Support socks for men and womenBelow the knee compression socks, or knee-high support socks, provide extra padding in the heels and foot pad areas. Their Dri-release feature provides moisture wicking and odor control. They apply a mild (15-20 mmHg) graduated pressure (pressure is strongest on the calf muscle and decreases toward the ankle) that compresses the surface veins, arteries, and muscles to help increase blood flow through narrowed arterial channels. This can help to alleviate blood pooling that is often the cause of fatigue and leg cramps as well more serious conditions such as edema, phlebitis or thrombosis.

Although similar in appearance, graduated compression socks should not be confused with “traditional” knee-length dress or athletic socks. While both types of socks provide some degree of compression it is not enough to be considered therapeutic. what is the best support knee-hi for poor circulation

There are two types of support socks: for those who are sitting or standing in one place for long periods of time and for those who are involved in more rigorous activities, such as sports. Each is effective in relieving calf muscle fatigue with the main difference between the two being the compression levels, typically within the range of 10-20 mmHg.

What is the difference between graduated compression support socks and compression hose?

Both compression socks and compression stockings are designed to combat edema caused by poor circulation. The primary difference between the two is their compression range, or mmHg levels (weave density and elasticity), and their lengths (Support socks are knee-high while compression hose fully extend to the knee or thigh.

Some compression garment producers and distributors often refer to graduated compression socks as “diabetic support socks” which is may be misleading to the the average diabetic. While diabetics whose circulation is not to the point of causing swelling, they can wear graduated compression diabetics support socks, however, those diabetics whose poor circulation does cause consistent swelling should never wear them when swelling is present as the low-level compression, though slight, will further restrict blood flow.

Where to find the best priced graduated compression socks

Better name brand support socks can be found on retail websites as well as Amazon.com and Google’s shopping source, both of which provides the largest list of online retailers. Amazon not only provides a wide array of compression socks but they also deal with outside producers who specialize in that type of leg garment in many sizes and brands so that you can compare cost. With the combination of Amazon’s cost comparison program and the buyer feedback and discount shipping, you may find that Amazon.com is one of the better places to shop for compression socks online to find the best support knee hi for poor circulation.

You may be unsure about which brands of compression socks are the best making it difficult to to choose, especially if you have never purchased them before. You can read Amazon.com’s burr feedback section by those who have purchased them. This can be very useful in helping you make your first choice as saving money without compromising quality is important to everyone.

Similar to Amazon, Google’s shopping section will sort your results by cost and buyer feedback, and they will only provide you with links to online retailers based on your search. While that is a great source you will still have to contact the third party vendor if there are any issues with the compression socks you’ve purchased.

So even though Amazon.com and Google’s Shopping source are two excellent choices when you are looking to shop for compression socks online, Amazon is by far the better of the two as their one advantage over Google’s shopping section is that they take care of everything for you and will return your purchase (if in original condition) with no questions asked.

How to properly care for graduated compression socks:

  • Hand wash support socks with a mild detergent such as Woolite Extra Delicates Care.
  • Air dry.
  • When completely dry you can put on your compression socks and you’re good to go.

Graduated compression socks will undoubtedly provide you more support, better circulation and relief from tired, fatigued achy calf muscles.

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