Wearing compression socks is a great way to improve blood flow. Compression socks are specially made socks that are usually tighter than normal socks to provide gentle pressure to your legs by squeezing them. The pressure improves blood flow, which further aids in pain and swelling in your legs. These socks help in lowering the chances of getting DVT and also help people with the condition of varicose veins. People who travel a lot and have longer flights can benefit greatly by wearing these compression socks. 

According to a study, nearly 23% of people in the United States are estimated to have varicose veins, which are enlarged and swollen veins that often appear blue and dark purple. These veins develop when faulty valves allow blood to pool or flow improperly, leading not only to cosmetic concerns but also to possible health issues related to venous disease, such as pain, swelling, blood clots, and achy and heavy legs. 

In this article, we will share some insightful tips to help you find the right knee-high compression socks for your needs.

How Do These Compression Socks Work? 

Compression socks work by applying gentle yet graduated pressure to the feet and legs, which further improves blood flow, reduces swelling, and provides support to muscles and veins. The gradient pressure acts by applying pressure that is strongest at the ankle and gradually decreases as it moves up the leg. The compression sock works through the following mechanism:

• Graduated compression promotes blood flow upward, which works by counteracting the effects of gravity and helping blood return to the heart more efficiently. 
• Compression socks work by supporting vein function by providing external support to veins, which further helps them in maintaining their shape and function.
• The improved blood circulation reduces swelling, which is common in people with edema that is often associated with a variety of medical conditions or long periods of inactivity. 
• Compression socks help people in preventing and managing complications related to conditions like varicose veins or venous ulcers.

In fact a study published highlights the clinical effectiveness of compression therapy in improving venous conditions.

How To Choose the Right Knee High Compression Socks

You need to consider a variety of factors to make sure the compression socks are right, effective, and comfortable to use. Here are some key factors that you must consider when selecting the right knee-high compression socks:

1. Start By Getting the Correct Compression Level

Compression sock comes in multiple compression levels, but before we delve into the compression level, let's find out: 

What is mmHg, and why does it matter?

Millimeters of mercury (mmHg) is a pressure unit that is commonly used to measure blood pressure. This measurement is used to indicate compression level in compression socks. It measures the force the socks apply to your legs. As different compression levels are suitable for different needs, when choosing an appropriate compression level, it is important to consider the compression level specific to your medical or regular needs. 

Let's take a look at different compression levels: 

• 15-20 mmHg

This level of compression socks is ideal for daily wear and for people who travel a lot and play sports. This compression level improves circulation without being too tight, which makes it comfortable for daily wear. 

• 20-30 mmHg

Compression level 20-30 mmHg is suitable for recovery and to provide mild support. It is perfect for people who want to improve recovery, whether it's medical or sports. Additionally, this level of compression also helps in managing mild symptoms of varicose veins and spider veins.

• 30-40 mmHg

There are a variety of conditions where a high level of compression is required, including DVT, severe edema, and serious varicose veins. This level of compression pressure is designed to deal with these serious health conditions. However, this level requires a medical professional's recommendation before use. 

Clinical Reference: A study published on the NIH website provides detailed insights into compression stocking structure, pressure application in mmHg, and use cases across various medical conditions like venous insufficiency and pregnancy.

2. Choose Between Stocking and Socks

Consider whether you need compression socks or stocking. Here is detailed insight on which one to choose:

1. Knee High Socks: Knee-high length socks stop just below your knee. They are ideal for reducing ankle swelling and improving blood circulation throughout your legs. 

2. Thigh High Stockings: Thigh-high compression stockings, on the other hand, cover the entire leg and end at the top of the thigh and help in boosting blood flow throughout your legs.

3. Choose the Right Socks Material, Fabric or Style

Compression socks are created from a blend of different materials and fabrics, with each one offering a unique feature that offers durability, comfort, and compression effectiveness. Some of the common materials include: 

• Nylon: Nylon material is popular for its elasticity, durability, and strength. Nylon provides great compression while being lightweight, soft, and offers a snug fit without being restrictive or bulky. 

• Spandex: This synthetic fiber is popular because of its recovery property and exceptional stretch. The compression sock made from this material comfortably fits the shape of the legs. 

• Polyster: Polyster is another synthetic material known for its unique properties, such as being lightweight, having a quick drying time, and retaining its shape well, making it an ideal material for compression socks. 

Style

You can further customize your knee-high compression socks by selecting the style that you find most suitable for your needs.

• Opaque Fabric: For a warmer option, you can choose opaque fabric. This fabric is thick, perfect for cooler temperature and contributes to durability. Additionally, opaque compression socks are often more favourable to people because of their fashionable look and are suitable for pairing with different outfits and shoe styles. 

• Sheer Fabric: This fabric of compression socks is lightweight and see-through if you are looking for a breathable option as compared to opaque fabric. The sheer knee-high compression socks offer their unique style and are also suitable for pairing with various outfits. However, sheer fabric may not be as effective as opaque fabric for severe swelling and other severe conditions.

Pro Tip: Make sure the compression socks you choose are of the correct size. Wearing the wrong size of compression socks can lead to ineffective treatment and may also worsen the existing condition.

Choose SNUG360 Knee High Compression Socks

Choosing the right knee-high compression socks is crucial for managing your circulatory health. It's important to understand that compression socks come in various lengths, sizes, and compression levels to address different needs and conditions. Therefore, selecting a pair that fits perfectly and meets your specific medical requirements is essential. 

At SNUG360, we offer a variety of knee-high compression socks designed to suit individual needs. Whether you need compression socks for everyday use or are specifically looking for medical-grade options, we have suitable choices for both women and men. 

This article includes professional guidance to help you understand what to look for when selecting the right compression socks. At Snug, we want to ensure that the compression socks you choose are perfect for your journey towards healthier legs, providing quality and the correct level of compression.