Compression socks have gained popularity in recent years for all age groups. You can find "support socks" everywhere nowadays - from Amazon to the drugstore to Lululemon. You might see them advertised as being comfortable, improving blood flow and great for preventing certain medical conditions. But how do you know that the socks that you're buying are the real deal - made of strong, comfortable material, an appropriate length, and the right strength? Here is the difference:
Support stockings exert passive resistance to swelling, while compression stockings apply active pressure on the veins of the leg. This prevents them from dilating and facilitates venous return.
Medical compression socks/stockings are produced under strict medical and technical specifications to guarantee adequate ankle pressure and graduated compression along the leg. A prescription is required to purchase these items.
So once you've determined which socks are right for you, how do you wear them?
- Put your socks on in the morning, when you have the least amount of swelling in your legs. If you need help getting the socks on or off, Nightingale offers Donning/Doffing devices to help.
- Smooth the socks over your legs once you have them on to avoid wrinkles in the fabric. Do not roll down or fold the tops of the socks, as that can restrict blood flow. Ask our friendly compression fitters if you have any questions or trouble with fitting them on your legs.
- Take your socks off at the end of the day, and often best results come from everyday wear. You will want to wash your socks after each use. Consult your doctor if you are unsure about how frequently to wear the socks, and plan to get new socks every four to six months.
