As folks age, they become a whole lot more susceptible to a bunch of different medical conditions – but especially poor and low circulation in their lower extremities, swelling of their legs and feet, and even more serious medical emergencies like blood clots, varicose veins, etc.
Luckily, one of the most effective ways to treat these kinds of conditions (often without having to worry about going to the doctor ahead of time) is just wearing compression socks. The right compression socks – the best compression socks – can totally transform your quality of life as an elderly person.
The best compression socks for elderly people are going to be able to improve your blood flow, reduce swelling, and even prevent blood clots that could build up in your lower body.
These compression socks work by providing graduated pressure to your feet and legs, gently squeezing and massaging your veins to improve blood circulation, get blood flowing back to your heart and deeper into your lower extremities, and generally helping you feel a lot healthier all at the same time.
You see, as we age, it’s not uncommon for our bodies to undergo some pretty significant changes when it comes to our blood vessels, our veins themselves, and the muscles that our body uses to move blood throughout our system.
When our circulatory system starts to fatigue we can end up with pretty extreme swelling, fluid backup, fatigue, and even much more serious conditions like the aforementioned blood clots, deep vein thrombosis, and other problems.
Of course, it would be nice if choosing the best compression socks for elderly people was as simple and as straightforward as buying any old pair and calling it a day.
Truth be told, though, that’s not quite how things shake out.
In the rest of this detailed guide you’ll discover the reasons behind wearing compression socks as an elderly person, how to find the best compression socks money can buy right now, and exactly how compression stockings and compression socks are going to push back against varicose veins, low blood flow issues, and leg swelling problems (amongst other things).
Excited to get started?
So are we!
Quality compression socks are very specific types of hosiery engineered to improve blood flow, boost circulation, cut down on leg swelling, and even prevent blood clots – and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
These socks can provide a whole range of benefits to all kinds of people, but the elderly can benefit from these circulatory system benefits more than almost anyone else.
When you start wearing compression socks on a regular basis you’ll be able to enjoy benefits like:
Dramatically reduced swelling and pain – One of the most important reasons to consider wearing a compression sock as in elderly person is to cut down on swelling and pain in your legs.
As people get older and older their blood vessels, veins, and circulatory muscles start to fatigue and wear out. With just the right amount of medium compression or even light compression from quality compression knee socks this becomes a problem of the past!
Improved circulation – The circulatory benefits that moderate compression and light compression provide to your Body cannot be overstated. By applying gentle pressure to the veins in your lower body you’re able to more efficiently push blood backup towards your heart. That’s going to improve your blood flow but it’s also going to improve the oxygenation and restoration of your major bodily systems.
You’ll enjoy a whole range of health benefits when this starts to happen more consistently.
Prevent serious medical conditions – Using high quality compression socks to push back against serious medical conditions like blood clots, like deep vein thrombosis, and other circulatory system issues can transform your life as an elderly person in ways you may never have thought possible before.
Just knowing that you are at much lower risk for blood clots, at much lower risks for deep vein thrombosis, and are going to enjoy higher energy levels, faster recovery from injury, and a lot less swelling in your lower legs is a game changer.
You’ll see improvements to your mobility. You’ll deal with less pain and stress. It won’t take long after you find compression socks you like that you start to feel like a brand-new person.
Because even the best compression socks on the market today are relatively affordable you won’t have to wait long to see these benefits firsthand, either.
One of the reasons these socks are so popular with the elderly is because they’ve been designed for wider legs, offering a gentler and more relaxed level of compression than some of the other top options out there today.
Make no mistake, though, these are still great “everyday” socks that offer great compression to help the elderly feel a lot more comfortable. They improve blood flow, cut down on fatigue, and can even help energize older folks!
Pros
Cons
Another great pair of wider leg compression socks, these acts will help you get the natural relief you’re looking for.
Copper infused nylon material pulls electricity from the body as well, helping to calm down your joints, settle arthritis, and improve blood flow all at the same time. The longer length of these socks allow the compression to be spread out across a wider surface area as well. That means a gentler fit without sacrificing performance.
Pros
Cons
These are some of the most premium compression socks you’ll find on the market today, intentionally designed for people that want to speed up their recovery, push back against pain and fatigue, and generally just live a happier and healthier lifestyle.
Elderly people are going to love the way that these socks gently squeeze their leg and foot without becoming uncomfortable or painful. Instead they’ll get just the right amount of graduated compression – a mild, medium level of compression.
On top of that, these socks are built with shock absorbency, Lycra fabric for durability, and are moisture wicking as well.
Pros
Cons
These socks are designed with medical grade levels of compression in mind, which is great for elderly people that want to protect themselves from fatigue and injury going forward.
One of the most unique things about these socks is that they are made with a uniquely patented design. The ankle tuck compression system provides top levels of support while also starting the graduated compression at just the right place on your foot to get the best possible results.
Lightweight, comfortable, and warm, these are true “all season” compression socks.
Pros
Cons
One of the greatest challenges that the elderly have with compression socks is keeping them in place all day long. The “pull on” closure of these compression socks, however, make that a problem of the past.
You will be able to re-energize and rejuvenate your legs while cutting down on swelling, blisters, fatigue, blood clots, and more when you wear these socks regularly. These are one of the few pairs of “no compromise” compression socks on the market today – offering a premium and medical level of compression across the board.
It doesn’t hurt that these socks look fantastic, either!
Pros
Cons
Those on the market for flesh toned compression socks are going to have a tough time finding choices that makes sense, then do a great job with compression, and deliver the kind of results the elderly are expecting – until they find these socks, anyway.
Made from and 85% nylon 15% spandex blend, the sexy of 360° of stretch for the most flexibility and durability possible. The socks are incredibly comfortable, incredibly easy to wear for extended amounts of time, and offer just the right amount of pressure without ever making the elderly feel discomfort.
These are great socks!
Pros
Cons
If you don’t want to spend an arm and a leg on compression socks, but still want to get your hands on options that can fit more comfortably with an “extrawide” kind of cut, these are the perfect option.
Capable of stretching up to 25 inches in diameter, anyone suffering from wide calf issues, swollen leg issues, or diabetic leg and foot issues are going to love that these socks. The great thing about these is that they still provide just the right amount of graduated compression to help cut down on these issues without ever becoming uncomfortable throughout the day.
Pros
Cons
Shopping for compression socks becomes a whole lot easier when you know the key things you should be focused on most.
First, you need to be sure that the compression socks and compression stockings you are purchasing have the right compression level.
It may surprise you to discover that compression socks are available in a variety of different pressure levels, but navigating these options is critical.
The specific amount of pressure you’ll need will depend on your medical condition, your health and wellness, and exactly what you’re hoping to do by choosing to wear compression socks in the first place.
For example, someone just trying to get rid of a little bit of swelling or fluid backup in their system might want a lighter compression rating. Someone looking to fight back against blood clots and deep vein thrombosis, though, would likely want moderate to firm compression socks to help them out.
Material choices are also Critical things to look into.
A lot of the best compression socks on the market today are made from a mixture of nylon and spandex. Sometimes, though, merino wool and other technical or natural fabrics are woven into these socks as well.
Find quality compression socks and compression stockings that use materials you find comfortable enough to wear for longer periods of time. If you’re not wearing the best compression socks on the market because you don’t find them comfortable they aren’t the best for you!
Speaking of comfort and fit, those are other areas you need to look into before you buy any thigh-high compression socks, knee-high compression socks, or even just ankle compression socks.
The socks you choose should fit snugly but not be overly tight or uncomfortable. At the same time, if they fit the way that your “daily driver” socks fit they will likely relax over time and not help you with blood circulation and varicose veins problems later on.
Length and style, ease of use, and the brand and quality of the socks that you have chosen all make a big difference as well.
Find a compression sock that you can fall in love with (the kind of compression socks you can wear day after day, year after year, and you’ll know that you have the perfect fit.
The compression level of the socks that you choose is essential, particularly when you are shopping for knee-high compression socks – or any size compression socks, for that matter – specifically intended to be worn by elderly people.
All quality compression garments are going to feature some kind of graduated compression level, but not all of these graduated compression levels are equal.
You typically see a range of compression that begins in the lower end of the spectrum (often called mild or medium compression) that goes all the way up to extra firm and beyond.
Mild compression options are more intended for individuals that are suffering from minor swelling, really achy or tired legs, or graduated compression socks that are intended to be used as a preventative.
Moderate compression socks are generally used for those that are suffering from more moderate levels of blood circulation impediments, have varicose veins, or have already been diagnosed with some kind of thrombatic syndrome.
You’ll get more of a squeeze with these compared to other compression socks.
Firm compression levels are designed to help treat those with moderate very close veins, and are technically considered to be more medical grade compression options. These compression socks are intentionally designed for folks with deep vein thrombosis and provide a higher level of pressure that can push back against blood clots while also reducing swelling and improving circulation.
As soon as you start to get into the world of extra firm compressions socks you’re talking about legitimately medical grade compression here. These kinds of socks are often prescribed by doctors – though they can be purchased over-the-counter – and offer far more extreme levels of graduated compression compared to other choices.
Firm and extra firm graduated compression socks should not be born for extended amounts of time without express direction from a medical professional. They can cause some real problems later down the line if you wear them for too long at a stretch.
Also, it’s valuable to remember not to fall into the trap of “more compression equaling more results or faster results”.
That’s not necessarily the case.
In some circumstances, using too much pressure from compression knee high socks can cause even more problems for you, overloading your circulatory system, causing blood clot issues, or even forcing fluid to back up in your leg veins (amongst other things).
Dial-in the right compression level for you before you do anything else. If you’re at all nervous about which kind of compression you should use, speak to a medical professional.
Now let’s talk about the type of materials you want your new compression socks to be made from.
There are a lot of different choices today (more than ever before), with some materials better at helping to treat swollen legs and others more effective at cutting back on chronic pain and alleviating fluid buildup.
Some materials are going to be softer on swollen feet, others are going to massage your leg tissues more effectively.
At the end of the day, though, all of the compression socks materials available on the market right now should be helpful in resolving mild swelling, curing chronic pain, and helping you improve circulation, blood pressure, and pushback against blood clot problems and more.
Nylon is one of the most popular materials in these kinds of socks, especially the wide calf versions.
Nylon has a lot of stretch, is lightweight and breathable, and also includes some really great moisture wicking properties. It’s a durable material that is going to last and last without losing its compressive properties, either.
Some really great socks are made using a nylon and spandex blend as well.
Spandex can be very useful for graduated compression, especially when you get into the medium to firm and extra firm arenas. The materials very stretching, maintains its compressive properties, and can be used more reliably to deploy compression at just the right spots compared to other technical and natural fibers.
Merino wool is another fantastic alternative, though it’s usually used in a blend with spandex and nylon for sure.
One of the reasons that people love Merino wool in compression socks for the elderly is because it helps to keep feet fresh and skin’s surface dry and moisture free.
Other socks may allow moisture to build up, and that’s going to further compound problems. Bacteria and fungi can grow on elderly feet that are moist for extended amounts of time, and then you’re not just dealing with swollen feet issues but a whole range of other health attacks as well.
At the end of the day, it’s important to find a fabric that works best for you no matter what.
Whether you are purchasing the socks for lifestyle and health factors for an elderly person in your life or purchasing them for yourself, it’s important to consider comfort and fit of the socks for sure.
Yes, you need to be sure that the compression offered by the socks that you have purchased is greater than cotton socks or technical fabrics socks – that’s for sure – but even the most perfectly designed compression socks aren’t going to amount to much if you or your loved one aren’t wearing them on a regular enough basis to reap the rewards that they can deliver.
If you aren’t going to wear compression socks they could be the next big breakthrough in medical science and they still wouldn’t deliver you the results you are after.
The first step here is to make sure that the socks you choose to wear fit you like a second skin.
Not only should they fit tight up against your skin (a little tighter than traditional socks, even), but they need to be correctly sized to your foot as well. They need to hit your toes just right. They need to hug your ankle. And they need to offer a little bit of arch support to boot.
Secondly, you need to look closer into the toe and heel design of the socks that you have chosen.
Look for socks with a reinforced heel and toe box, but also look for stocks that have a “seamless” kind of design to cut down on irritation and blisters. There’s nothing worse than your brand-new compression socks irritating your feet to the point that you simply won’t put them on any longer. This is a big problem with elderly people that have sensitivities to this kind of thing.
The overall length of the compression socks you choose is kind of a personal decision, though you want something that can help support the health of your lower legs and not just your feet alone whenever possible.
Maybe this means you go with thigh-high socks. Maybe it means you even go with knee-high options. Whatever it takes to cut down on leg pain and swelling that has been plaguing you.
We discussed the value in finding the right compression level a moment ago, but that plays a big role in how comfortable and how well these socks fit, too.
All in all, find a pair of socks that you can comfortably wear for long periods of time – day after day – and you’ll be good to go!
Even if the top-of-the-line compression socks available today aren’t necessarily the most expensive things on the planet, they are still going to set you back a little bit more money than normal gym socks or the like.
No, this probably isn’t going to be a purchase that bankruptcy you or causes you to take a personal loan out. But still you’re looking at purchasing some pretty pricey socks all the same – and that’s why you need to be sure that you’re getting the most value for your dollar.
All of the top options that we highlighted above are going to offer fantastic value for the money. All of them are designed to be worn for years to come without any reduction in performance, and all of them (with proper care) are going to work just as well a decade down the line as they did when brand-new.
That can’t be said about every single pair of socks for seniors sold on the market today – compression or otherwise.
When you want to be sure that you’re not wasting your money on anything but the best socks for seniors it’s important to focus on value more than initial price point.
Think about how much the socks will improve your life even just by eliminating leg pain and by helping to prevent fluid buildup and you’ll find out pretty quickly just how much you’re willing to spend on a few pairs.
That’s pretty much (almost) everything you need to know about tracking down the best compression socks for the elderly that you can find on the market right now.
All of the options we highlighted earlier our top options worthy of your careful consideration. There are other choices you might want to look into as well – and we definitely recommend that you do as much research as you need to feel comfortable in your decision.
These socks (the right ones, anyway) can transform the quality of life of the elderly people you care so much about, and can do so faster than you ever thought possible, when you take your time to buy compression socks worth owning.
Use the info we shared above to make finding those products much, much easier.
In the overwhelming majority of circumstances compression socks are perfectly safe for elderly individuals that are dealing with a multitude of different medical conditions. That said, it’s never a bad idea to consult with trained medical professionals before making any decisions about the health of elderly people.
There’s no real hard and fast rule about how often elderly people should be wearing compression socks. Many elderly individuals choose to wear compression socks day in and day out throughout the day, but others take a more targeted and strategic approach and only wear them for “sessions” of a few hours each week. It’s really a personal thing.
This is kind of impossible to answer in a “one-size-fits-all” kind of way, no pun intended. Your specific medical situation, your comfort level and tolerances of graduated compression,, and a whole range of other factors will play a part in how much compression you should shoot for.
Compression socks should be washed by hand whenever possible. When that isn’t possible, though, they should be washed on a gentle cycle using mild detergent only. These socks should never find their way into your dryer. Hang them dry, lay them flat on towels to dry, or find another way – the heat of the dryer will shrink them too much.
Truth be told, compression socks can be worn in pretty much any way and every way you want to wear them. The most important thing is that you are comfortable and that they are able to deliver the compression they provide without being impeded.
