Compression Socks for Gout – (Immediate Relief!)

Gout is a common (yet complex) form of arthritis that can affect anyone.

Gout is typically as a result of high uric acid levels, making the kidneys slow and inefficient in removing it via urine. Part of the cause can be poor blood circulation.

Compression socks are great in preventing and treating gout caused by poor blood flow, since compression socks reduce both swelling and pain.

What is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis that usually affects the joints. It is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness and tenderness in the joints, often the joint at the base of the big toe.

The body produces uric acid to break down purines, which are substances found naturally in the body as well as in certain foods such as steak and seafood. This acid normally dissolves in the blood and is removed from the body through the urine, however during instances where the acid is over-produced, the kidneys excrete too little uric acid, or blood circulation is not well, uric acid builds up and forms into urate crystals.

What are the Symptoms?

Several symptoms of gout include:

• Swelling.
• Tenderness (a highly sensitive spot that can be painful at the lightest touch).
• Redness on the skin.
• Pain which people describe as sharp, piercing, fiery or hot.

Gout can occur in any of the joints in your body, such as the big toe, ankles, wrists, fingers, elbows, foot back sole, and knees.

How can Gout be Treated?

Although gout symptoms come and go, there are ways to manage and treat them, such as the following:

1. Drinking Water

Drinking plenty of water helps optimize uric acid filtering, by diluting it and stimulating the kidneys to eliminate excess amounts of uric acid from the body through urine.

2. Use an Ice Pack

Putting an ice pack on the joint with gout may help reduce the inflammation. As the gout would have caused the skin to feel hot, using an ice pack would give a cooling sensation.

3. Changing Diet

In order to prevent uric acid from rising too much in the first place, it is important to eliminate the primary agent which causes increased uric acid: purine. These are mostly found in animal proteins. An alkaline diet, such as one with a lot of green vegetables, helps to reduce inflammation in the body and can alleviate the discomfort that accompanies gout.

4. Wear Compression Socks

Wearing compression socks can also help in treating gout.

How can Compression Socks help?

Compression socks help improve blood circulation by providing gentle pressure on the limb, whether it is the feet, ankles or knees.

As gout frequently develops in the feet, compression socks can be worn over the affected area to boost circulation and remove the build up of urate crystals. It is best to consult with a doctor beforehand to understand whether compression socks would be necessary.

Compression socks come in various pressure levels, which are measured in ‘millimeters of mercury (mmHg)’. The greater the level, the stronger the pressure applied. You can refer to the table below to understand the different levels available:

There are other features on compression socks, such as:

• They can be worn by almost anyone, from young to middle-aged and older people.
• They are suitable for everyday use as they come in all types from stylish to regular which will make you look and feel good while you are treating gout.
• They can be worn anywhere, such as at home or to work.

Tips on Compression Socks

Compression stockings for gout are readily available online. Here are some tips on purchasing and wearing compression socks for gout:

1. Make sure to wear compression socks all day or as prescribed as a medical professional.
2. Do not wear them while sleeping.
3. Do not buy open-toe compression socks if the gout is affecting the toe areas.
4. If wearing compression socks become uncomfortable, remove them immediately to avoid restriction of blood flow and potentially worsening the gout.

Conclusion

Although gout can occur to anyone and at anytime, there are many ways to help prevent and treat it. Invest in pair of compression socks today by checking out ComproGear’s lineup of knee high 20-30 mmHg Compression Socks to help keep yourself or the ones you love from gout.

This page last updated March 27, 2023