Compression socks are socks of various length that are designed to gently squeeze legs a bit more than typical socks. “The key intention,” Dr. Botek says, “is to promote better blood circulation in the legs.”
Benefits of compression socks
- boost circulation in your legs
- support veins
- prevent blood from pooling in your leg veins
- diminish leg swelling
- reduce orthostatic hypotension, which causes lightheadedness or unsteadiness when you stand
- help prevent venous ulcers
- prevent development of deep vein thrombosis in your legs
- help lessen the pain caused by varicose veins
- reverse venous hypertension
- improve lymphatic drainage
How do compression socks work?
Compression socks apply pressure to your legs and ankles, which may:
- reduce the diameter of major veins by increasing the volume and velocity of blood flow
- help blood flow up toward the heart
- help prevent blood from refluxing downward to the foot or laterally into superficial veins