Compression socks are designed to help improve blood circulation on your feet and legs by applying pressure. The socks are designed in various lengths and sizes to help with pressurization issues by squeezing the legs harder than regular socks. Occasionally, compression socks are used for medical purposes as it helps in promoting blood circulation in the legs, like the socks for edema. Therefore, it is important to understand how compression socks work. The following are some of the principles and guides that make compression socks function effectively.
How the compression socks work?
Compression socks squeeze the legs and increase the pressure on the tissues underneath the skin. This will help reduce excess fluid leakage from the capillaries as it increases the absorption of the tissue fluid. Hence reduces and prevents swelling.
Compression socks also help blood flow, especially during flights when you must sit for a long time. Long flights with limited movements lead to more pooling and blood retention in your legs which can cause clots. Compression socks can help you in keeping circulation and reduce the symptoms. The pressure from the compression socks will ensure maximum blood flow from the legs to the heart and back. The compression socks are very tight; therefore, they fit for compression therapy to improve blood circulation. The socks apply an approach whereby the socks, through compression, apply pressure on your legs, making the veins function more efficiently.
The levels of compression from the compression socks and their significance
The compression level, as per the compression socks, will help you in various ways without causing harm to your foot or sensitive blood vessels. The compression provided by the socks exists in different ranges, and the higher the number, the tighter the garment. Hence before purchasing and using any compression socks, it is important to seek a prescription from a medical doctor.
The compression socks have four standard compression levels, which are 15-20mmHg. Under this level, compression socks can be useful when you are tired or have achy legs. At the same time, you benefit from its importance if you have minor varicosities, swelling on the foot or legs, long travels or during pregnancy. Although the compression at this level is light, it is very effective.
Level 20mmHg and 30mmHg
The level is referred to as the medical grade class I, and you can use it to reduce moderate swelling or edema. This is the level where doctors preferred the use of socks for edema. If you compression socks at this level, it will help you with wound healing in case you have one. At the same time, if you are experiencing swelling, it will help with the issue as it helps in reducing the swelling. There are instances when this level can be helpful to you, especially if you are involved in sporting activities.
Level 30mmHg to 40mmHg
You can also refer to the medical grade class II level and use it on patients with severe varicosities and edema. On top of that, you can use compression socks and apply 30-40mmHg for lymphoma and the management of active ulcers.
Level 40mmHg to 50mmHg
You can also refer to the level as medical grade class III, and the pressure at this level is strong, and it is best to use it if only you have severe varicosities and severe lymphedema.
Compression socks are a multipurpose item, as you can use them to solve various issues affecting your legs’ functionality. It helps your blood to flow perfectly through the blood vessels. There are various instances when you can use compression thermal socks, for instance, during sporting events or long flights, and you can also use them as a form of therapy known as compression therapy.
