Overview

What are Compression Socks?

Compression socks are treatment aids made of strong elastic material, usually made of natural rubber fabric, covering the feet and legs. It covers the ankle and lower calf tightly, and the upper calf and thigh area more lightly. The calf muscles are constantly compressed thanks to this pressure. The calf muscles, which contract while walking, support the pumping of blood to the heart and prevent it from accumulating at the bottom.

Are compression socks therapeutic?

The answer to this question can be answered both “yes” and “no”. Just as none of the methods used for the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins can be successful without compression socks alone, varicose veins or chronic venous insufficiency cannot be treated by using compression stockings alone. For this reason, it is possible to see compression socks and treatment methods as two separate solutions that complement each other. Low pressure or soothing compression socks can be easily used by people who do not have varicose veins.

To summarize, compression socks can be considered the gold standard in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins.

How Many Types of Compression Socks Are There?

Compression stockings are classified according to their pressure and length. There are low, medium, high, very high and super pressure compression socks. They vary in length: below the knee, above the knee, pantyhose and maternity. In addition to these two most important features, there are also cotton socks in different color options and different sizes.

Who can use compression socks?

Those who have been diagnosed with varicose veins or are in the risk group can use it. They can also be used for relaxing and protective purposes in people who do not have varicose veins.

What should be considered when buying compression socks?

A recommendation from a doctor or specialist is required, especially for the use of medium pressure and higher pressure socks. Body and height measurements must be made correctly. Randomly purchased socks have no benefit or therapeutic properties, and may also produce unexpected results. When purchasing these socks, which are widely used and sold in our country, attention should be paid to the brands and places of purchase.

When should you wear compression socks?

Unless the doctor or specialist has a contrary recommendation or opinion, these socks should be worn as soon as you get out of bed in the morning. It should also be removed when going to bed. If the socks were not worn when getting out of bed and they want to be worn during the day, it would be appropriate to first lie down and keep the feet in the air for two minutes. We can compare using socks to brushing your teeth. The most important element here is that users adopt this process not as a necessity but as a method that makes life easier.

How should compression socks be used?

When choosing compression socks, it is necessary to consider their therapeutic properties rather than color, aesthetics and similar features. This is only possible with compression socks of the right size and correct pressure. After determining the priority and important points, color, aesthetics and other features can be evaluated.

-          In order for the compression stockings to last long, you need to be very careful when putting them on and taking them off. It may loosen when the nail is inserted. Therefore, avoid wearing socks with long fingernails and toenails.

-          Care should be taken to avoid wrinkles when worn. Wrinkles in socks can put more pressure on your leg than necessary, affecting your blood circulation.

-          To prevent tearing, socks should be put on and taken off slowly, and should be changed when tearing is noticed.

-          Gasoline, oil, cream, naphtha, etc. Protect your socks from chemicals.

-          When washing, it should be washed by hand with soap, and when dried, it should be dried between two towels without wringing. Do not dry in sunlight, radiators, dryers, stoves or similar places.

How to wear?

When wearing compression socks, put your hand inside the sock and hold the heel and turn it inside out, just like with men's socks. Gently slide the hem of the sock over your heel and bring it down to your ankle. Then, put the compression socks on your feet and make sure that the heel of the socks fits well on your feet.

For detailed information, please visit our page on how to wear compression socks.