Mahlay and Wu advise putting socks on before getting out of bed each day. “For example, medical-grade TED hose stockings can be worn continuously for several days, whereas compression socks intended for running marathons would not be appropriate for sleeping.” 5. “It depends on the specific sock’s purpose,” Enad says. Some compression socks, however, may be appropriate for wearing overnight. Enad, which is backed up by a previous report published in the British Journal of General Practice. Wearing them for too long could produce unpleasant side effects, like skin damage, says Dr. Jerome Enad, MD, an orthopedic surgeon in Pensacola, Florida, and Mahlay say that there’s no need for most people to wear their compression stockings or socks to bed. Mahlay and Wu suggest having at least two pairs in rotation. MedlinePlus advises washing the stockings daily with a mild soap and water mixture, then rinsing and air-drying them to prevent bacterial buildup. In that case, Mahlay and MedlinePlus suggest using a stocking donner, or butler, which is available at many pharmacies and medical supply stores. Use a Stocking Donnerįor people with arthritis or other mobility challenges, gripping the sock or stocking can be tricky. A bit of baby powder or cornstarch might work, too. If you’re having trouble sliding the stockings up, MedlinePlus recommends applying lotion to your leg and allowing the skin to absorb it before putting on the garment. “They can also be used on people who have prolonged workouts and those who stand on their feet all day.”Ĭompression garments aren’t typical socks, and they can take some getting used to. People also use them during travel to minimize the fluid stagnation in the lower limbs from being sedentary on a flight,” Wu says. “Compression socks and stockings are useful in people with poor circulation, the elderly, and post-surgically. And a review published in 2020 in the Open Access Journal of Sports Medicine noted that while there’s not much evidence they can improve athletic performance, they can reduce soreness and assist with recovery after vigorous exercise. A previous Cochrane review report, for example, suggests that there’s “high-certainty evidence” that they can reduce symptomless DVT during air travel. They can be helpful in everyday situations, too. Neurological disorders that limit mobility. Wu, and the Cleveland Clinic all say that many others can also put them to good use, including those with certain medical conditions, such as: Like orthotic footwear, compression garments are most popular among seniors. “Support socks are basically just a tight sock - it can feel tight on the leg, but they are not as specific as the compression socks and stockings are,” she says. While support hose can provide some relief for tired, achy legs and feet, Mahlay says they’re not intended to alleviate or prevent specific medical conditions. Similar to anti-embolism garments, these also provide a consistent degree of pressure throughout, but they are much lighter. Doctors usually prescribe these to people who are bedbound. Anti-embolismĪlso known as thromboembolism-deterrent (TED) stockings, these garments apply a uniform degree of pressure throughout the garment to maintain circulation, support venous and lymphatic drainage, and prevent blood clots, Mahlay says. These are usually knee-high or thigh-high, but pantyhose styles are also available. They primarily support the foot and lower leg - where fluids tend to accumulate when you’re sitting or standing for long periods. The most common kind, these fit tighter around the foot and ankle and looser higher up in the leg, Mahlay says. Here’s what you need to know about these garments and how they could benefit you. To prevent such problems and support healthy vein function, a doctor may suggest compression socks or stockings. Over time, that can lead to problems such as chronic pain, swelling, cramps, varicose veins, and ulcers, according to Mahlay and Johns Hopkins Medicine. But if the veins aren’t functioning properly, fluid can pool. Mahlay says that the arteries are like “supply vessels” and the veins “collectors.” Usually, the veins collect fluid from the periphery and return it to the heart, which circulates it back through the body. “Compression garments help to prevent the blood pooling in the veins, they prevent fluid pooling in the legs, and they help return the blood in the veins back to the heart,” says Natalia Fendrikova Mahlay, MD, an internal medicine doctor at Cleveland Clinic in Ohio.ĭr. Enter compression socks and stockings - specially designed garments that apply gentle pressure to stimulate circulation and relieve discomfort. From long flights to pregnancy and diabetes, many circumstances and conditions can cause pain and swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet.
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