Swelling in the legs, feet, and lower extremities is a huge problem for millions of Americans and millions of other people worldwide.
Luckily, though, with the help of quality compression socks, a lot of those issues can be managed and mitigated – if not eliminated entirely – with very little headache or hassle whatsoever.
Yes, you are hearing me correctly.
Believe it or not, it’s a whole lot easier to eliminate problems like poor circulation, pain from injury or arthritis, and even just the damage that prolonged sitting or standing can do – all leading to a tremendous amount of swelling in your feet and legs – just by using the right compression socks.
Sound too good to be true?
Maybe you just need to learn a little bit more about the healing potential of this game changing clothing accessory.
You’ll be surprised to discover just how much of a change the right compression socks can make for you through the gentle pressure that these socks are going to apply to your feet, your ankles, and your legs.
It isn’t at all uncommon to dramatically reduce the amount of swelling you’ve been struggling from prior to choosing to wear compression socks – almost overnight, mind you – and dramatically improve your overall circulation at the same time.
All that said, selecting the right compression socks for swelling is a little more challenging than most people make it out to be.
Finding the best compression socks (so that you can wear compression socks and see results almost immediately) really comes down to finding the right compression level, the right material and design, the perfect size and fit, and so much more.
But that’s why we have put together this detailed guide.
By the time you’re done with the inside information below you’ll know just about everything there is to know about wearing compression socks to enjoy real health boosting benefits – the kinds of compression socks that can help resolve deep vein thrombosis, that can improve and increase blood flow, and that can cut down on your risks for blood clots.
Let’s jump right in!
Compression socks may not be the most exciting thing on the planet, but that doesn’t mean that these clothing accessories are anything short of a modern miracle.
Using smart fabrics, smart material choices, and even smarter engineering and design (yes, you read that right), the best compression socks are going to be able to cut down on your swelling and improve your circulation much faster than you ever would have thought possible before.
The way most compression socks work is really pretty simple and straightforward:
The best compression socks – including knee high compression socks – themselves are made from fabrics (often merino wool and technical fabrics) that are combined togetherIn an intelligently designed pattern to apply just the right amount of graduated compression to your lower extremities.
This usually means that the highest level of compression from your compression sock is going to be focused directly at your ankle. Compression gets lower and lower as you move towards your toe box And then start going up your leg towards your knee.
All of this is done to stimulate blood flow, to improve circulation, and to cut down on blood pooling. You’ll get better blood flow, you will have to worry about fewer blood clots, and you won’t have to worry about your leg getting squeezed by a vice like grip from the socks you grow to hate putting on every day.
Instead you’ll be able to enjoy medium compression across most of your lower half, with just a little bit more compression targeted near that ankle area to stimulate blood flow properly.
There are a lot of big benefits to wearing Russian socks you are dealing swelling, too.
For starters, you’ll obviously reduce the amount of swelling that you are struggling with. But a good compression sock is also going to eliminate pain and discomfort in your lower extremities as well.
It’s not at all uncommon for a quality compression sock to help people improve their athletic capabilities, either.
You might see big changes as far as reduction of muscle fatigue and a speeding up of recovery time are concerned. You’ll feel like a brand-new person!
The boost toyour circulatory system and your lymphatic system cannot be overstated, either. There’s a reason why so many medical professionals recommend compression socks for their patients, after all – especially those that are dealing with poor circulation, that are dealing with things like varicose veins, and that have trouble with blood flow in general.
Your circulation gets boosted by Strategic and graduated compression On your veins, and your lymphatic system – designed to remove waste and excess fluid from the body – it’s a big boost from this targeted compression, too.
It won’t take long until you love wearing the best compression socks on the market today.
(Especially when you discover just how inexpensive top compression socks cost in a moment).
Some of the best compression socks on the market today for fighting back against swelling, these unisex options are smart for people looking to get just the right amount of graduated compression without feeling like their legs are being squeezed too hard.
The moisture wicking material helps to keep your feet and legs dry, but also does a great job at cutting down on unpleasant odors. There’s a reason why the socks are so beloved by everyone from athletes to nurses and the elderly!
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The thing that really makes these compression socks unique is their patented design. Thanks the use of high precision 3D cutting technology, six compression rings have been integrated into the ankle of these socks. The end result is a much more reliable and much more consistent level of compression.
On top of all of that, the ergonomics of these socks are just off the charts. They fit like a second skin, dramatically increase your athletic performance, and are going to provide you with the targeted relief and support you are looking for.
Throw in super comfortable material and these compression socks are a bit of a no-brainer.
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The copper infused compression material here gives you a perfect balance between warmth, comfort, and overall compression. You’ll find that these socks do a great job for improving your blood circulation without interfering in your day-to-day life.
One of the coolest things about these socks is that they are really designed to be as multipurpose as possible. By improving your blood circulation, cutting down on swelling, and flooding your body with more oxygen you’ll be able to prevent fatigue and speed up your recovery.
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If you’ve been on the hunt for quality compression socks that are going to gently squeeze your legs, reducing swelling while at the same time improving your circulation and your blood flow, these socks to go with.
A little more basic than some of the other options out there, you won’t have to worry about spending an arm and a leg on these socks – but you won’t have to worry about any degradation in performance, either.
These are well-made, feature technical materials designed to support your health and wellness, and will help you cut down on swelling straightaway.
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These compression socks designed to reduce swelling are made for people that live more active lifestyles.
The no slip material on the top of the sock guarantees that they stay in place all day long, no matter what you are doing. Moisture wicking material helps to keep you cool and relaxed without reducing the effectiveness of the compression.
Combine all of that with ankle protection, a reinforced heel, better arch support, and even a reinforced toe box to cut down on blisters and these are a no-brainer choice.
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Featuring a fabric blend of 85% nylon and 15% polyester, these compression socks offer all day energy and support for those that want to cut down on their legs and feet swelling.
The compression design here is intelligently crafted to give you plenty of comfort while also cutting down on fatigue, cutting down on soreness, and practically eliminating cramping altogether.
These are one of a few pairs of compression socks available on the market today that have actually been tested in a laboratory. These are legitimate medical grade compression socks!
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These unisex compression socks feature a 90% nylon and 10% spandex blend, making them foolishly comfortable but also able to deliver the perfect amount of compression to your feet and legs.
Swelling will be a problem of the past!
You’ll be able to use the patented design in the sex to reduce pressure, to boost your circulation, and to re-energize otherwise tired and fatigue feet and legs. Best of all, you’ll be able to comfortably wear these four hours and hours at a time.
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Of course, a huge piece of the puzzle to getting your hands on quality compression socks for swelling (especially if you’re going for knee high compression socks) has to be getting the right material and design.
As we mentioned a moment ago, there are a variety of different materials that manufacturers like to use to make their socks.
Merino wool is always a big hit, especially for those that want to get their hands on socks made from a natural fiber that is warm, soft, and has natural moisture wicking and antimicrobial properties.
Polyester is another popular material used in compression socks. It delivers fantastic moisture wicking, quick dry, and compressive properties while being resistant to wrinkles and “slipping”.
Spandex and nylon are two other materials that you’ll want to look for in the best compression options on the market today.
Both of these materials are very lightweight, our breathable fabric choices, and offer some of the best compression – and most consistent compression – of any “technical fabric” on the market right now.
Be leery of any compression sockavailable that doesn’t have at least a little bit of spandex or nylon woven in.
Now let’s talk a little bit about the design of the compression sock you want to get your hands on:
First and foremost, it’s vital that you find a sock that offers the right amount of compression for your specific needs.
There are a variety of different compressive levels out there (ranging from low levels of compression to medium compression to high and extra firm compression), and some of these compression levels are going to be better suited for specific types of individuals.
Someone with just a little bit of pain from mild swelling in their body can probably get away with low to medium compression. Someone with blood circulation issues, blood pressure issues, or extreme pain stemming from their legs swelling up are going to want to find compression socks that deliver higher levels of graduated compression for sure.
The length and style of the socks you choose will make a world of difference, too.
You want to find something that’s going to fit with your wardrobe but something that’s going to deliver quality compression at the same time. Remember that it’s important have just as much support as you can get, even sacrificing a bit of fashion (if you have to) in the war to reduce swelling.
Finally, it’s not a bad idea to look for socks that can help reduce swelling with graduated compression that also include a bit of extra padding and a bit of extra foot support as well.
It’s not unusual for folks that are struggling with planner fasciitis to also have trouble with blood flow, blood circulation, and blood pressure in their lower extremities – and getting a good moisture wicking compression sock with a little bit of arch support can be a game changer.
Something to consider, anyway.
The size and fit of the compression socks you purchase will make a ton of difference, too.
The best graduated compression socks are always going to be the socks that you wear on a regular and consistent basis. And that means that they need to be comfortable. It means that they need to fit right, without any slipping or extra tightness. It means that they have to basically act as a second skin on your feet and legs.
Start your search by measuring your feet correctly.
First make sure that you have the accurate circumference of your ankle (especially after it has already begun to swell up).
Then, if you’re going for thigh-high compression socks or knee-high options you’ll want to get measurements for your calf and thigh at the widest points as well. These measurements should then be cross-referenced with the sizing information provided by the graduated compression socks manufacturer your thinking about purchasing from.
As a general rule of thumb, it’s always a better idea to trend towards graduated compression socks that are a little bit tighter as opposed to a little bit looser.
Over time the material – no matter what kind of moisture wicking fabric and no matter how much nylon and spandex these socks might include – will inevitably relax.
If you started off with nylon and spandex mild compression or lighter compression socks that fit “just right” out-of-the-box you’d end up in short order with socks that aren’t providing any compression whatsoever.
If, instead, you start off with socks that are a little bit on the tighter side straight out of the gate you’re not going to have to worry about them being too loose later down the line.
If the knee high socks you’ve purchased to help cut down on leg swelling issues aren’t super comfortable the chances are pretty good you’re going to stop wearing them in favor of other socks that are.
That’s a problem when you’re looking to reduce ankle swelling, increase blood flow, and cut down on fluid buildup.
Like we said just a moment ago, the very best compression socks aren’t those that have fancy technical materials, lots of extra cushioning or keep your feet warm (though those are all important things to be sure).
No, the best compression socks available are compression socks that you can comfortably wear day in and day out to reap the rewards of increased blood flow, extra support, and comfortable compression over long periods of time.
Comfort really matters.
Look for a quality pair of compression socks that can with moisture, keeping your legs and feet dry and comfortable.
Look for a quality pair of compression socks that relieve swelling, have a cushioned sole and arch support, and provide just the right amount of firm pressure to help you eliminate swelling problems once and for all.
The breathability and moisture wicking properties of the socks you choose to wear on a regular basis should be factored into your buying decision, too.
Having a lot of compression on your lower extremities and improving your blood circulation will inevitably warm up your feet and legs. Some people are going to warm up so much that they begin to sweat more – and unless you have socks that can wipe and wick away that moisture you’re going to end up with feet that stink (and that’s not the worst thing that can happen).
You might also end up with bacterial infections, skin irritation and infections, and a whole host of other problems that then need to be treated. You might even have to go without compression socks for a while to calm down these problems, and then your legs run the risk of swelling right back up and you are where you were before you started wearing these things.
Get your hands on moisture wicking and breathable socks and that’s never going to be a problem.
Some people overlook the importance of socks being soft and comfortable to the touch for one reason or another, too.
Don’t make that mistake.
How a sock feels up against your skin is going to make a world of difference at the end of the day. As we have said time and time again, if you don’t feel good and comfortable wearing these socks – if you don’t like the touch and feel of them, if you don’t like texture – you aren’t going to wear them.
And if you’re not wearing they aren’t delivering any results at all.
That can turn into a huge problem.
Lastly, though, look for pairs of compression socks that offer just the right amount of comfortable compression to help you get the biggest benefits from these accessories without having to squeeze your feet and legs so much that you feel like you’re being juiced.
Comfort is king.
All of the top compression socks available today (including the ones that we highlighted above) aren’t just going to fight back against deep vein thrombosis and varicose veins in the short term but are going to do so over the long term, too.
It’s not like even the top compression socks on the market are prohibitively expensive (though some of them can get a little bit on the pricey side of things) – but they are certainly more expensive than “normal” socks.
It would be nice to know that you could expect at least a couple of years of utility out of the new knee-high, thigh-high, or ankle high options that you’ve purchased.
Some of this is going to come down to how well you take care of your socks, but a lot of it comes down to whether or not the compression socks you have purchased are made by a reputable manufacturer from high quality materials and feature a design that’s going to provide moderate compression for a decent chunk of time going forward.
Prioritize durability and longevity from your purchase and you won’t be let down.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, it’s hugely important that you find the right to compression stockings you can rely on – whether that’s a pair of socks that offers like compression, medium to mild compression, or firm compression – that will help you cut down on swelling ASAP.
There’s no reason to suffer with shins splints, varicose veins, or even run the risk of having to undergo vascular surgery just to relieve the pressure and swelling in your legs when you could use compression socks to get the job done just as well.
Do a little research and a little digging.
Find quality options that use natural and synthetic materials to apply pressure strategically. Then you can go hunt for the colors and patterns you want out of your new socks, too!
Don’t forget to use the inside information we provided throughout this guide as well as our top picks above to shortcut your research, either.
Literally anyone (and we mean anyone) with feet and legs that are beginning to swell can benefit from wearing compression socks designed to alleviate this problem. Women that are pregnant, people with varicose veins, folks that have been diagnosed with DVT, and those that are nervous about blood clots all should think about using compression socks on a regular and consistent basis.
It’s impossible to say with any concrete certainty whether or not you are going to be able to benefit from wearing compression socks all day long or if it’s “safe” for you to do so. That’s something you’ll need to talk about with your doctor or primary care physician. That said, a lot of people choose to use compression socks on a day-to-day basis for extended amounts of time (usually with small breaks) to help clear up their problems.
Honestly, the best way to sort of sort this out for yourself is to try a couple of different pairs with different levels of compression to find something that works best for you. Get your hands on a pair of socks with lower levels of compression, moderate levels of compression, and then firmer levels of compression and wear them for a couple of days. Find what works best and stick to that level of compression.
A lot of people love to wear these kinds of socks while they are working out and exercising. They can stimulate better circulation, they can better oxygenate their body, and they can cut down significantly on muscle fatigue. All that said, if you’re going to be wearing compression socks while you work out or exercise it’s probably a better idea to get socks that have been designed for these kinds of intense physical activities and not “day-to-day” options.
It’s not a good idea to keep your socks on even while you sleep, wearing them 24/7 every day of the year. That’s just not recommended by most manufacturers. The only time you should even consider to go to this sort of extreme is if your doctor does in fact recommend you do so. They’ll usually point you in the right direction of the kind of socks that can be safely and comfortably worn overnight, usually with a lower level of compression than your “daily drivers”.
While the overwhelming majority of really top-of-the-line compression hosiery options are made to last for years and years with the right amount of care, higher level compression options should be swapped out between every three and six months. Over time the elasticity and even a really good socks are going to start to wane and relax and you’ll just not get the kind of compression you are hoping for. You might be able to stretch this to eight months or even a year, but you don’t want to go any further than that most of the time.