours, such as pilots and frequent flyers, are also candidates for compression socks. Although there is not much evidence that shows the benefits of athletes wearing compression stockings, many athletes believe it improves their performance by increasing oxygen delivery to muscles and speeding up the removal of lactic acid.

Compression socks are completely safe and can be worn by most adults, except for those who have peripheral arterial disease or low blood flow. There are many benefits to wearing compression stockings, so talk to your doctor if you are experiencing swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet to see if compression socks are right for you.

There are many types of compression socks for women and men varying in length and pressure. Graduated compression socks exert the greatest degree of compression at the ankle, which slowly decreases up the leg, encouraging natural blood flow back to the heart. They help with the reduction of oedema and help heal inflammatory disorders. Garnet Medical offers thigh-high compression socks and knee-high compression socks depending on your circumstance. They come in different intensities of pressure; for example, the 15-20 mmHg compression socks will not apply as much pressure as the 30-40 mmHg. There are also anti-embolic stockings that use more pressure and are often used post-surgery for immobile people. For the lightest pressure, there are compression pantyhose, tights, and leggings for people who travel or spend a lot of time standing.

It is common to put the socks on in the morning and wear them all day, every day, but it may take time to get used to them. Some people only wear them on long plane trips or car rides, while exercising, or post-surgery. Make sure your socks are not too tight and remove them if you experience tingling or discomfort. Do not fold the socks over, as this could cause them to be too tight and could cut off circulation. It is not recommended to sleep in compression socks, as they might bunch up throughout the night and could interfere with circulation.

Sigvaris offers a wide selection of compression socks and stockings for both men and women. Find the right compression and say goodbye to swelling. Whether you were diagnosed with diabetes, have varicose veins (spider veins), are prone to swelling, or stand or sit all day long, Sigvaris compression socks can help you.