What are Support Socks?
Posted on November 10, 2009
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Support socks, also referred to as compression socks or circulation socks, are specialized foot and leg wear designed to provide extra support and increased blood circulation to the legs and feet to help relieve leg fatigue, swelling, aching feet and the symptoms of varicose veins. Compression socks provide a graduated pressure on the lower leg (from the knee down) and foot that is tighter around the ankle and feet and decreases as it goes up the sock toward the knee. By lessening support up the leg, compression socks aid blood circulation keeping your comfort level high. Traditional dress and athletic socks offer a modicum of compression, but not enough to be considered therapeutic. Most compression socks feature a reinforced heel for durability, wiggle room for your toes, and a comfort top that will stay up without binding.
Compression socks use stronger elastics such as lycra, rubber or spandex to create significant pressure on the legs, ankles and feet. They compress the surface veins, arteries and muscles, which helps to force blood through narrower channels. Arterial pressure is increased causing more blood to return to the heart and less blood to pool in the feet.
Although compression socks were originally marketed to those with compromised circulatory systems, many people now find their everyday use beneficial. Experts suggest passengers on long flights should wear compression socks to prevent circulatory problems like deep vein thrombosis, leg cramps and edema. Athletes often wear compression socks to give their leg muscles additional support while running or jumping. Those with occupations requiring long periods of standing may also benefit from the use of compression socks.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DIABETIC SOCKS AND COMPRESSION SOCKS
Compression socks look similar to ordinary dress socks, but the main distinction between the two is that compression socks offer firm compression, while dress socks provide too much for diabetic’s sensitive feet yet not enough compression to be considered therapeutic for those with poor circulation. Circulation socks can be helpful for those with blood glucose levels issues, however, it should be noted that circulation socks are not diabetic socks. For anyone who are able to control diabetes without the use of insulin, they may find circulation socks to be effective enough to minimize the incidence of cold feet.
There are distinct differences between diabetic comfort socks and compression socks: socks for diabetics provide comfort and protection to a diabetic’s sensitive feet. Diabetic socks are non-compression, therefore they do not provide adequate support. They are typically made of a synthetic fabric blend and are seamless with loose non-binding cuff tops.
In contrast, compression socks are made to provide support to the lower legs and feet using graduated pressure. Compression socks use a blend of natural fabric and elastics, such as lycra, rubber or spandex to create significant pressure on the legs, ankles and feet and are thinner than diabetic socks. They usually rise to the point on the leg just above the calf. They compress the surface veins, arteries, and muscles of the leg and calf with graduated external pressure, thus circulating blood so that it is forced through narrower channels. They increase blood flow, further increasing circulation and oxygen to the muscle tissue so that lactic acids that are built up in the leg can be flushed out during exercise. They help relieve tired, aching legs and muscle soreness by increasing arterial pressure, causing more blood to return to the heart and less blood to pool in the feet.
Conversely compression socks are for those with compromised circulatory systems: passengers on long flights (four hours or more) wear compression flight socks to prevent circulatory problems (e.g. deep vein thrombosis, leg cramps and edema). They are also great as an assisted living daily dressing aid for the elderly.
Some of the most common reasons compression socks are worn:
– frequent swollen legs or ankles
– long travel periods
– diabetes
– varicose veins, spider veins, edema or varicose veins lone tree
– long periods of immobility
– swelling and discomfort in your legs
– venous insufficiency or deep vein thrombosis
Support socks are available in a small range of compressions light, moderate, and firm (i.e. 15-20 and 20-30 mmHg) depending on your need. Compression support socks should also not be confused with Compression stockings, which is in the higher range of mmHg compressions. Some manufacturers and retailers, especially those online, refer to compression socks as diabetic compression socks, this can be misleading. While non-diabetics can safely wear them when some degree of swelling is present, diabetics should never wear while their legs or feet are swollen.
SMOOTHTOE LOW COMPRESSION SOCKS
Smooth Toe makes a medical non-cotton (74% CoolMax fabric) completely seamless sock, which the company describes as a diabetic sock, however, because the sock provides 15-20mmHG of compression with thousands of bands of Lycra throughout the sock to include the top-cuff it should be classified as a compression sock. While that amount of compression is fine a diabetic who does not suffer from neuropathy in their feet or who does not have a tendency toward swelling in both feet and legs, but those diabetics who do suffer from those complications, that amount of compression especially around the ankles and lower calf area is not recommended. The only real similarity to diabetic socks is their construction and fiber.
SmoothToe compression socks are available for both men and women and come in a variety of lengths: low-cut, quarter length, crew, and knee-high. The picture I have here shows them to be blue, but they are only made in white. They also come with a five year warranty. The company recommends that you wear them for a couple of hours in the evening for the first few days, and then extending the amount of time up to 3 – 4 hours per night after day four (or as you feel comfortable). By day five or six your feet should be accustomed to the added support and be ready for all day wear. However, while as part of the site’s description, they state that some people have found sleeping in them is a good way to get your feet used to them even faster. A person with poor circulation problems should wear compression socks during the day and avoid wearing them in bed when sleeping.
HOW TO PROPERLY CARE FOR COMPRESSION SOCKS:
- Hand wash compression socks with a mild detergent such as Woolite Extra Delicates Care.
- Air dry.
- Put on your compression socks when completely dry and you’re good to go.
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