Compression socks have been used for a very long time in the medical therapy, especially for people that struggle with particular health problems, including diabetes, deep vein thrombosis, varicose veins, leg ulcers, leg swelling and some circulatory problems. In recent decades, compression socks have made the leap from medical treatment to living supplies and a must-have athletic gear. Compression socks are knee-high socks that compress the entire lower leg including feet, ankles, and calves. The compression is provided by the strong elastic or rubber fibers used in socks to make pressure around the leg, almost like a mild massage and make our legs feel refreshed and energized. Actually, compression socks do more than just make our legs feel great. Medically, compression socks are a valuable tool for blood circulation. They can help delay the onset of varicose and prevent a deep vein thrombosis which is a life-threatening blood clot that might form in our legs. In addition, compression socks can minimize leg pain and cramping and reduce swelling in our ankles and feet, which is particularly helpful to pregnancy, long journey traveler or to people who need to stand or sit for a long time. For athletes, compression socks are designed to reduce swelling, muscle soreness, and muscle fatigue after exercise. There is still a lot of debate on whether or not wearing compression socks improved athletic performance, but compression socks certainly won’t make any hurt, and can decrease the recovery time. If you decide to give compression socks a try, make sure you’re buying the right size and remember to wear your compression socks next to skin and under a non-compression layer for full benefit. You can see models in some photos or people in real life wear compression socks over a pair of tights or yoga pants. While it is stylish to do so, it is the wrong way to wear your compression socks and reap the benefits of the graduated compression. To choose the correct size of compression socks, you can measure the circumference of your calf and matching your measurement to a pair of properly sized socks.
