Preventing blood from pooling in your veins.Ĭompression socks are safe to wear by most people.Decreasing swelling in your legs and ankles.Increasing circulation and blood flow in your legs.Compression socks help keep that circulation going and reduces those symptoms. While the threat of clots isn’t that high if you’re healthy, you’ve probably noticed discomfort or swelling still taking place on long flights. With less movement and weaker circulation, there’s more pooling and retention of blood in the legs, which can raise chances of clots. Botek says that another common reason for wearing compression socks is to aid in blood flow when you’re sitting for long periods of time, like on a long flight. They also reduce the ability of superficial veins to expand in order to fill with blood, which prevents that blood from flowing backward and causing congestion.īesides venous insufficiency, Dr. The result: Reduced swelling, swelling prevention and increased absorption of excess fluid. Inflammation of the veins (thrombophlebitis).Ĭompression socks gently squeeze your legs to increase the pressure in the tissues beneath your skin.If blood pools in the veins of your legs, it can cause a variety of other issues, too, like: When this happens, blood pools and causes swelling in your legs, increased pressure in your leg veins and insufficient blood flow to your heart. Botek.Ī common issue known as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) occurs when the veins in your legs become damaged and the valves in your veins aren’t functioning well enough. “Nearly 90% of leg disorders originate within the veins,” says Dr. What do compression socks do?Ĭompression socks work most notably to help with venous problems of the legs. Even athletes may benefit from wearing them from time to time. In other words, more people could benefit from using them, particularly if you have swelling in your legs, insufficient veins or to aid with blood flow when you’re sitting for long periods of time. But at the same time, it’s a very underutilized option.” “The key intention is to promote better blood circulation in the legs,” explains Dr. What are compression socks/stockings?Ĭompression socks (or compression stockings) are socks of various length and tightness that are designed to gently squeeze legs a bit more than typical socks. We turn to foot surgeon Georgeanne Botek, DPM, for everything you need to know.

Policyįrom their medical advantages to the misconception about age-appropriate use, there’s lots to learn about compression socks. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. In other words, they’re a great way to reduce swelling and limit discomfort in your feet and legs.Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. This encourages blood flow from your legs to your heart. By gently squeezing your legs, compression socks apply a stronger pressure around your feet and ankles and slowly decrease in pressure as the socks move up your legs. Because merino wool is naturally porous, moisture vapor gets in-between the fiber’s plates-so your feet don’t feel cold, wet, or sweaty after a long day. Merino wool can also help you stay cool because the fibers absorb moisture, removing sweat and allowing it to evaporate away from the skin. When it is cold outside, the fiber’s natural crimps trap air and keep you insulated for a long period of time. The way it works is that the fiber of merino wool has a natural crimp. To be clear, our custom-blended merino wool yarns provide warmth while you’re in a cooler environment and also keep you cool in a warmer environment.

And they offer a slew of medical advantages. A good pair of wide-calf compression socks can go a long way.

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