Why knee-length support socks are effective
Compression socks, often referred to as support socks, flight socks or travel socks, are thin knee-length densely woven elasticized socks that are designed to apply graduated pressure that is tighter at the ankle and decreases toward their tops.
Although similar in appearance, support 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.
Who should wear compression socks?
Support socks were originally designed and made to provide comfort and support for those with compromised circulatory systems (poor circulation), particularly diabetics, to prevent deep vein thrombosis, leg cramps and edema, calf muscle support for athletes (While there are several brands to choose from it is best to compare support socks quality when possible. One of the better brands of socks for support for athletes are Zensah Compression socks.), medical support socks for pregnancy and for those whose occupations require long periods of standing.
The compression levels of support socks are measured as mmhg (millimeter of mercury). Lower level compression socks (10-15 mmhg or 15-20 mmhg) are available over-the counter. A higher level compression put it into the category of compression stockings.
Compression socks are made of stronger materials such as lycra, rubber, or spandex to create significant pressure on the legs, ankles and feet compressing the surface veins, arteries and muscles. This causes blood to be forced through narrower channels so that it can be returned to the heart and minimizing blood to pooling.
What is the difference between support socks and diabetic socks?
On a cursory level the major difference between support socks and socks for diabetics is the amount of elasticity each contains, their lengths and their weave.
Diabetic socks provide low elasticity necessary in their tops to keep them from falling down, they come in crew and ankle lengths and they are loosely woven to accommodate swelling in the ankles and feet.
Compression socks can have mild to firm elasticity for the purpose of applying pressure on the legs, ankles and feet to prevent swelling and provide support to the leg muscles. They are available only in knee-length and are densely woven.
What is the difference between support socks and compression stockings?
Both support socks and compression stockings for poor circulation apply varying mmHg levels of pressure to the lower torso (waist, thighs, calves, feet) depending on the treatment needed to address the levels of impeded blood and fluid flow. As the level of poor circulation increases so does the compression level which is manifested in the length, weave density and elasticity.
Some manufacturers and distributors often refer to support socks as “diabetic support socks”, which is a little misleading. While diabetics who don’t have poor circulation can wear support socks those diabetics who do suffer from poor circulation should never wear them when swelling is present as the low-level compression, though slight, will restrict blood flow.
Where to find the best prices for support socks
To get the best prices on support socks there are name brand compression socks 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 manufacturers who specialize in that type of leg garment in many sizes and brands so that you can compare prices. This will help to ensure that you get the best possible price on support socks. With the combination of Amazon’s price comparison program, the customer reviews and discount shipping, you will find that Amazon.com is one of the better places to shop for compression socks online.
You may be unsure about which brands of support socks are the best quality making it difficult to to choose, especially if you have never purchased them before. You can read Amazon.com’s customer review 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 prices and customer reviews and Google 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 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 Amazon takes care of everything for you.
How to properly care for support 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 support socks and you’re good to go.
