Compression Stockings for Men – (Best) Compression Stockings Guide

Compression therapy has changed form and look throughout time; modern compression stockings for men are more sophisticated in appearance while still providing compression to the legs, ankles and feet. Continue reading to find out more!

What do Men’s Compression Stockings do?

Roles and occupations that require physical strength are commonly taken up by men, such as construction work which involves moving a lot. These roles can strain the body and affect blood circulation, especially in the legs and feet, causing aches and sores to develop by the end of the day. However, using compression stockings can help all that.

These stockings mainly provide compression which helps in so many ways, such as:

• Increasing blood circulation,
• Preventing and/or soothing circulatory issues such as varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis, swelling/edema, orthostatic hypotension, venous ulcers, venous hypertension, and pooling of blood in one area,
• Increasing speed of recovery from exercise,
• Improving performance during sports,
• Lessen pain and discomfort in legs, ankles, and feet caused by illness or injury.

They can provide health benefits whether during work, sports, or leisure activity, and can be worn for preventing and help treat certain health issues. Similarly, they are also beneficial for those suffering from poor blood circulation.

How do Men’s Compression Stockings work?

Compression stockings with graduated compression provide the most compression in the ankles then gradually reduce as the stockings go up.

They are designed as snug-fitted and stretchy to place a gentle squeeze. Depending on the length of the compression stockings, pressure is placed on the feet, ankles, calves and thighs.

What Compression Levels are Available?

Pressure, or compression, is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg); a higher number expresses a higher amount of pressure. Compression is available in different levels as each is used for specific purposes.

It is important to consider the various compression levels available before selecting one that fits your need best. If in doubt, consult with a medical professional.

The various levels are as follows:

• 8-15 mmHg: This compression level is the lightest compression level. It helps in maintaining leg health, relieving tired, achy legs, and preventing and reducing swelling. This level is recommended for starters and daily use.

• 15-20 mmHg: This compression level is mild. It provides relief from mild swelling, aching, and varicose veins. This level is suitable for those who stand or sit for prolonged periods of time and for daily use.

• 20-30 mmHg: This is the first Medical Class level of compression. This level is for treating a variety of mild to moderate medical conditions, such as edema, varicose veins, and deep vein thrombosis.

• 30-40 mmHg: This is the second Medical Class level of compression. This provides more firm compression and are commonly prescribed for treating severe edema, varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis and active stasis ulcers. You should only wear this level under a doctor’s supervision.

• 40-50 mmHg: This is the highest level of compression and is strictly worn under a doctor’s supervision and prescription. This is used to treat chronic venous insufficiency and post-thrombotic syndrome.

What Types of Compression Stockings are Available?

A variety of compression stockings are available in the market, with different compression levels (explained above), lengths (e.g. knee-high, thigh-high, open-toe, closed-toe), designs (e.g. zippered, non-zippered), colors (e.g. colorful or plain), and so on.

Compression stockings for men come in comfortable, light designs; any well-designed pair of compression stockings should feel good against the skin and are breathable.

The main three types are as follows:

• Graduated Compression: As previously explained, graduated compression stockings have graduated compression, in which the most pressure is on the ankles and decreases upwards. Usually a professional would be needed to take measurements to get them properly fitted.

• Anti-Embolism: These exert less pressure than graduated compression stockings, but are targeted for immobile persons. These stockings reduce the risk of poor blood circulation while a person’s movement is restricted. They are specially designed for patients who have just received surgery and spend more of their time in bed.

• Non-Medical Support : Non-medical support compression stockings exert the lowest pressure than above two stockings. They provide uniform pressure and do not require an expert to get them fitted. These provide relief from tired and aching legs.

What can Compression Stockings be Used for?

Compression stockings can be used for various activities as mentioned before, be it work or leisure. Here are a few examples of them:

1. Sports

Active individuals and athletes, such as runners, basketball players, tennis players, and so on, may opt for wearing compression stockings. This is so that, during training or competitions, they would have physical support as well as maintaining good circulation. As a result, afterwards their muscles would not ache or cramp as much, and they can recover faster.

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Assists Performance

Some studies have found improvements in performance when one is wearing a compression garment, while some do not find any changes whatsoever. (armsleeves vs leg sleeves) However, individuals may still choose to wear compression garments, such as stockings, during exercise to help improve balance and efficiency and prevent damage to the muscles.

Assists Recovery

Compression stockings reduce fatigue, muscle soreness, and quickens recovery as removal of waste, such as lactic acid, is more efficient.

2. Preventing and Treating Circulatory Issues

Individuals with blood circulation issues can also benefit from these stockings.

Men who are suffering from several blood circulation issues, such as venous ulcers, deep vein thrombosis, varicose veins, and so on, as well as diabetes could benefit from wearing compression stockings.

3. Assists in Recovery from Surgery

Doctors may prescribe compression stockings to a patient post-surgery to avoid the risk of blood clotting or blooding pooling, which could arise from a long period of bed rest and lesser movement. Compression stockings provide gentle squeezing to the leg muscles, allowing blood to circulate easily towards the heart.

4. Travel

Traveling which restricts movement for hours, such as riding in an airplane, car, or train, could lessen blood flow to the legs. This may lead to swelling, aches, or sores, which could be prevented by wearing compression stockings.

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Additional Information on Compression Socks

Best Compression Socks for Edema https://comprogear.com/best-compression-socks-for-edema/

How Long To Wear Compression Socks for Edema https://comprogear.com/how-long-to-wear-compression-socks-for-edema/

Medical Compression Socks https://comprogear.com/medical-compression-socks/

Best Compression Socks for Elderly https://comprogear.com/best-compression-socks-for-elderly/

Best Compression Socks for Nurses https://comprogear.com/best-compression-socks-for-nurses/

Best Compression Socks for Sitting All Day https://comprogear.com/best-compression-socks-for-sitting-all-day/

Best Compression Socks for Ankle Swelling https://comprogear.com/best-compression-socks-for-ankle-swelling/

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Wearing the Right Pair of Compression Stockings

Choose a size properly as a size too small would be uncomfortable and could cause restriction to blood flow, while a size too big would not deliver effective results.

When choosing and wearing compression stockings, consider the following:

• Measure different parts of your leg with a measurement tape, including the calf, ankle, and thigh, to find the size that would fit best.
• If possible, try on a pair with a certain size before purchasing.
• Check the material used
• Clean and dry your skin before putting on the stockings.
• Do not wear compression stockings overnight.
• Wash after use.
• Replace a pair of compression stockings after 3 to 6 months of use.
• Keep an eye on the areas where the compression stockings are worn.
• Consult a doctor immediately if you find any discoloration, irritation, and redness on your legs or feet whilst wearing the compression stockings.

Conclusion

Men can wear compression stockings for any activity and reason, whether to support them whilst they work or exercise or help them prevent or treat circulatory issues in the legs. There are three general types and various compression levels; when in doubt, consult a medical professional for advice. It is important to get the right size as a size too small could cause discomfort and restrict blood flow.

This page last updated July 3, 2022