Compression Stockings

How Do Compression Socks Work?

Compression stockings are specifically designed to decrease foot and ankle swelling. The specialized fibers work by applying gradual pressure to your feet, ankles, and calves. Normal stockings and socks don’t do this. The strongest amount of pressure is applied to the foot, and the amount of pressure gradually decreases as the sock goes up your leg. 

The constant gradient pressure encourages your blood to flow back to the heart instead of remaining in the lower half of your body. Wearing compression socks improves your circulation and prevents fluid build-up in your tissues. 

The external compression of these socks also lowers the diameter of your veins. This pressure temporarily fixes the leaky valves in your veins that contribute to fluid build-up in the ankle area too. Compression socks assist your body to work against gravity in order to decrease internal pressure on veins and lower externally visible swelling.

Why Do I Need Compression Stockings?

Compression socks can provide relief from uncomfortable symptoms you may have been experiencing for years. Combined with other medical treatments, compression socks assist in symptom management for a variety of chronic venous conditions. 

You will benefit from compression stockings if:

• You experience heavy, achy legs after a day of work
• You are on your feet all-day
• You have visible foot/ankle/calf swelling (edema)
• You have varicose veins (raised, enlarged veins)
• You have spider veins (smaller, visible, colourful veins)
• You have lymphedema (swelling due to lymph fluid build-up)
• You have/had deep vein thrombosis (DVT, a blood clot in the leg)
• You experience pregnancy-related varicosities 

While compression socks alone are not usually an effective treatment for any of these ailments, they are still beneficial to your comfort and health. Most importantly, they can prevent conditions from worsening. 

If you start using compression stockings early enough, they may prevent serious venous conditions altogether. They are becoming more and more popular for this reason. You don’t have to have a medical condition to start wearing compression stockings. Our highly qualified chiropodists at Feet in Motion can help you decide if compression stockings are right for you. Contact us with any of your foot concerns.

Is It Safe For Me To Wear Compression Stockings?

Not everyone should wear compression socks. They can make certain conditions worse. If you have any of the following conditions, you should not wear compression stockings: 

• Congestive heart failure (weak heart muscle)
• Peripheral vascular disease (PVD, arterial disorder)
• Active dermatitis (skin irritation)
• Some people with diabetes
• Septic thrombophlebitis (STP, venous inflammation)
• Advanced peripheral neuropathy 

If you have any concerns or hesitation about wearing compression socks, reach out to our friendly staff at Feet in Motion. We can answer all of your questions and help you decide if compression stockings are the right choice for your medical needs.

Are There Different Types Of Compression Socks?

There is a wide variety of compression socks available. They come in different lengths, pressure levels, and materials. 

The pressure levels are always measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg). The higher the mmHg level, the more pressure the stocking provides. You will need a prescription from a family physician or vascular specialist to get compression socks with 20mmHg or higher. A higher amount of pressure is only recommended for more serious conditions like DVT. 

Most people need over-the-counter compression socks. These stockings are usually between 10mmHg and 20mmHg of pressure. This mild pressure is recommended for people who work on their feet all day and experience periodic swelling and tired legs once they sit down. 

Compression stockings also come in a variety of lengths. They can be as short as ankle socks, or go all the way to your upper thigh. There are even compression sleeves for the ankle and up. These leave your feet free and are recommended for certain patients like diabetics. 

A wide range of materials is used to construct compression socks. Today, they are most commonly made from a combination of cotton, nylon, and spandex. They need to be more elastic than normal socks, so a blend of fabrics is used. Many are sheer, while some are thicker for warmth. 

Feet in Motion can help you find the right pair!

Does My Insurance Cover Compression Stockings?

If you are in need of medical prescription compression stockings, then most extended-coverage insurance plans cover the expense. However, it is unlikely that they will cover the cost of an over-the-counter pair of compression socks. 

Your insurance will most likely request a doctor’s prescription stating your diagnosis and that they recommend you wear specific pressure level compression socks every day due to the diagnosis. Make sure to request these documents during your appointment. 

Keep in mind we do not know for sure what your insurance covers. Remember to confirm your coverage terms before you decide to purchase compression socks to ensure you have coverage.

Contact Us Today!

Feet in Motion offers compression socks of all pressure levels and lengths to help with whatever medical condition you have. Schedule an appointment, so we can help you find compression socks to make you feel happy on your feet again!