Compression socks

There are a lot of types of compression underwear: from socks to overalls. Each type of knitwear of this type is intended for specific purposes and can be used both independently (for the prevention or removal of mild symptoms), and on the recommendation of medical workers (in cases of obviously pronounced disease).

This type of compression underwear, such as socks, is less popular than the same socks, stockings or tights, but it is highly in demand in a medical or sports environment. Socks are used to prevent the expansion of veins due to the nature of the work, increased weight or prolonged physical activity in sports. The principle of operation of compression socks is to squeeze a varying degree of blood vessels in the lower leg and prevent their expansion.

For medical reasons, socks are intended to be worn by people for the prevention or treatment of existing vascular diseases, in particular, varicose veins.

Usually, the use of compression socks is indicated for those who have only had the first signs of impending diseases - edema that occurs by the end of the day, painful heaviness in the legs, the first spider veins in the lower extremities. However, on the recommendation of a doctor, they can also be used in more complex cases: with varicose veins, venous insufficiency, lymphostasis, in the postoperative rehabilitation period.

The preference of athletes is simply explained - such socks fix the foot, giving it the correct position, thereby providing additional support and preventing possible thrombosis resulting from deformation of the veins under heavy loads, for example, when running.

The benefits of wearing compression socks:

• increased blood flow as a result of vascular compression, which provides a greater percentage of oxygen that enters the muscles, and as a result, an improvement in their work;
• improved thermoregulation, since there is no free air circulation in the compression socks, the muscles are constantly warmed up, and therefore, the risk of leg injuries is reduced, and moisture and heat are removed through holes in the weaving of the fabric;
• saving muscle energy due to the fact that the leg, tightly covered by the toe, is less exposed to vibration and the risk of stretching;
• protection of the skin, since with the right size of the socks, rubbed skin is eliminated.

Contraindications to the use of compression socks are also available, although they are not so great: wearing compression knitwear on the lower extremities is not recommended for patients with diabetes mellitus, dermatitis of various etiologies, with vascular diseases, and also in the presence of open wounds.

Compression socks, like any other compression underwear, are divided into 5 classes according to the degree of compression according to RAL-GZ 387, the German standard for compression knitwear:

• Preventive. Used by tourists, athletes, people leading an active lifestyle, or, conversely, spending a lot of time in a static mode, on their feet. The need for acquisition is determined independently or on the recommendation of a doctor.
• 1 class. The compression ratio is 18-22 mm Hg, used at the first sign of vascular disease. You can also buy it yourself.
• 2nd grade. Compression 23-32 mm Hg They are prescribed only by a specialist for identified diseases, for example, varicose veins.
• 3rd grade. The degree of compression is 33-46 mm Hg. They are used for diagnosed severe venous diseases.
• 4th grade. Super strong compression over 49 mm Hg Assigned to treat lymphostasis.

Models of compression socks can be worn by both men and women and can be of several types:

• with open toe - used in cases where a person has a large foot size and a short ankle; if the toes are affected by a fungal infection; with deformed toes.
• open heel - used in cases of damage to the heel;
• with compression elastic - it should be wide, soft and elastic.

You need to choose compression socks in the same way as, in fact, all knitwear of this type. The main selection criteria are: purpose and size.

If you come from medical considerations, then it will be enough for you to determine your size and buy such socks in any pharmacy, the only reason for reflection in this situation will be only the choice of the manufacturer.

Check out the Live Healthy program for tips on choosing compression socks.