Are Compression Socks Safe? Things You Need To Know

Are compression socks safe? Can wearing compression socks be harmful? Are compression socks used? These are some of the most common questions asked by runners who want to start using compression socks. For starters, compression socks are ultra-strong elastic garment or socks worn up to the knee by runners and sporty people. Their main function is vein compression on the surface of the leg, muscles, as well as on the arteries. This compression enhances blood circulation through the legs and the smaller circulatory channels which makes your blood to move faster to the heart to avoid pooling in the feet. Compression socks are also used for a medical purpose on bedridden patients and those with limited mobility to improve blood circulation on the legs.

Are Compression Socks Used?

Yes, runners use compression socks, and they are very safe to wear. Most of these socks have graduated compressions. They are tight on the base and less tight around the knee. This makes them tricky to wear. Since a leg size varies, get a compression sock that fits your calf size as well as the foot. The stockings need to snug perfectly; not very tight nor very loose.

How Do They Work?

The socks are designed to give the maximum pressure around your ankles. The pressure decreases as it moves upward. Biologically, blood in the veins within your body’s circulation system has to overcome the gravity to get back to the heart. However, there are other factors that can disrupt and reduce this blood flow such as weak veins, weight issues, and lack of enough blood circulation stamina. The accumulation of lymph fluid also leads to swelling in the lower parts of your legs. Sluggish blood flow combined with lymph fluid retention in lower limbs makes you feel tired. It also increases the risk of developing varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis in more severe cases.

The socks have a varying elasticity that works by exerting pressure on the limb. The therapy increases tissue pressure for the lymphatic fluid to get absorbed into the veins thereby reducing swelling and edema. Compression socks are a favorite for compression therapy, which offers an effective solution to potential injuries and in treating conditions related to the venolymphatic system. When the body venolymphatic system has problems, you experience poor blood circulation, varicose pain, as well as swelling and numbness. It also offers a quick recovery time to the affected runners.

Purchasing Your Compression Socks Online

Stronger compression socks come with a specification such as the level of compression and the socks length. The prescription is usually done by medical staff in the medical supply outlet where different feet are well measured for fit. However, socks with a low compression effect come without a prescription. They also come with preference features, where some have an open or closed toe, different colors, and various brands for you to choose from.

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How To Wear Compression Socks

There are various ways to wear compression socks. You can gently pull the unrolled socks on the foot and fit it well over the foot and the heel.  Alternatively, pull a folded sock to the ankle level, then unroll, and pull the rest of the stocking up the leg to the required level. Finally, you can use a Stocking Donner. This is a device that can assist you to wear the sock effortlessly. A Stocking Donner is especially helpful for people who suffer back pains and arthritis, therefore, finding it hard to grasp and pull the garment.

As a tip, always ensure your skin is dry. It becomes difficult to pull the socks if the skin surface has moisture. It’s also more comfortable to put on the stocking when sitting. This way, you can always check to ensure that there is no wrinkling or bunching, especially around the ankles. Wear the socks as prescribed. Disregarding the prescription can result in your leg swelling, and this makes it difficult or impossible to wear the stocking.

It’s advisable to check for any skin changes and irritation regularly before wearing your compression socks. Such changes are a good indicator of an infection, or the pair of socks you are using does not fit correctly. Finally, if your feet have a severe swelling in the morning, you may need to wrap them using a compression bandage first to lower the swelling.  

Can Wearing Compression Socks Be Harmful?

Compression socks are essential for healthy feet, especially for you as a runner. However, they have to be well fitting to reap the maximum benefits and to avoid problems associated with wrong compression socks usage. Compression socks need not be painful to wear. If this is the case, it means the sock is too tight, or the size is too small for you, or the compression is too strong for you. As such, you need to refer to the fitting chart to ensure that you get the right measurement and size that fits you correctly.

Also, consult your doctor on the compression level suitable for you. At the same time, check for the origin of the pain if any. If it’s in the toe, you can use an open toe sock to avoid squeezing the toe. If the pain comes from the area behind the knee, you need to check if the socks are bunching behind the knees.

Similarly, the socks are not supposed to slide down. If that happens, then they are too large for you. It could also be because the swelling in your legs has reduced, and it’s now time to get a new size.

In Conclusion

I hope you now have the answer to the question; are compression socks safe? Compression socks need a replacement after a certain period. Plan to get a new pair of compression socks after five to six months of usage. To ensure the right compression from the stocking on your foot, your socks need to have the proper elasticity. Overall, in addition to reduced swelling, this therapy should help to prevent painful and itchy spider and varicose vein that interferes with blood flow.