What You Need to Know About Compression Socks Before You Buy?
Compression socks are carefully designed stockings that gently squeeze around legs at varying lengths.
You've definitely seen compression socks before. However, if you've never needed to use them, there are probably many things about them that you don't know.
From their medical benefits to the misconception that it is only for the elderly to use, there’s lots to learn about compression socks. And in this article, you will learn everything you need to know about compression socks before you buy them.
What are Compression Socks?
Compression socks come in a range of lengths and are made to gently squeeze the legs a little more than regular socks. Compression socks' main goal is to encourage improved blood circulation in the legs.
The best part about compression socks is that they are a highly neglected option despite being very useful and usable every day.
How Do Compression Socks Work?
There are plenty of studies and evidence that shows that compression socks work, particularly related to vein issues of the legs because nearly 90% of leg issues originate from vein problems.
For instance, venous insufficiency. That is the condition where your veins' valves are not working properly. Your heart would receive fewer returns since your blood would be accumulated in your legs.
Compression socks increase pressure in the tissues under the skin by gently compressing the legs. This lessens excessive fluid leaking from the capillaries. Moreover, it boosts the lymphatic and capillary vessels' capacity to absorb this tissue fluid.
The result: reduced swelling and swelling prevention. Additionally, it lessens the capacity of superficial veins to enlarge and fill with blood, which minimizes backflow and congestion.
If blood pools in the veins of the legs. Skin changes, harm to vein walls and valves, vein inflammation (also known as phlebitis thrombophlebitis), varicose veins, and even blood clots are just a few of the issues it can bring on.
Wearing compression socks can help with blood flow when you're sitting for a long time, such as on a lengthy flight, in addition to treating venous insufficiency. Less mobility and worse circulation cause more blood to pool and accumulate in the legs, increasing the risk of blood clots.
If you're healthy, the risk of clotting isn't very great, but you've probably seen that discomfort or swelling persist after lengthy flights. Compression socks support healthy circulation and lessen symptoms.
What Are The Different Types of Compression Socks?
There are generally two types of compression socks:
1. Graduated Compression Socks
The most popular and widely used variety of compression socks are graduated socks. These socks come in a variety of compression tightnesses, but all of them are tightest at the ankle and gradually looser as they move up the leg.
Full compression tights are becoming more popular with athletes in place of the traditional compression socks, which typically come in two lengths: knee-high and thigh-high.
2. Anti-Embolism Stockings
The function of anti-embolism stockings is more specialized. They are made for patients who are bedridden, especially those who are recuperating from surgery, to help maintain circulation and thereby prevent blood clots.
Do Athletes Really Benefit From Compression Socks?
It's not unusual to see sportsmen participating in various sports wearing various styles of compression sleeves or stockings. While there isn't much proof to back up "a mechanism of action" for compression socks in athletes, there is some proof that they can speed up recovery.
Compression socks may possibly improve subsequent running performance, according to an Australian study that focused on runners. In other words, if you wear compression socks while running, your next run might be better.
The biggest advantage of wearing compression socks for athletes is that compression socks provide protection against blisters and burns. Compression socks are typically made of thicker materials than the regular sock, protecting the skin and keeping the legs warm and dry.
Conclusion
Above are a few things that you should know about before you buy your first pair of compression socks.
