Compression Socks and Stockings

What are Compression Socks and Stockings?

Compression socks and stockings are designed for compression therapy. They apply gentle pressure to your legs and ankles, promoting blood flow from your legs to your heart. Compression socks can also reduce pain and swelling in your ankles and legs.

Benefits of compression socks

Your doctor may prescribe compression socks to:

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 stockings 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

Types of Compression Stockings

Graduated Stockings

In graduated compression stockings, the level of compression is strongest at the ankle and gradually decreases towards the top. They’re designed for mobility and to meet certain length and strength medical specifications.

Graduated compression stockings typically require a professional fitting.

Stockings that end just below the knee help limit peripheral edema, or lower leg swelling due to fluid buildup.
Stockings that extend to the thigh or waist help reduce pooling of blood in the legs and help prevent orthostatic hypotension.

Here at Tekan Health, we provide features for personal preferences, such as color, and a choice of open- or closed-toe.

Anti-embolism stockings

Anti-embolism stockings reduce the possibility of deep vein thrombosis.

Like graduated stockings, they provide gradient compression. However, the level of compression differs. Anti-embolism stockings are designed for those who aren’t mobile

Nonmedical support hosiery

Nonmedical support hosiery don’t typically require a prescription. They include elastic support hose and flight socks sold as potential relief for tired, aching legs. These deliver uniform compression that exerts less pressure than prescription compression stockings.

Side effects of compression socks

your stockings don’t fit properly
you’re not putting on or taking off your stockings properly
you have an infection
you’re allergic to the stocking material

It’s important to get a proper prescription and be sure to use compression stockings and socks properly.