Although compression socks were originally created as medical accessories for people with circulatory issues, they’re quickly becoming essential, everyday gear for people who need a little more support. Now, this socks are considered specialized clothing and are used by athletes, office workers, people who travel on planes, and anyone else who wants to improve their health.
Compression socks apply gradual pressure from your foot up to the point on your leg where the sock ends. Sometimes they can go as high as the knee. If you don’t like the idea of wearing long socks, you can get ankle compression socks that can’t be seen when you’re wearing shoes, just like regular no-show socks.
If you’re curious about what they can do for you, here are the top benefits of regularly wearing this socks.
Table of Contents
1. Medical Support
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Compression socks are excellent tools for supporting post-surgical healing and managing chronic leg conditions, especially for people with diabetes. The high blood sugar associated with diabetes damages the lining of blood vessels, which causes poor circulation.
People with diabetes also suffer from nerve damage, and both of these issues cause edema (fluid retention) throughout various parts of the body, usually the legs and feet. Compression socks encourage the fluid to drain properly.
This socks are typically designed for diabetics, and are made from moisture-wicking material to minimize the potential of bacterial growth that can infect an existing wound.
2. Reduced Swelling
With the all-clear from a doctor, people who experience swelling in their feet and/or legs use compression socks to get relief. When it’s not caused by a chronic medical condition, swelling can be easily eliminated with a little bit of compression.
3. Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
For those who are at-risk of forming blood clots, also called deep vein thrombosis, compression socks are ideal. DVT usually occurs in the leg or thigh, but can show up in the arms, pelvis, or in any other deep vein. The issue with these clots is they can travel into the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism.
Many people who travel on planes for long flights wear compression socks as a preventive measure to help avoid blood clots.
4. Enhanced Athletic Performance
Athletes like to wear compression socks because it improves muscle oxygenation and speeds up recovery workouts. When you improve blood circulation and reduce muscle fatigue, the result can be higher performance. Although studies show that not every athlete benefits from this socks, many do, so it’s worth a try.
5. Lymphedema Management
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Compression socks are an excellent way to encourage lymph drainage. Lymphedema is a condition in which the lymph nodes are blocked, and don’t properly drain lymph fluid. The body’s lymph fluid has no pump and relies on movement to flow. There are many causes for lymphedema, including tissue injury from infections or surgery, cancer treatments, and even parasites.
6. Better Performance
A lot of people find that when they wear compression socks, certain things are easier. For example, runners wear this socks and so do people who work out at the gym. The compression increases blood flow through the entire body, which helps transport oxygen faster, providing more energy and less muscle fatigue. This is perfect for people who need the energy to perform high-intensity workouts.
7. Improved Blood Circulation
In addition to supporting athletes with better circulation, compression socks can support anyone in the same way. The compression encourages blood to return back to the heart. Many people report feeling more energy when they wear this socks, even when they don’t have any known or noticeable issues.
8. Comfort During Pregnancy
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Being pregnant puts a huge strain on the body, and that’s why many women choose to wear compression socks. Since the mother’s venous system is working for two, it can become strained. Wearing this socks after the 12-week mark can reduce swelling in the legs and feet while preventing pregnancy-related circulation problems.
Compression Socks Are Helpful for A Variety of Needs
The benefits of wearing compression socks daily are clear, and although they greatly benefit people with diabetes or susceptibility to blood clots, they’re not just for people with medical needs. If you sit or stand all day, you could end up with fluid accumulation in your legs and feet.
Compression socks can bring you huge benefits, whether your goal is to improve circulation, increase comfort during workouts, or support recovery after athletic performance.
