Compression socks are used for therapeutic treatments aimed at helping blood circulation and muscle exercise.
Compression socks are accessories used for some types of medical treatments and, currently, to help when performing physical exercises. They basically have the role of compressing the muscles and preventing leg pain and muscle fatigue.
In addition to muscles, these socks can improve blood circulation. There are several sizes that suit the body’s needs well. The most common types are medium-sized, reaching up to the knee, covering the calf. However, they can also reach the abdomen.
How do they work?
Compression socks act as a force exerted on the legs, so that the blood that circulates through the body, and passes through the leg, reaches the heart again. This pressure is like a pump, which helps the veins and heart to complete the blood flow.
In the muscular sense, sock lines are vertical and horizontal. Therefore, the pressure is applied homogeneously. As a result, there is, for example, no oscillation of the muscles during physical activity.
Thanks to this technology, there is yet another positive way to use it. They help with lymphatic drainage, that is, in reducing the waste that is transported inside the cells and expelled by the lymph.
Treatment with compression stockings
Stockings are prescribed for various types of diseases involving blood circulation. And these are:
Varicose veins
Firstly, varicose vein treatments are normally followed by prescriptions for the use of compression stockings. They reduce the sensation of heaviness, tingling and burning in the legs, symptoms caused by the disease. And, on top of that, they reduce swelling and itching caused by poor circulation.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)
This stage of venous insufficiency is a complicated phase, because the marks on the skin are irreversible. Initially, this disease affects women more than men, accounting for 33% of the female population.
In addition to pain, swelling and burning in the legs, the chronic stage is accompanied, above all, by dry skin and dark spots. However, several factors are associated with the development of the disease, including: heredity, obesity, pregnancy and sedentary lifestyle.
In principle, compression socks, in this case, do not cure the disease, but daily use is essential to help circulation and reduce symptoms. The focus, therefore, is on improving quality of life.
Post-thrombotic syndrome
Firstly, thrombosis occurs when a vein is blocked, thus preventing blood circulation. However, after healing, there is a high probability of symptoms returning. Pain and swelling remain chronic in the person’s life.
This is where compression stockings come into play, to help prevent the disease from developing to a stage called Parsonage-Turner syndrome (PTS). Stroke is also prevented by using socks, as this problem is completely related to blood circulation.
Gestation
The weight generated on the legs, thanks to the growth of the belly, also creates discomfort in the legs of pregnant women. Socks will help reduce this unpleasant sensation during the gestation period.
Other ways to wear compression stockings
It is not only in cases of medical prescription that we can use compression stockings. They can also help when we go on long trips, or in jobs that require us to stand a lot.
Or, as mentioned previously, it can prevent muscle spasms during physical exercise. The athletes who use them the most are runners, because the sport demands a lot from the legs. The muscles suffer a lot from the impacts of the feet on the ground.
How to put on socks
Sometimes, because they are too tight, people have some difficulty putting on socks. Therefore, we have put together a quick and practical video to watch and learn the correct way to install it without suffering and, above all, without damaging your product.
When not to wear compression stockings
But, even with so many positive points, there are still contraindications to its use. The best thing is to consult a doctor before starting to use it and carry out some tests to avoid the risk of damaging the functioning of other parts of the body.
In cases of heart-related problems, such as heart failure, it is not advisable to have the effect of compression on the legs. This can greatly harm the heart’s performance. Other illnesses that may prevent use are: ischemia, infections or wounds and allergies.
Finally, check carefully, after starting use, whether you will develop, above all, allergies to the material. If so, the right thing to do is to stop using it and seek clinical help to test other alternatives that can be adapted to your body.
Furthermore, read about How to treat varicose veins with natural and home remedies
Sources: Ministry of Health, Cochrane, Elsevier, Minha Vida, Sbacvsp, Meias Express, dados pela vida, Webrun, Ativo, Ativo 2, Saúde Store, Nsc Total, Maconequi, Tua Saúde 2, Orto Ponto
Image sources: Sigvaris Group, Guia do Bebe, BNT, O PAraná, Clínica Ortopédica e Vascular, Vascular Clínica, Vix, Sua Corrida, Espaço Rafah,
