Compression socks are designed to help promote blood flow. They do so by gently applying pressure to your feet and ankles. This can be beneficial for treating swelling, varicose veins, and treating and preventing leg ulcers or deep vein thrombosis.
You can either get compression socks over the counter, or a doctor may prescribe them to you. There is no one-size-fits-all type of compression sock, so make sure you consult with a healthcare provider before using compression therapy.
References
Cedars Sinai. (n.d.). Post-thrombotic syndrome.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Lymphedema.
Clarke, M. J., et al. (2016). Compression stockings for preventing deep vein thrombosis in airline passengers. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
Health Quality Ontario. (2019). Compression stockings for the prevention of venous leg ulcer recurrence: A health technology assessment. Ontario Health Technology Assessment Series.
Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Chronic venous insufficiency.
Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). DVT prevention: Intermittent pneumatic compression devices.
Jones, R. H., et al. (2008). Management of varicose veins. American Family Physician.
Lim, C. S., et al. (2014). Graduated compression stockings. Canadian Medical Association Journal.
Lu, J., et al. (2017). Pressure garment therapy for preventing hypertrophic and keloid scarring after a major burn injury. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
MedlinePlus. (2022). Compression stockings.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2020). Placebo effect.
Rabe, E., et al. (2020). Risks and contraindications of medical compression treatment – A critical reappraisal. An international consensus statement. Phlebology.
Robertson, B. F., et al. (2014).Side effects of compression stockings: A case report. The British Journal of General Practice: The Journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners.
University of Michigan Health. (2023). Compression stockings: How to use them.
Weakley, J., et al. (2022). Putting the squeeze on compression garments: Current evidence and recommendations for future research: A systematic scoping review. Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.).
Xiong, Y., et al. (2018). Compression garments for medical therapy and sports. Polymers.
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