Do Compression Stockings Really Work?

In the world of agenda-driven misinformation and propaganda, it’s becoming increasingly tough to distinguish between authentic and empty hype. The only way to find out if something works is either by trying it or asking someone whose expertise and experience you trust.

Many people question the efficacy of compression stockings and wonder how a pair of tight socks can improve their medical condition. This is because of the lack of awareness about how our blood circulation works and how compression socks support the veins to promote blood flow.

Compression stockings have been used to help treat and manage a plethora of vein-related issues for a long time now. As a result, it’s the most recommended treatment by various vascular specialists worldwide.

What are Compression stockings?

Compression stockings are socks that apply measured pressure on our legs to promote circulation. Most importantly, this pressure is graduated or degressive in nature, which means that it gives 100% compression at the ankle and then this pressure gradually reduces going up the leg.

Compression socks are of 2 types, medical and support.

Medical compression stockings are prescribed by the doctor to manage venous and lymphatic conditions such as varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis and lymphedema. They range from moderate to high-grade compression, which should NOT be worn without a doctor’s prescription. Support socks on the other hand apply mild graduated compression that can be worn by anyone. They do not require a doctor’s prescription. They are used to boost blood circulation and prevent the onset of any venous condition.
Compression stockings come in a variety of sizes and compression levels.

Do compression stockings work?

Compression stockings are the most effective tool to help maintain the health of our venous system. They have been proven to work based on clinical evidence.
The veins in our legs have to work extremely hard to fight gravity and transport the blood up to the heart. This extra stress stretches and weakens the veins over time. Stretched and weakened veins lead to venous issues like varicose veins and DVT.

Compression stockings for men/women support the veins and take away the extra pressure by squeezing the leg muscles preventing the veins from stretching and weakening.

Compression stockings also help promote lymphatic flow and therefore prevent edema in the legs.

Do compression stockings prevent Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are the gnarly visible and swollen veins that you see under the surface of your skin, especially in your legs. Compression stockings for varicose veins help prevent the accumulation of blood in your lower leg, which leads to incompetent veins, and incompetent veins lead to varicose veins. So Compression stockings do prevent varicose veins from developing. It’s also the best way to manage the irksome symptoms of varicose veins like swelling, pain, itching, and heaviness.

How long does it take for compression socks to work?

Now that we know compression stockings really do work, another question that arises is how long it takes to start showing effect. After wearing compression stockings, people often notice an immediate symptomatic improvement in how their legs feel at the end of the day. One can’t predict the amount of time it will take for compression stockings for men/women to work as it depends on person to person and the severity of the condition. However, for the compression socks to show any improvement, it’s important that you wear them as per the doctor’s guidance. Usually, it is recommended to wear compression socks first thing in the morning and take them off before going to bed.

Conclusion

Compression stockings are clinically proven to help circulate blood. A healthy blood flow prevents swelling, heaviness, pain, and other uncomfortable symptoms. Compression stockings for varicose veins effectively reduce the severity of varicose veins symptoms and also help prevent new varicose veins from developing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How can you tell if compression socks are too tight?

Ans: Compression socks of the correct size are usually tough to wear and take off. However, once worn, the pressure should feel comfortable and should relieve any pain and discomfort in the legs.
If your compression make you feel uneasy or increase your symptoms, they may be too small for you or the compression level might be incorrect. Stop wearing them and consult your doctor immediately.

Q2. How do I know if I need compression socks?

Ans: Here are 4 Signs that you should start wearing Compression Stockings:

• Your lifestyle or job requires you to sit or stand for long hours.
• Leg pain and swelling
• Visible bulging veins in the legs
• Family history of varicose veins or any other venous condition

Again, it is advisable to wear compression stockings if you are in any of the above situations, but your doctor can advise you the best depending on the severity of your condition.

Q3. What compression socks do doctors recommend?

Ans: Doctors usually recommend medical-grade compression stockings. The compression level they prescribe depends on your personal medical condition and its severity. Doctors usually prescribe Compression grade 2 for varicose veins. Always consult your doctor before wearing compression garments.

Q4. Should I wear compression socks if I sit all day?

Ans: Yes, you should wear knee-high support compression socks if you spend most of your day sitting. Compression stockings will alleviate the stress on your veins and help promote blood circulation.