Footless Compression Stockings

New studies show that these type footless compression stockings can be just as effective as full-coverage hose.

However, if worn incorrectly, these could produce a tourniquet effect, which could cause your feet to swell.

Read on to find out the benefits of footless compression stockings and other firm compression gear!

Compression Stockings and Their Function

Compression stockings are specialized hosiery designed to improve blood circulation. These garments are made of elastic fibers, such as spandex, cotton, or other microfiber materials, and are worn around the legs.

There used to be a general unfavorable perception towards compression stocking sales; they were considered unattractive, only worn by the elderly or by patients in a hospital. However, compression stockings and pantyhose have developed to become more attractive and stylish, made with comfortable materials such as microfiber, cotton, spandex and can now be worn by almost anyone, whether they are ill or healthy.

There are three main functions of compression stockings:

1. Prevents and Treats Circulatory Issues

Compression stockings can be used for preventing and treating various circulatory issues. One example is edema.

Edema is a common health problem that affects the legs, ankles, or feet. Edema is a medical term for swelling, which can be caused by inflammation, poor blood circulation, or injury. This occurs when blood vessels leak fluid into nearby tissues, which can build up and cause swelling.

Edema can affect people who travel frequently, who sit or stand for long periods of time, or who are expecting. Unfortunately, it can also be very painful.

Compression stockings can help by applying pressure on the swollen area to disperse the fluid that has built up. It is one of the fastest and most effective ways to relieve pain.

2. Relieve Aches and Assists Muscle Recovery

Feeling sore after exercise is very normal. However, sometimes the soreness can last for more than a day, which can affect exercise performance and schedule.

Compression stockings help relieve tired or aching muscles and assist during post-exercise recovery. Efficient removal of waste, such as lactic acid, can occur due to improved circulation, thanks to the compression provided from compression stockings.

Runners can benefit from this type of compression stockings if they need applied pressure on their calves and/or thighs.

3. Maintain Proper Blood Circulation

Compression stockings essentially help maintain proper blood circulation.

For instance, individuals who travel or work in an office setting may wind up sitting for hours straight. When one is continuously immobile, their veins can struggle to pump blood back to the heart for re-oxygenation. This is because they rely on muscle movement to apply enough pressure, as blood flow slows.

Compression stockings reduce the diameter of the veins which increases blood pressure and boosts circulation. Through improved circulation, compression stockings prevent blood clots and swelling.

Styles

1. Graduated

Compression stockings with graduated compression offer pressure that is tightest at the ankles and gradually decreases upwards.

2. Uniform

Compression stockings with uniform compression offer an equally distributed amount of pressure throughout all parts of the stockings.

3. Knee-High Length

Knee High Compression Stockings reach just below the knee. This length is quite popular in the market and is suitable for individuals with medical conditions that affect the lower legs, such as edema or deep vein thrombosis. Knee-high compression gear is available in both closed-toe and open-toe unisex styles.

4. Thigh-High Length

Compression stockings that are thigh-high reach up to the lower thigh and are typically sought after by individuals with circulatory issues, such as varicose veins, in the thigh region. Like knee-high gear, thigh-high socks are available in both open and closed-toe styles.

5. Footless

As the main focus of this article, these compression stockings are essentially sleeves for the calves or entire leg, depending on the length. They have become widely popular due to the breath-ability they offer and because they maintain circulation throughout the leg. They are also great for treating symptoms not concentrated on the feet.

Why Go Footless?

These type of compression stockings have been growing in popularity as consumers find them to be comfortable and allows more air to their feet.

Footless compression stockings do not cramp the toes, providing comfort to the feet. They are also quite suitable for warm weather as they let the feet ‘breathe’ and allows one to still have improved circulation whilst wearing sandals, flip flops or other open-toe shoes.

In addition, this compression gear is a gift as it is generally easier to put on and take off. Regular compression socks should fit snugly around the toes and foot.

Ensuring a good fit, however, requires time and patience when you apply and remove your socks. Since sleeves just need to fit correctly on the calf and thigh, it’s easier to slip your foot through them without worrying as much about straightening or adjusting them.

Gear Fashion

Compression sleeves are easy to wear under clothing in the wintertime, but that doesn’t mean you can’t show them off once in a while!

Compression gear has gone from frumpy to attractive and fashionable relatively quickly. It’s easy to find stockings and sleeves that can silhouette any outfit or any occasion. You may consider this as a gift for your family and friends!

Keep it simple with a pair of solid, neutral-coloured sleeves or be bold with a silver stripe or polka-dot pattern. Runners can wear bright compression gear that helps drivers see them on the road, and you’re bound to find a pair that matches your team’s colors.

Whatever your personal style, know that you don’t have to make compromises to get the gift of better leg health.

Tips on Wearing Footless Compression Stockings

Wearing and caring for compression stockings is not quite the same for normal stockings; whether you are new to compression wear or need some tips on how to better maintain your current compression hosiery, check out the following tips!

• Measure your legs before buying compression stockings to ensure a proper size is chosen (there are sizes up to 6XL); this can be done either with a help of a professional or by yourself.

Make sure to measure the length of your calves, the length of your legs, the circumference of your calves, and the circumference of your thighs.

• Consult with a medical professional – follow the doctor’s orders on the compression level best suited for you. Wearing the wrong level of compression can cause more damage than benefit to the legs.

If you wear a compression level that is too low, your symptoms will not improve; if you wear a pressure level that is too high, there is a risk of restricted blood circulation.

Compression level is measured in millimetres of mercury and generally ranges from 8 mmHg to 60+ mmHg. While lower levels are available over-the-counter, you will need a doctor’s prescription for higher levels.

Generally, the higher pressure, the more severe the leg disease.

• Put on compression stockings first thing in the morning as this is when your legs are the least swollen. It will be much easier to get them on right after waking up than later on in the day.

• Do not sleep with compression stockings on, unless you have to follow orders from a medical professional. Most people do not have as many problems while lying flat. In addition, your socks may slip out of place and cause problems that you don’t notice while sleeping.

• Do not roll or fold any part of the compression stocking while wearing them; this will create a tight band that can cut off circulation and cause pain.

• Wash your compression stockings every day to retain their tightness and elasticity and to remove sweat and dirt.

• When washing, use mild detergent and hand-wash them with cool water, then leave them to air-dry.
  
• Get at least two pairs of compression socks so you have a pair to wear while the first set dries.

• Do not cut or modify any part of the compression stocking for any reason as this will cause damage to the hosiery and the compression may not be as effective as it should.
  
• Buy high-quality compression gear. Otherwise, the socks will wear out quickly and may not work as effectively as they should. It may be more money upfront, but it will be cheaper in the long run since you will need to buy new socks less frequently. Also, check customer reviews for the best products available for shipping!

• Replace your compression stockings as needed, approximately every three to six months or when they begin to loose their elasticity or have gotten damaged or torn.

Check out ComproGear Compression Stockings!

ComproGear products offers any customer with range of compression wear, with our most popular being anti-embolism knee-high stockings. Other attractive, unisex styles and lengths are coming and available for shipping soon!

Furthermore, our stockings offer graduated pressure at a 20-30 mmHg compression level.

This compression level is classified as Medical Grade Class I and is the most widely used form of compression wear because it provides firm compression without being too strong.

Anti-embolism hosiery are not ideal for people who walk a lot, but rather for bedridden individuals and people with restricted movement.

However, these compression stockings are great for managing symptoms of varicose veins, pitting edema, and deep vein thrombosis. Pregnant women can also benefit as these stockings can reduce swelling and improve blood flow to the heart.

In addition, athletes and people who have to stay in one position – sitting or standing – for long periods of time at work will also find relief with compression socks.

No matter why you need compression gear, you deserve a high-quality compression sock that will work. You deserve ComproGear’s high-quality products. Our compression sock sales are backed by our 100% lifetime guarantee. Feel free to check our customer reviews!

This page last updated December 10, 2022