Compression stockings, socks and sleeves have become a popular piece of active wear. Professional athletes even get recognized and defined by the compression garments they sport. Whether a fashion statement, or a doctor prescribed treatment, compression garments have benefits. Yes, compression wear can make people’s legs feel better. They can be useful in improving circulation, and not just for people with venous insufficiency, but for pregnant women with achy and swollen feet, or anyone who stands or sits for long periods of time.

Compression stockings, socks and sleeves have become a popular piece of active wear. Professional athletes even get recognized and defined by the compression garments they sport. Whether a fashion statement, or a doctor prescribed treatment, compression garments have benefits. Yes, compression wear can make people’s legs feel better. They can be useful in improving circulation, and not just for people with venous insufficiency, but for pregnant women with achy and swollen feet, or anyone who stands or sits for long periods of time.

How do Compression Stockings and Socks work?

Compression stockings provide graduated compression which is tighter at the foot and ankle, and loosens as it moves up the leg, therefore assisting blood flow back to the heart and fighting gravity. With consistent and proper compression, arteries dilate and veins constrict. This means that oxygenated and nutrient filled blood gets to your limbs faster, and deoxygenated and lactic acid filled blood returns to the heart more easily, helping prevent swelling, and soreness.

Who should wear Compression Stockings and Socks?

Anyone who would like to actively prevent swelling, pain, and soreness should wear compression stockings and socks. In particular, those who suffer from venous insufficiency–a condition in which the blood flow through the veins is inadequate, causing blood to pool in the legs—can benefit from compression garments. Women in the last stage of pregnancy often suffer from venous insufficiency, because the extra volume of blood created to support the fetus puts a strain on the walls of the veins.

Where do I get Compression Stockings and Socks?

Over the counter compression stockings are not always graduated properly, or sometimes at all. The degree of compression is also typically less than those prescribed by a doctor. We recommend, at least at first, to go to a vein specialist and get properly fitted by a vein and vascular professional who can guide your purchase according to your body, and needs. American Vein & Vascular Institute proudly carries industry leading brands such as Sigvaris and Medi in the Compression Center located in each of our Denver, CO area vein clinics and our Arlington, TX vein clinic.

Proper circulation and leg health are paramount to living an active, pain free lifestyle. Take this overview and use it to explore more about the ways compression stockings can benefit your life. Better yet, stop in and speak with one of our vein and vascular professionals trained in properly fitting compression stockings and socks.