Benefits of Wearing Compression Socks | USA Veins Clinics

1. How Compression Socks benefit Your Legs & Health

2. What Are Compression Socks? Compression socks, sometimes known as compression stockings, are garments designed to compress your leg. The resulting compression can help reduce pain and swelling associated with varicose veins, while also increasing your circulation. They are generally very snug in the ankle area and looser higher up on the leg.  If you’re imagining thick, brown nylons like your Grandma used to wear, don’t worry. Improved materials offer a thinner, more stylish look with all the same benefits. They also now come in different styles –– short, long, thigh-highs, and tights. You can also choose from an array of colors and prints. 

3. What Do Compression Socks Do? The first thing to understand is that the blood in your legs has to work against gravity to return to your heart. Varicose veins form when leg veins malfunction and are unable to effectively return this blood to the heart –– instead, blood pools in the legs, ankles, and feet.  Compression socks can benefit your leg health by applying gentle, constant pressure to your leg tissues. This compresses the vein walls and helps the blood in these areas return more easily to the heart. With improved circulation, blood will stop pooling in your legs. This will reduce any associated swelling, heaviness, fatigue, and achiness.

4. When Should I Wear Compression Socks? If you are at risk for developing varicose veins, you might want to ask your doctor about wearing compression socks. You may be at increased risk for the effects of vein disease if you: • Have a family history • Are female • Are overweight or obese • Are over the age of 60 • Are pregnant • Don’t get enough physical activity • Stand or sit for long periods

5. Compression socks are an easy and affordable way to help promote good circulation and prevent any complications with vein disease symptoms. However, it’s important to use the compression socks properly to prevent any issues. Below, we’ve gathered our most frequently asked questions (FAQs), along with helpful answers by our vein specialists.

6. How Do I Wear Compression Socks? Finding the best fit for your compression socks is essential. They should be snug against your ankle and leg and free from any wrinkles or bunching. Don’t roll down the tops, since this can restrict circulation and defeat the purpose of wearing them. If your doctor has prescribed compression therapy for you, follow their orders on how long to wear compression socks. Many individuals put them on first thing in the morning and wear them throughout the day. 

7. What Size Compression Socks Should I Get? Compression socks are measured in levels of pressure, or mmHg. Lower numbers indicate a milder compression; higher numbers a higher compression. The right level of compression for you depends on why you are wearing them.  If you are at increased risk for DVT, for example, you’ll need a higher level of compression. The highest level of compression socks is reserved for individuals who are on bed rest due to surgery or injury. This type is called thrombo-embolic deterrent hose, or TED.

8. Will Insurance Cover My Compression Socks? Some insurance plans cover compression socks, particularly when prescribed at a high compression level. Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover compression socks at this time.  Should I Request A Prescription For Compression Socks? You don’t need a prescription for most compression levels. However, it may be helpful to discuss the best ways to wear compression socks with your doctor or vein specialist. They can also help identify the best type and size for you.

9. Should Everyone Consider Wearing Compression Socks? Not everyone should wear compression socks. If you have one of the following conditions, please contact your doctor before using them:  • Congestive heart failure • Septic phlebitis of the leg • Advanced arterial disease of the leg • Skin infections • Peripheral neuropathy • Fabric allergies • Dermatitis

10. Do Compression Socks Contain Latex? If you have a latex allergy, you can still wear compression socks. Just read the labels carefully. Some brands use latex, but many others use spandex.  Can I Wear Two Layers Of Compression Socks? If you need to increase your compression level, you can double up. If you do, be sure to look out for wrinkles and bunching in the lower sock. 

11. What Length Compression Sock Should I Purchase? Most individuals opt for knee-length compression socks. These work well for varicose veins and venous insufficiency symptoms in the lower legs. If vein symptoms occur above the knee, you may need to consider compression hose, tights, or thigh-highs. Are Runs An Issue With Compression Stockings? Some compression stockings are made from thin, sheer materials. This type is more likely to run than thicker, more sturdy ones. Unfortunately, the level of compression is affected when this occurs. If you have a run in your compression garment, you should replace it.

12. How Do I Wash Compression Socks? You should wash your compression socks each time you wear them. This removes any dirt and odor and helps them regain their elasticity.  For the best results, soak your compression garments in cold water and mild detergent for 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Afterward, hang or lay flat to air dry. Avoid using any heat; this will damage their elasticity.

13. What Are Some Tips To Help When Putting Compression Stockings On? Because compression stockings are tight, they can be a challenge to put on. We recommend doing this first thing in the morning, before you get out of bed. Get started by folding the top half of the sock over towards the foot section. Then, insert your toes all the way to the end of the sock. Next, carefully pull on the rest of the foot section. Finally, pull the folded-over section up over the calf and towards your knee.  You can smooth out any wrinkles or bunches as you go. While putting on compression socks may seem difficult at first, it gets easier with practice. 

14. Vein Treatment at USA Vein Clinics Along with the benefits of compression socks, you may be interested in other methods for improving painful and uncomfortable vein disease symptoms. At USA Vein Clinics, we offer a variety of vein treatments that can help your sore, achy legs. If varicose veins are making you miserable, don’t suffer any longer. For your safety and convenience, we are now offering our patients a choice of in-office or telemedicine consultations. Give us a call at 888-768-3467 or schedule an appointment online. We look forward to hearing from you!