Everything You Need to Know about Compression Socks

Vein Treatment Compression Socks

Compression garments have gotten a lot of attention lately in relation to fitness apparel. Perhaps because they’ve been shown in studies to stimulate blood flow and reduce lactic acid buildup, helping legs recover faster. Runners often use them in an attempt to recover from hard workouts and races as quickly as possible.

The science behind compression has been used for a long time in our industry. We recommend their use for many of our patients, before, during, and after treatments. If you’ve never used a compression stocking before, it might seem confusing, so the Vein Clinic of Greater Kansas City explains everything you need to know about them.

What Are Compression Socks?

These specialty garments are usually made from a blend of breathable materials—including nylon, polyester, wool, CoolMax, Lycra, and Spandex—that help keep your feet dry and comfortable. These fitted stockings are tight at the feet with a gradually looser fit on the leg. Because there are different types, it’s best to use the kind that your doctor recommends and that will work best for you.

Related Read: Why You Need to Know the Signs & Symptoms of Vein Disorders

How Do They Help?

  • Help improve blood flow.
  • Help keep fluid from pooling in the legs.
  • May help prevent blood clots from forming in deep leg veins.
  • Help relieve symptoms and prevent problems caused by things like varicose veins, skin ulcers, and deep vein thrombosis.
  • Will help the most if you wear them every day while you’re awake, especially while you’re on your feet.
  • Who Should Use Them & How?

Since compression stockings improve circulation, they are a mainstay of treatment for varicose veins that are causing symptoms. Doctors often recommend that you wear the stockings during the day to help relieve symptoms. Vein disorder patients with very mild symptoms should start by using regular support panty hose, knee-highs, or knee socks. These can minimize swelling and aching considerably. For mild to more serious symptoms, we can write you a prescription and recommend that you buy special compression stockings from a medical supply store. These are specialty and individually fitted.

If you’re unsure if you want to use them, consider that they may help keep your problem from getting worse and may help you avoid surgery. Call the Vein Clinic of Greater Kansas City at 913-541-3377 to set up an appointment today to get a diagnosis and prescription for a compression stocking.