Discover the 5 Benefits of Wearing Compression Socks

How Compression Socks Work

If you suffer from varicose veins and spider veins, you know firsthand the frustration of dealing with fatigue, swelling, itching, burning, and leg cramps. Compression socks help reduce the symptoms of painful varicose veins and when worn faithfully, they slow the progression of vein disease. However, compression alone does not correct the underlying vein problem.

Compression socks promote the venous blood flow from the feet back toward the heart overcoming the effects of gravity. Medical grade graduated compression is designed to be stronger in the feet and gradually diminish in pressure as they extend up the calf into the thigh. Properly designed and fitted compression legwear prevent venous blood pooling in the legs and feet, improve leg symptoms, and decrease the risk of blood clots.

The Time & Place For Compression Socks

If you have symptomatic vein disease, you should wear compression when you are up and about, except for bathing. There is no need to wear them when in bed, but you should put them on when you wake up in the morning before getting out of bed. If you wait until later in the morning to put on your socks, the blood will already begin to pool in the lower legs and feet making your symptoms worse.

Medical grade graduated compression comes in different prescriptive levels based on the degree of compression ranging 15-20, 20-30, and 30-40 mmHg. After an evaluation at Vein Specialists of the South, our team can prescribe the best compression socks for your legs. Our certified fitters will assist you in the proper care of your compression socks and the best way to put them on and take them off.

On the other hand, what about the folks who are lucky enough to not suffer from varicose veins? We believe that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Wearing compression socks is one of our Healthy Legs for Life® principles along with regular exercise, healthy weight management, elevation of your legs, and saving your high heels for special occasions. We recommend wearing compression even if you have no signs or symptoms of varicose or spider veins.

Not Just For Grandma Anymore!

Gone are the days of Grandma’s ugly rubber compression hose. New fabric designs have revolutionized the compression market. They now come in great colors and styles including sheer fabric, different flesh tones, open-toe and closed-toe styles, knee high, thigh high, and panty hose.

With advances in weaving mechanisms, the leading medical grade compression hose manufacturers have introduced a number of new products. There are now compression socks for most any occasion: work, sports, and an evening out.

Schedule A Vein Consultation With Dr. Harper Today!

Dr. Kenneth Harper is the founder of Vein Specialists of the South, LLC. As a leader in comprehensive vein care, he performed the first endovenous radiofrequency closure procedure in Georgia. Since 2000, he has personally evaluated more than 10,000 patients and performed more than 5,000 Closure procedures. With that kind of innovation and experience you can rest assured that you are in good hands.