Socks do more than warm your feet and keep them dry. There are specialized socks built to address specific health conditions. If your doctor recommended compression socks, have you asked why? If you want to learn more about how compression socks help your condition, here are some of the basics explained in greater detail. 

What are Compression Socks? 

The socks are designed to apply pressure on your legs, ankles, and feet. If you have swelling or discomfort in your ankles or legs, compression socks can help. To fully appreciate what compression socks do, you’ll need to understand edema, what it is, and how it affects you. 

What is Edema? 

Edema is swelling caused by excess fluid in your body. Since the fluid can be trapped in any part of your body, it may appear in your arms and hands. In pregnant women, it commonly appears in their legs, ankles, or feet. It’s why their fingers or ankles swell during pregnancy. With compression or edema socks, pressure is applied to the legs and feet. That pressure improves the blood flow in your system, which prevents the buildup of excess liquid that results in the swelling. That is how edema or compression socks improve your condition. 

What Else Can Compression Socks Do?

Wearing compression socks also benefits various health conditions. The socks do more than boost circulation in your legs, after all. They can also do the following:  

• Prevent blood from pooling in your veins

• Reduce discomfort from varicose veins 

• Reverse venous hypertension 

• Aid lymphatic drainage 

• Decrease swelling in your ankles and legs 

• Prevent deep vein thrombosis from developing 

Are Compression Socks Right for You? 

If you are thinking about buying compression socks, go over the list to see if they are ideal for your needs: 

• If your job requires you to sit or stand for hours on end, start wearing compression socks to make the discomfort go away. Taking breaks will also help. Walk around to boost blood flow. 

• Are you an athlete? Wearing compression socks on your hands or arms improves circulation and oxygen delivery while you practice or workout. That can speed up your muscle recovery after your workouts. It can also help you improve your performance. 

• Are you confined to a wheelchair? Lack of circulation in your feet will result in swelling. If you are in recovery and that’s why you’re in a wheelchair, you can prevent more health conditions, such as edema, from occurring by wearing compression socks. 

• Are you pregnant? Your pregnancy makes you more susceptible to swelling in our ankles, feet, and legs. Compression socks can reduce the chances of these happening. At the very least, it can prevent the discomfort from occurring frequently.

What to Know Before Wearing Compression Socks? 

• Put a small amount of talcum powder on your legs or feet. That will make it easier to slide the sock up your feet to your ankle or leg. 

• Take the socks off before you go to bed. That is, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. 

• Shop from trustworthy shops. That will ensure that you’re getting high-quality fabrics for your purchase.