Mayo Clinic Q And A: Tips For Using Compression Stockings
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: My doctor prescribed compression stockings to prevent my legs from swelling during the day. How will that help, and are they all the same?
ANSWER: Compression stockings arent like regular stockings. Theyre typically prescribed with certain specifications and require professional fitting. A number of tips and tricks can help to properly use and care for them so that they provide the intended therapeutic benefit with minimal risk of side effects.
Compression stockings sometimes referred to as pressure socks gently squeeze your legs in a way that helps promote blood flow from the legs back toward the heart. Thigh or waist-high stockings help reduce pooling of blood in the legs and help prevent lightheadedness or falling when you stand up . Stockings that rise to just below the knee help limit lower leg swelling due to fluid buildup. They may also help prevent venous ulcers and can prevent the development of blood clots in the leg especially if used after surgery or when you may be inactive for a while. In addition, compression stockings can help lessen the pain caused by varicose veins.
You can protect your compression stockings from damage by wearing socks, slippers or shoes over them, and being careful not to snag toenails, fingernails or jewelry on the stockings. A tear or run likely means it needs to be replaced. Stockings also may need to be replaced if they begin to bunch up, wrinkle or slide down, or if they stretch out over time.
Compression Socks For Swollen Ankle
Ankle swelling compression socks
Compression socks are also a good choice for swollen ankles. The pressure of the sock restricts blood flow and reduces swelling in the ankle area. If you want to wear compression socks for swollen ankles, it is important to choose a pair that provides sufficient support for your foot and ankle. Many people choose knee-high or mid-calf styles because they are comfortable and easy to put on when youre sitting down or lying down.
How To Put On Compression Socks
When putting on compression stockings, it may be easier to get them on first thing in the morning before you get out of bed. Typically, your legs will have less swelling earlier in the day and the sock will go on a little easier. Here’s how Dr. Sturm recommends putting on compression socks.
- Take the top of the stocking and roll it down to the heel, basically folding it in half, so that it is inside out.
- Avoid bunching it up like you would a sock because it will not stretch.
- Put your foot into the stocking and pull it up or unroll it over your leg.
- Smooth out any wrinkles once the stocking is in place.
- Consider getting a stocking donner or donning aid if you struggle to get the stocking up.
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When To Consult A Doctor About Wearing Compression Socks
Whether or not you need to consult a doctor before wearing compression socks depends on your personal health concerns, Khan said. He noted that young adults with no health concerns can wear most types of compression socks without consulting a doctor. But older adults or anyone who experiences chronic leg swelling should consult a doctor to make sure they know the cause of the swelling and are on the right treatment before starting to wear compression socks, Horwich said.
Purpose And Benefits Of Compression Socks
When you are pregnant, your blood volume increases by 50%, says Jian Jenny Tang, MD, a board-certified OB/GYN and assistant professor in the department of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive science at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. This increased blood volume causes your veins to open up, which can lead to swelling and even varicose veins, she says. Many healthcare providers will recommend compression socks to combat the swelling, aching, or the risk of varicose veins that accompanies pregnancy.
“Compression socks apply even pressure to your lower legs to decrease swelling while helping to maintain blood flow in the veins of the leg,” says , a board-certified OB/GYN with Dublin Methodist Hospital in central Ohio. The pressure helps to reduce the size of the blood vessels in your legs, which improves their ability to push the blood back up to the heart, Dr. Tang adds.
Studies have proven this. One recent study found pregnant people who wore compression socks experienced significantly less swelling in their ankles and calves than those who did not wear them. Other studies have noted compression socks may help relieve leg pain and the achy feeling many people often experience in pregnancy, as well as help prevent varicose veins.
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Socks For People With Diabetes
Diabetic socks are a form of protective footwear that aims to protect the feet and reduce foot injuries, including wounds and blisters. Choosing appropriate footwear can help a person with diabetes keep their feet clean, dry, and healthy. As diabetes can impair wound healing, it is important to protect the feet and reduce the likelihood of injuries.
Socks for people with diabetes may vary slightly in their characteristics, but the features typically include:
- Fewer or no prominent seams: This reduces the risk of blisters and ulcers.
- Padding: This feature provides extra protection.
- Moisture-wicking and breathable: The socks should keep the feet dry to reduce the risk of infections.
- Suitable fit: It is important that these socks are not too loose, as this can encourage friction, which may damage the feet. Conversely, they should not be tight enough to impair blood circulation.
- Ability to keep the feet at an appropriate temperature: The socks need to keep the feet warm to encourage circulation.
- Available in lighter colors: This can make it easier for people to identify wounds and injuries.
Small Changes In Your Lifestyle:
Some small daily life changes can reduce the pain and tenderness of your feet. These include:
- It can be surprising for you, but drinking more water and keeping yourself hydrated can relieve some pain.
- Take short breaks from long sitting or standing day jobs and try to stretch and flex your limbs. If you can allocate a day in a week you may try doing yoga.
- Try to elevate your legs. At home, when you are lying on a couch or in your bed.
- Elevation of your legs with the use of your mattress or bed base in a way that makes your feet at a slightly higher level.
- Avoid alcohol, and if you are a smoker, try to reduce this habit too.
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Best Compression Socks For Swollen Ankles In Seniors
Swollen ankles are no fun. Whether caused by an injury or an underlying health condition, swollen ankles can be painful and slow down even the most active older adult.
While new swelling in any joint should be checked out by a doctor to rule out health concerns, compression stockings or socks and compression sleeves are helpful tools to help prevent and ease swelling.
Many doctors recommend using compression socks after surgeries like hip or knee replacement to help keep swelling down, prevent blood clots and promote healthy blood circulation from the feet and legs. Compression socks can also help with plantar fasciitis, and some evidence exists they can help prevent varicose veins.
What Are The Best Compression Socks For Swelling
Medically reviewed by Dr. David Ferenci Written by Kari Johnson
As the founder of Comrad, I field a lot of questions about compression socks. One of the most common has to do with swelling. People ask me, “What are the best compression socks for swelling, and how do I know what to look for in a pair of socks?” With thousands of compression socks available on Amazon, at your local pharmacy, and online, it can be tricky to figure out what makes a sock better equipped to prevent edema in the lower legs. To make things simple, I decided to write this guide so that customers can learnonce and for allhow to find the best compression socks for swelling.
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How Do Compression Socks Help
Compression stockings are tight and long socks that minimize ankle swelling. They provide lighter pressure as they move upward and apply more pressure closer to the feet.
These socks work because they improve blood flow in the veins of the legs that decrease fluid collection. In this way, the blood from your ankles and feet is continuously pumped back to the heart.
This promotes circulation in your legs and prevents blood clots from occurring. These stockings also relieve swelling, decrease pain, and lessen symptoms from chronic vascular diseases and varicose veins.
In short, compression stockings are the gold standard to prevent ankle swelling.
While compression stockings are available in a variety of colors, patterns, and styles, the most important aspect is their purpose. For this reason, the right pressure and size should be chosen first.
Compression Socks Directly Push Inward To Stop Swelling Compression Also Helps With Increasing Circulation Which Decreases Stagnant Blood And Decreases Swelling
Besides using prescription drugs to treat symptoms and underlying causes of edema, doctors may also recommend the use of compression socks.
Compression socks generate pressure to in the body, especially in legs and feet. Some come in graduated compression, which means they apply the greatest amount of pressure at the ankles and lesser pressure upwards.
Compression socks for edema can help relieve some of the pain caused by swelling almost immediately after you put them on. This means that you may be able to move around more easily, which can also help decrease swelling.
Short Answer: Wear compression socks as often as possible during the day and remove them before going to bed.Looking to Buy a Pair of properly-sized Compression Socks?Click the button below to see the lineup of ComproGear Compression Socks.NOTE: The page includes a sizing chart and free returns, so youre always sure to get the perfect size!
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What To Look For In Socks For Swollen Ankles And Feet
Getting the right shoes and boots can make a significant difference to those suffering from swollen ankles and legs, as can specialist socks.A little bit of time and money invested in the right socks can make the world of difference to someone with swollen ankles and sensitive legs and feet.Look for the following features that socks for swollen ankles can include:
Faqs Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for compression socks to reduce swelling?
It can take up to 3 hours for the swelling to reduce. It might take up to 24 hours for that reduction in size and swelling to be noticeable, but you can still see improvement even after just a few hours.
Is it OK to wear compression socks constantly every day?
Its important that you wear your compression socks consistently until the swelling has reduced as much as possible so that your body doesnt return back to its previous state.
What are light compression socks?
Light compression helps with mild swelling conditions such as edema or puffy ankles due to water retention . This type of sock provides just enough pressure to improve circulation without causing any discomfort or pain.
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What To Look For In Compression Socks
Compression sock strength is rated by a measurement called mmHgwhich is systolic pressure, or when your heart pushes blood out. Diastolic pressure is when your heart rests between beats. For example, if your blood pressure is 140 over 90 , it means you have a systolic pressure of 140mmHg and a diastolic pressure of 90mmHg.
Sock compression levels are rated from mild to extra firm, and each level treats specific conditions:
- Mild: 8-15 mmHg This level maintains healthy circulation and alleviates mild symptoms and swelling. If you dont have venous issues but spend a lot of time sitting or standing , this level will improve fatigue.
- Medium: 15-20 mmHg This level helps swelling and tired, aching limbs, and relieves pain from other venous issues like varicose and spider veins and deep vein thrombosis.
- Firm: 20-30 mmHg Firm is indicated for serious venous issues, including moderate to severe edema or lymphatic edema low blood pressure active ulcers and post-thrombotic syndrome and superficial thrombophlebitis, an inflammatory condition caused by a blood clot just below the skin.
- Extra firm: 30-40 mmHg This is recommended for managing symptoms of lymphedema and more severe versions of conditions treated by the 20-30 mmHg compression level.
- 40-50 mmHg: This is the highest level of compression used to manage the most serious venous conditions and only used if recommended by a doctor.
- Ankle circumference
There are several types of compression designs:
How Do Compression Socks Work For Swelling
Compression socks are designed to provide support to your legs and feet while also helping to reduce swelling.If wearing compression socks helps improve circulation, then this could prove useful in reducing swelling from varicose veins-related issues like spider veins as well as improving symptoms associated with chronic venous insufficiency .Heres all you need to know about compression socks and especially how compression socks work for swelling. So lets get into this!
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Feetures: Engineered For You
Now that you know the details about socks and swollen ankles, you’re probably about to search for the best socks to prevent swollen ankles. Feetures’ relief and recovery socks are designed to help everyone remain active and perform their best by providing relief from foot and ankle pain and swelling. All socks come with a lifetime guarantee, which means that if they fail to live up to your expectations, you can return them at any time for a replacement no questions asked. Check out our reviews, then try a pair to get back on your feet!
Additional Tips For Wearing Compression Socks
- Replace a pair of compression socks every few months. Do not wear any socks with holes, frays, etc.
- Buy at least two pairs of compression socks. As one pair is being washed, there will be another pair you can wear.
- Wash compression socks with cool or lukewarm water. No bleach or harsh chemicals.
- Always air dry. A hot dryer will destroy compression socks real quick.
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How Custom Compression Wear Helps Treat Edema
Compression socks and stockings compress the legs prevents or reduce swelling. The compression helps apply pressure to the swollen feet reducing the cross-sectional area. The reduced size increases the velocity of the blood, which increases the circulation of the blood.
The socks are tighter at the bottom, compressing the veins and forces the blood to flow from the feet back to the heart. The flow of the blood increases the oxygen level in the foot, thereby treating Edema.
Will Compression Socks Help Already Swollen Ankles
Yes, compression hose can help already swollen ankles.
Yes, compression hose can help already swollen ankles.
Yes and yes. Venous compression stockings in 20-30 mmHg or 30-40 mmHg will help reduce swelling. Also, leg elevation when you are not moving can reduce swelling. Drink plenty of water.
Yes and yes. Venous compression stockings in 20-30 mmHg or 30-40 mmHg will help reduce swelling. Also, leg elevation when you are not moving can reduce swelling. Drink plenty of water.
Compression is a primary treatment for leg swelling. Too often diuretics are employed without an indication, e.g. hypertension, etc. In short, compression will help, the key is in getting a garment with the right fit, and right strength or dose of compression. Not all garments are the same. In our practice we employ a variety of compression products from reputable companies . Compression products have changed over the past 15 years and you should be encouraged at the benefits you may see from a properly fitted, and constructed garment. If the edema is severe, you may see better decompression with an Unna boot and then transition to a compression garment. See a specialist in venous and lymphatic medicine. These providers can help establish a reason for the swelling and may be able to initiate compression therapy with you. Best of luck.
The short answer is YES. I recommend VenaSmart brand stockings, The Vein Doctor’s Choice
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How To Shop For Compression Socks
There are three main factors to keep in mind while shopping for compression socks: type, pressure level and style. These factors dictate the socks fit and how much pressure they apply to your legs, feet and ankles. Keep in mind that each person has different preferences, so it may take trying a few different pairs to decide which is best for you.
Where To Buy Compression Socks
Check out ComproGear Compression Socks. Theyre designed with Medical-Grade 20-30 mmHg Compression in Knee High Length to stop Edema fast! Most customers find they stop painful swollen feet and calves instantly. Plus theyre made with moisture wicking fabric to keep going all day long.
Compression socks can help you maintain or improve your leg health, especially if you suffer from edema or other circulatory issues.
But compression socks only work if you get a good quality pair.
Arent they all the same? Isnt one brand the same as the next?
When we started ComproGear Compression Socks, we got custom samples from 17 different manufacturing facilities.
We thought they would all be great compression socks
we were so wrong!
16 of the compression socks were junk.
They were so thin we laughed when seeing them. Were these really compression socks?
You could see through them like shear pantyhose.
They had the quality level of toilet paper in a public bathroom.
Then, to add insult to injury, they had these hilarious sizes. Small/Medium and Large/XL. Really?
We sent over a specification sheet for Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, 2X-Large, 3X-Large, 4X-Large, 5X-Large, and 6X-Large. They sent back Small/Medium and Large/X-Large.
What junk. No thanks.
Eventually we found the 1 supplier that sent quality compression socks. They were sized to our specifications, made with the correct material, and had proper compression.
Where did all those other suppliers go?
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