Products

What to Know About Compression Socks and Stockings

  • Benefits
  • How they work
  • Types
  • Takeaway
  • We include products we think are useful for our clients. We carry both prescriptions and non prescription compression stockings ranging from pressure 15 -20 mmHg to 50-60 mm Hg.

    Prescription compression stockings may be covered by your insurance.

    Compression socks and stockings are designed for compression therapy. They apply gentle pressure to your legs and ankles, promoting blood flow from your legs to your heart.

    Compression socks can also reduce pain and swelling in your ankles and legs.

    Read on to learn about the health benefits of compression socks, how they work, different types of socks, and side effects to be aware of.

    Benefits of compression socks

    Your doctor may prescribe compression socks to:

  • boost circulation in your legs
  • support veins
  • prevent blood from pooling in your leg veins
  • diminish leg swelling
  • help prevent venous ulcers
  • prevent development of deep vein thrombosis in your legs
  • help lessen the pain caused by varicose veins
  • reverse venous hypertension
  • improve lymphatic drainage
  • How do compression socks work?

    Compression stockings apply pressure to your legs and ankles, which may:

  • reduce the diameter of major veins by increasing the volume and velocity of blood flow
  • help blood flow up toward the heart
  • help prevent blood from refluxing downward to the foot or laterally into superficial veins
  • Types of compression stockings

    The three primary types of compression stockings are:

  • graduated compression stockings
  • anti-embolism stockings
  • nonmedical support hosiery
  • Graduated compression stockings

    In graduated compression stockings, the level of compression is strongest at the ankle and gradually decreases towards the top. They're designed for mobility and to meet certain length and strength medical specifications.

    Graduated compression stockings typically require a professional fitting.

    Stockings that end just below the knee help limit peripheral edema, or lower leg swelling due to fluid buildup.

    Stockings that extend to the thigh or waist help reduce pooling of blood in the legs and help prevent orthostatic hypotension.

    Some suppliers offer features for personal preferences, such as color, and a choice of open- or closed-toe.

    Anti-embolism stockings

    Anti-embolism stockings reduce the possibility of deep vein thrombosis.

    Like graduated stockings, they provide gradient compression. However, the level of compression differs. Anti-embolism stockings are designed for those who aren't mobile.

    Nonmedical support hosiery (15- 20 mm Hg compression )

    Nonmedical support hosiery doesn't typically require a prescription. They include elastic support hose and flight socks sold as potential relief for tired, aching legs.

    These deliver uniform compression that exerts less pressure than prescription compression stockings.

    You can find nonmedical compression stockings at most pharmacies or online.

    Side effects of compression socks

    If your doctor has prescribed compression stockings, check your legs daily for areas of skin changes, such as irritation or redness. These changes could indicate that:

    • your stockings don't fit properly
    • you're not putting on or taking off your stockings properly
    • you have an infection
    • you're allergic to the stocking material

    It's important to get a proper prescription and be sure to use compression stockings and socks properly.

    The takeaway

    Compression stockings apply pressure to your legs and ankles to promote blood flow from your lower extremities to your heart.

    If your doctor prescribes compression stockings to help you with a condition such as venous insufficiency, remember to:

    • get fitted properly
    • follow instructions for properly putting on and removing them
    • follow all your doctor's instructions, including when and how long to wear them
    • monitor any skin changes in the areas that come in contact with the stockings

    Prices for stockings vary depending upon size, type and compression levels. prices are quoted before you place your order.

    Make an appointment at Planet Health Care.

    Book appointment