In the fast-paced modern life, our legs are often under excessive pressure. Long hours at the office, frequent workouts, or simply standing for extended periods can easily lead to leg soreness, fatigue, and swelling problems that many people now face regularly.
At the same time, with the improvement of health awareness, more and more people are beginning to pay attention to an underestimated daily care tool, compression socks.
So, how do compression socks work? How to choose the style and pressure level that suits you? This article will answer them one by one.
Introduction of Compression Sockings
Compression socks are a type of sock with a special elastic design. It works by applying gentle, even pressure on feet and legs, enhancing blood circulation, reducing swelling, and aiding veins and muscle tissue.
It most often has graduated compression, with maximum pressure at the ankle position decreasing upwards along the leg. This enables it to enhance the circulation of blood as well as prevent the pooling of blood in the lower extremities.
Type Of Compression Sock
According to the purpose, compression socks can be divided into the following 4 types.
1. Medical compression stockings
Medical compression stockings have long been used primarily in treating lower extremity venous system diseases such as varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis, edema, lymphatic reflux disorders, and postoperative rehabilitation.
These compression stockings will generally have an evident pressure level (20–30 mmHg or higher) and will be produced in accordance with medical standards, with greater scientific accuracy in pressure distribution. Functional design is focused on this product, with certain designs necessitating professional help in putting them on.
Common groups include:
- Varicose vein patients
- Long-term bedridden or postoperative recovery
- People who need to wear them under the doctor's advice
Features:
- Precise pressure distribution and stable effect
- Strong material, suitable for long-term wear
2. Sports compression stockings
Sports Compression Socks are primarily for athletes or individuals with regular physical activities. Through the exertion of moderate pressure on calf muscles, blood return speed can be enhanced and muscle oxygen content can be increased, thus enhancing sport performance, diminishing lactic acid accumulation, and speeding recovery.
Common groups include:
- Sports like running, cycling, basketball, and football
- Recovery from muscle soreness following exercise
- Sportsmen or fitness lovers
Features:
- The pressure is mostly at a medium level (15–20 mmHg)
- Breathable and sweat-absorbent design, suitable for intense exercise
- Some styles have pressure ankle braces or shock-absorbing structures
3. Daily compression stockings
Daily compression socks are designed for daily wear and have light pressure. They are suitable for people who stand or sit for long periods of time to help prevent leg fatigue, swelling, and poor blood circulation. They are more comfortable and convenient, and are suitable for people who do not have obvious symptoms but want to improve leg health.
Common groups include:
- Office workers (sitting for long periods of time)
- Teachers, nurses, and service industry personnel (standing for long periods of time)
- People who travel frequently and fly
- Daily preventive use by middle-aged and elderly people
Features:
- Light pressure (8–15 mmHg or 15–20 mmHg)
- Soft material, easy to put on and take off
- Various styles, suitable for daily wear
4. Pregnancy compression stockings
Hormonal changes and an enlarged abdomen during pregnancy often lead to slower blood circulation in the lower limbs, which can easily cause leg swelling, venous dilation, and other problems. Maternity compression stockings are designed for this special stage and can provide mild to moderate pressure support, effectively relieve discomfort, and prevent varicose veins during pregnancy.
Most products are rompers or integrated belly support designs, which support the abdomen while protecting the leg vascular system. The material is usually softer and suitable for sensitive skin.
Common groups include:
- People with obvious leg swelling in the middle and late stages of pregnancy
- Pregnant women with a family history of varicose veins
- Expectant mothers who want to improve comfort and leg health during pregnancy
Features:
- Abdominal support design, safely covering the belly
- Skin-friendly and elastic material
- Helps relieve the heaviness of the legs and improves the quality of life during pregnancy
How To Choose Compression Socks
Choosing the right compression socks is not a matter of "the tighter the better" or "just buy a pair". It requires a comprehensive consideration of your physical condition, lifestyle, purpose of use, and wearing comfort. Here are some ways to choose compression socks that can help you choose the right compression socks for you:
1. purpose
Medical use: For varicose veins, surgery recovery, lymphedema, etc., medical-grade compression stockings should be selected, and it is best to determine the pressure level according to the doctor's advice.
Daily care: For long-term sitting, standing, traveling, edema during pregnancy, etc., mild or moderate compression stockings can be selected for daily comfort.
Sports recovery: If you have muscle soreness after running or cycling or need to improve your sports performance, it is recommended to choose sports compression stockings with good elasticity and breathability.
2. Pressure level
|
Pressure Level (mmHg) |
Recommended For |
|
8–15 mmHg compression socks |
Mild swelling, first-time users, travel protection |
|
15–20 mmHg compression socks |
Prolonged sitting or standing, pregnancy, mild leg discomfort |
|
Early-stage varicose veins, edema, postoperative recovery (consult a doctor) |
|
|
30–40 mmHg compression socks |
Moderate to severe venous issues, severe edema, lymphedema |
|
Above 40 mmHg compression socks |
Severe venous diseases, use only under medical supervision |
3. Length and size
- Ankle: Suitable for mild edema or recovery after exercise
- Knee-high: Most common, suitable for long-term sitting, long-term standing, pregnancy, etc.
- Thigh-high: Used when the thigh also needs compression support
- Pantyhose: Suitable for pregnant women or whole leg edema, venous problems
The key to a good fit is the right fit. When shopping, you should determine the size based on leg circumference and leg length, rather than just shoe size or height. Most regular brands will provide detailed size charts, and it is recommended to use a soft tape measure to measure and compare before shopping.
4. Material
- Nylon: good elasticity, firm, and supportive
- Cotton blend: soft and skin-friendly, suitable for long-term wear
- Breathable mesh design: suitable for sports and summer use
- Plunge: suitable for winter wear and warm
Best Compression Socks From Plusock
If you are looking for compression socks that are both functional and fashionable, Plusock's compression socks are worth trying. This product not only improves the taste of daily wear but also provides professional-level leg care functions.
1. Plus Size Elegant Style Leaves Compression Socks
These compression socks with a graduated pressure design of 20–30 mmHg, this compression sock can effectively help prevent varicose veins, edema, and leg fatigue. Whether you sit for a long time at work, stand for a long time, work remotely at home, or need leg support during sports, flying, or pregnancy, it can provide lasting comfort and protection. In terms of material, the socks are made of high-quality blended fabric, which is elastic, durable, and breathable, suitable for all-weather wear.
2. 2XL-7XL Plus Size Wide Calf Sports Compression Socks
For those with thicker legs or those who need more elastic support, regular-sized compression stockings often fail to provide a comfortable wearing experience. Plus size compression socks, like Plusock's 2XL-7XL Plus Size Wide Calf Sports Compression Stockings are designed for larger sizes and meet the needs of more body shapes and legs.
The unique fabric structure gives these compression stockings excellent temperature regulation ability: warm in cold weather, breathable and cool in warm environments, truly realizing four-season wear.
FAQ
1. How many hours a day should I wear compression stockings?
They are recommended for usage of 6–8 hours a day, which can be adjusted according to personal needs. If these are worn for the first time, they are recommended to start from a lower time frame and gradually become accustomed, and not for long hours during the initial periods.
2. Should compression stockings be worn at bedtime?
It is usually not advisable to use compression stockings during sleep except when specially advised to do so by a physician. Since the blood return pressure is naturally low while we are sleeping, wearing compression stockings could exert undue pressure.
3. Can compression stockings be machine-washed?
Yes, but we recommend washing them gently in cold water on a gentle cycle and placing them in a washing bag to preserve the elastic fibres. Do not dry, bleach, or iron to prolong the life of the stockings.
Conclusion
Sitting or standing for long periods of time, staying active during sports, traveling or pregnancy can all lead to leg discomfort. The right compression stockings can effectively relieve fatigue and improve leg health.
Plusock stands out with its professional compression design, ergonomic cut, and soft, breathable fabric. It is especially suitable for those who need a larger size and pursue comfort, functionality, and everyday style.