What are Compression Socks
Posted on November 10, 2009
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Low Compression socks such as those made by sigvaris, mediven, juzo, and jobst, are sometimes referred to as travel socks, athletic support socks, or therapeutic flight socks. They’re designed to control edema, offer support for varicoseveins and provide support plus and better blood circulation for those may be confined to seated positions to long-haul flights (a four hour duration or more as well as for athletes who need muscle support from tired and sore legs. These type of socks closely resemble non-compression diabetic socks, however there more major differences. Diabetic socks have non-elastic cuff-tops with and just enough compression to keep them from falling down around your ankles, and are seamless in the toe area. Conversely, compression socks provide low compression from the top all the way down the leg that gently hugs and massages the calf muscle.
Sitting still for hours inhibits poor circulation and an increased risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). This occurs when the leg muscles are physically still from sitting and as a result they will feel tired, stiff and may even ache due to inactivity. When the circulation of blood through your arteries and veins slows down, muscles begin to feel weaker. Low-pressure compressionstockings can help to reduce your risk of DVT and fluid build-up during those long travels. Compression socks are designed to exert minimal graduated pressure rather than the maximum compression on the lower leg and foot that compression socks provide by applying light pressure that gradually decreases up the length of the sock. Traditional dress and athletic socks offer some degree of compression, but not enough to be considered therapeutic.
SmoothToe® low compression socks
SmoothToe® makes a medical non-cotton (74% CoolMax fabric) completely seamless sock, which the company describes as a support sock for diabetics. By virtue of providing elastic compression in the cuff-top I would not classify them as diabetic socks. Plus they are made from 100% cotton, which again, for a diabetic, natural fibers do not effectively wisk away moisture from the feet the way synthetic materials do. Now, having said that, the SmoothToe sock, for a low compression sock, offers all the necessary features of most low compression socks: they retain their shape when wet and eliminate pressure points, which can lead to blisters and infections by gently hugging your feet, they offer relief using a mild and graduated compression to simulate blood flow and reduce Bacteria, the material is wrinkle free so that they wont bunch in your shoe, and they also prevent calluses on the soles of your feet by providing extra padding.
These socks are available for both men and women and they 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 only come 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. Some people have found sleeping in them is a good way to get your feet used to them even faster.
Like most support socks for diabetics, compression socks are available in a wide range of opacities, colors, styles (over the knee and mid-calf) materials, and sizes, for both men and women.
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