Compression socks are a simple but effective tool for supporting leg health. While you can easily walk into any store and buy a pair of compression socks, getting proper measurements and expert consultation before buying ensure you are getting support that is right for your legs, lifestyle, and medical needs.
Source: Nightingale Medical – Compression Basics
What Are Compression Socks?
Compression socks are specially designed garments that apply graduated pressure to the legs. This pressure helps improve circulation and reduce swelling by helping your veins push blood back towards the heart.
As a result, the reduced pooling and fluid buildup in your legs can help support vein health, manage symptoms of certain medical symptoms, and aid in general comfort.
Could you benefit from wearing compression socks? - Harvard Health
Common Reasons People Wear Compression Socks
Compression socks have many applications, including:
- Work environments with long periods of sitting or standing
- Travel
- Exercise and sports
- Pregnancy
- Accelerated post-surgical recovery
- Medical conditions such as lymphedema
For more detail on these use cases, we have written many blogs exploring the various use case scenarios for compression socks:
Why Measure Before Buying Compression Socks?
Just as getting proper body measurements is important for a suit or a dress, compression socks are most effective when they are properly measured to your leg dimensions. Since compression socks are meant to apply pressure to specific parts of your leg, incorrectly sized compression socks can make them ineffective and uncomfortable.
When socks are too loose:
- They may not provide enough graduated pressure to help push blood towards the heart
- Blood and fluid may continue to pool instead of circulating
When socks are too tight:
- They can cut off circulation causing discomfort and numbness
- They may restrict range of motion
Source: Nightingale Medical – Compression Sock Guide
Free Compression Sock Services at Nightingale Medical
Nightingale Medical offers FREE compression sock fittings, alongside access to a full range of compression products and clinical support.
What We Offer
- Free in-person compression sock fittings
- Guidance on compression levels and styles
- A comprehensive line of medical-grade compression products
- Compression support resources and education
Learn more about compression services:
https://nightingalemedical.ca/pages/compression
Book a fitting appointment:
https://nightingalemedical.ca/pages/book-an-appointment
Love Your Legs: 20% Off All Compression Socks
Start 2026 on the Right Foot! Get 20% off all prescription and non-prescription compression socks during our Love Your Legs Sale now until March 31st! Shop from a variety of colours and patterns such as our popular “Hearts” pattern in both grey and navy
Not your kind of style? Browse our full Compression collection here:
Compression · Nightingale Medical Supplies
Got your compression socks already? To help extend the life of your garments, and the effectiveness of compression, we recommend reviewing our guide on How to Care for Compression Garments.
