Women’s Compression Socks: Stay Informed on How to Improve Your Health!

Modern working women have to work extra hard to ensure that they are at the top of their careers as well as maintaining a work-life balance.

The introduction of women’s compression socks has enabled women to manage a busy day without feeling overwhelmed.

How Compression Socks Work

Compression socks apply a certain amount of pressure on the legs, ankles, and feet which help improve blood circulation. This enables blood to flow better to other parts of the body, hence preventing blood pooling and blood clots. 

Compression socks work by maintaining consistent blood flow from the heart to all parts of the legs and back again. This makes it easier to avoid leg stiffness, aches, and cramps caused by inadequate blood flow.

Benefits of Compression Socks for Women

1. Provides Comfort During Travel

The lack of mobility during travel can reduce proper blood flow, which can lead to blood clots. Women who travel frequently, either by car, train or airplane, are at risk of developing blood clots or deep vein thrombosis. Compression socks work by maintaining proper blood circulation.

2. Boosts Exercise Performance

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle involves incorporating regular exercise or movement. Whether you are an amateur athlete or a professional, reaching your full fitness potential can depend on your muscle recovery during and after training.

Women’s compression socks prevent the build-up of toxic lactic acid on the muscles and you can tone your body without worrying about putting too much strain on your legs. It is important to note that for compression socks, or stockings, to optimize athletic performance, they should have a minimum compression of about 15-20 mmHg.

3. Assists Recovery Process

Health experts recommend the use of compression socks for post-surgery patients, however patients who suffer from severe pain and chronic illnesses can also find relief from wearing socks. This is because the compression provided by allow increased natural healing. It is, however, important to first consult your doctor about compression socks after an injury or surgery.

4. Soothes Pregnancy-Related Swelling

Pregnant women often suffer from swollen feet and legs, which hinders proper movement. The swelling is usually caused by fluid build-up and increased weight. Compression socks come in quite handy for such situations by reducing or preventing swelling and providing comfort and relief from leg, ankle or foot pain.

5. Provides Comfort at Work

Women who work can spend most of their day standing or sitting, which tend to cause muscle stiffness. The lack of movement for long periods can cause health issues, however by wearing the right type of compression socks as one goes about their duties allows them to stay in great condition while being productive.

Types of Women’s Compression Socks

1. Graduated Compression Socks

These socks are designed to have a high level of compression at the ankle and gradually reduces upwards. These are typically created for mobility, hence the need for a professional fitting.

2. Anti-Embolism Socks

These socks are designed to be similar to graduated socks but are targeted for immobile individuals who have restricted movement due to illness or injury.

3. Non-Medical Support Socks

These types of compression socks typically do not require a medical prescription. These are used for providing relief for tired legs and aching feet. Such socks normally provide equally distributed compression at lesser pressure compared to medical compression socks.

4. Arched Compression Socks

In a situation where you experience pain in the arch of your foot or find them swollen, an added arch support would be helpful. These types of socks have graduated compression that helps increase blood flow and a padded heel and toe that provides extra comfort and shock absorption.

5. Copper Compression Socks

These types of compression socks are made of copper fibers and made to increase blood circulation, prevent foot odor, relieve pain and offer general feet comfort. These socks are breathable and have moisture-wicking features which keep the feet remain nice and dry.

6. Highly Comfortable Compression Socks

This type of socks have the same benefits as the other socks on this list but they are also super soft, less tight, and breathable. If you are a fan of colors, you go well with these socks because they appear in various colors which are stylish and you can choose to have them all or choose your best color.

7. See-Through Compression Socks

These are see-through socks which women may prefer because of their light material that enables them to maintain a more natural look.

8. Open-Toe Compression Socks

These socks can be quite stylish while aiding blood circulation; they have a special design in which graduated compression is applied from the ankles to the knees, are lightweight and come in various colors, making them suitable for jogging or hiking. Essentially, these compression socks are left open for the toes round.

9. Fun Prints and Fashionable Compression Socks

For those who prefer socks which have colorful patterns and designs, then these would be the most suitable. These compression socks have attractive designs which you can wear for different occasions and sometimes come with a top cuff that prevents them from slipping down. 

10. Mildly Firm Compression Socks

These socks have either a 8-15 mmHg or 15-20 mmHg compression level that come in various sizes and designs. This level of compression is ideal for daily use and any activity.

When and How to Wear Compression Socks

Most people usually wear compression socks from morning to ensure their circulation is properly maintained as they carry out their day. This is typically recommended, as well as to not wear them overnight. However, the best solution is to follow a doctor’s medical advice.

The way to put on your women’s compression socks is as follows:

1. First, hold the top part of the socks and gently roll them down to the heel.
2. Slip in your feet into the socks.
3. Make sure that the heel of the socks fits with your heels.
4. Finally, pull up the sock, unroll it over ankles and legs and smooth out any wrinkles.

Risks of Wearing Compression Socks

Compression socks are designed to help people in different ways, however they may have side effects if worn improperly, whether in terms of the way it is worn, the size of the socks, or the compression level used.

1. Discomfort

Incorrect sizing, compression level or wearing them improperly can cause discomfort, which can be felt while wearing them or after removing them. The latter may occur if has been wearing the socks for too long.

2. Corns and Calluses

These are hard layers of skin that develop on one’s skin when it tries to protect itself from pressure and friction and can form on the feet and toes due to the compression socks being too tight.

3. Numb and Tingling Feet

The size of the compression socks matters because a size too small will cause discomfort while a size too large will not give effective results. Paresthesia is a condition characterized by numbness, tingling and pricking feelings of the skin.

4. Irritated and Itchy Skin

Irritation of the skin may occur either due to the socks being too tight or as an allergic reaction to the material. The socks should be removed immediately once irritation occurs.

5. Knee Joint Pain

Compression socks may help with joint pain on the knees but wearing the wrong size may worsen the condition instead. It is strongly recommended to confirm the size of the socks before buying. If you are unsure, then the best thing to do is consult an expert. If you are in need of compression socks for medical purposes, then seek a physician’s advice.

6. Restricted Blood Circulation

Compression socks are designed to be worn in a particular way; hence, you may accidentally hinder proper circulation by wearing them incorrectly. Always ensure that you read the instructions normally provided by the package that explains how to properly wear the socks.

7. Toe Spasms

If while wearing compression socks your toes begin to spasm or contract involuntarily, this could be a sign that the socks are too small and should be removed immediately.

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Conclusion

These socks are snug-fitting, comfortable, and fashionable to allow you to effortlessly carry out your regular activities without putting strain on your legs and feet. Compression socks are good for maintaining proper circulation, however first consider the size, length, material, and compression level most suitable for you before purchasing a pair. You can always consult with an expert who will help you choose the type of compression socks that works for you.

This page last updated December 16, 2022