10 Best Compression Socks: Benefits & Side Effects

Compression socks are functional socks. These socks are considered as one of the conservative treatments for different leg complications such as muscle fatigue, leg swelling, varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis, Edema, and swelling feet. This sock is featured with compression, which provides pressure and tightness to boost blood circulation.

There are so many people with different works. Some are travelers and they have to stay in the same condition in the plane or buses. They are recommended to use compression socks. When your profession demands high pressure on your feet, you should go with this sock to be bouncing always. Additionally, sportsmen and athletes can have the perfect choice of compression socks to boost their performance indeed.

We will discuss compression socks and different health issues. You read the full article to get a broader view of the compression socks. More importantly, we have listed the best compression socks for different people and you may choose to get your deal.

Top Compression Socks

Product NamePicturePrice
Vitalsox Italy Vitalsox Italy Check-Review-Price-on-Amzon
Men’s Athletic Compression Run Socks Men’s Athletic Compression Run Socks Check-Review-Price-on-Amzon
Zensah Tech Compression Zensah Tech Compression Check-Review-Price-on-Amzon
MudGear Premium Compression Socks MudGear Premium Compression Socks Check-Review-Price-on-Amzon
2XU Men’s Compression 2XU Men’s Compression Check-Review-Price-on-Amzon
Travelsox TSS6000 Travelsox TSS6000 Check-Review-Price-on-Amzon
CHARMKING Compression Socks CHARMKING Compression Socks Check-Review-Price-on-Amzon
Bitly Plantar Fasciitis Compression Bitly Plantar Fasciitis Compression Check-Review-Price-on-Amzon
AVIDDA Plantar Fasciitis Socks AVIDDA Plantar Fasciitis Socks Check-Review-Price-on-Amzon
Physix Gear Sport Compression Socks Physix Gear Sport Compression Socks Check-Review-Price-on-Amzon
SB SOX Compression Socks SB SOX Compression Socks Check-Review-Price-on-Amzon

What Do Compression Socks Do?

Compression socks are functional socks that are made for medical needs. When people have problems with their legs such as swelling, varicose veins, foot pain, and similar type of complications, it is recommended to wear compression socks.

This sock is featured with compression which provides tightness and pressure on the leg muscle. This improves the blood circulation and speeds up the recovery of the injury or complications. Additionally, this compression helps blood vessels work better to make sure the effective movement of blood to the heart is properly ensured.

Improved movement of blood has been so important to get optimum performance in any area. When you are runners or professional taking a heavy load on the feet, this compression socks can be an outstanding deal to let you go far away.

How Does Compression Sock Work?

The sole purpose of the compression socks is to provide pressure in the leg and ankle. But it works to reduce the diameter of major veins by enhancing the volume and boosts up blood flow. It is important to note that blood flow may be slow due to different health conditions but this compression in the leg and ankle area enables blood flow to reach the heart. It is a benefit as per medication. These compression socks work as a conservative treatment for the leg issue.

Type of Compression Stockings

According to different needs, compression stockings are mainly of three types. These three types of compression stockings provide different support for the leg. It is important to distinguish and know their functions.

Graduated compression stockings

Stockings are featured with graduated compression which provides tightness and pressure at the ankle and gradually decreases towards the top. This compression stocking is used for mobility to make sure length and strength. When you are a sportsman, you should make sure proper fitting indeed.

Besides this, stockings that culminate at the end just under the knee can prevent peripheral edema, and protect swelling caused by fluid build-ups. Another function of the graduated compression stockings that stretches to the thigh or waist can reduce the pooling of blood on the leg side. This can effectively prevent orthostatic hypotension.

 Anti-embolism stockings

Stockings come with another type which is anti-embolism and it is more functional for the reduction of the possibility of deep vein thrombosis. When you are not moving much more, these stockings or socks can be the right choice to protect that deep vein thrombosis as it gives gradient compression.

Nonmedical Support Hosiery

This stocking is not medically graded or there is no medical need for wearing compression stockings. This is just hosiery fabrics to wear for elastic support hose and flight socks. This can help people from pain and aching legs in some cases. Additionally, there is no graded compression which provides less pressure compared to prescription compression stockings.

What Do the Compression Ratings Mean?

The socks or stockings are featured with ratings. This rating is so significant and different rating is recommended to a health condition. This rating is known as mmHg which stands for a millimeter of mercury.

Surely the rating depends on the symptoms and the doctor can recommend 10 to 20 mmHg when there are light symptoms of pain or swelling. The doctor may uplift this rating; Specifically, pregnant women are recommended to use 20-30 or higher as per leg condition.

Medical Uses of Compression Stockings

Compression stockings and medical uses have been proved as per clinical reports. People having health conditions such as Edema, Chronic Venous Insufficiency can use the compression socks to get fast recovery as it provides compression.

Edema

Edema is a condition of the human that is caused by opposing forces occurring in the small blood vessel. This condition can be reduced by taking compression support from compression stockings.

Chronic venous Insufficiency

When the vein is failed to pump deoxygenated blood to the heart then chronic venous Insufficiency occurs. Luckily the compression from stocking support and boosts up blood circulation in the leg to the heart.

Varicose Veins

Varicose Veins is one of the most common painful condition. Additionally, it is one of the most painful venous inflammation which is caused by discontented veins. According to the clinical study, it has been found that people who use compression socks have a lesser risk of varicose veins. Effective compression provides better blood circulation and reduces this condition.

Deep vein thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis occurs when the blood does not flow effectively. Luckily compression socks or stocking provide effective blood circulation to make sure this condition does not develop anymore. So people are recommended to wear compression socks to make sure they can get enhanced blood circulation.

Lymphedema

Lymphedema is mainly common when leg part swells due to abnormal accumulation of fluids. This may add up pain in the leg where tightness and pressure are to be taken. So, compression socks highly help to provide tightness and pressure to reduce this condition.

Phlebitis

Phlebitis is one of the common terms which is caused by inflammation and clotting. This is generated in the leg vein. So, compression prevents swelling which is the main reason for this Phlebitis. This compression ensures effective blood circulation and protects inflammation.

Lipodermatosclerosis

Lipodermatosclerosis is known as inflammation of subcutaneous fat which is a form of panniculitis. So, this inflammation can be treated when proper blood circulation will be ensured. To get this compression, you should use compression stockings to get relief from this complication.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a vital stage of women and there are a number of changes in the body. First of all, hormones released and expanding uterus highly affect the leg veins. The pregnant women are highly recommended to use compression stockings which can easily reduce volumetric variations during standing hours. This compression support treats swelling in the feet and other painful conditions for pregnant women.

Best Compression Socks

We have listed different compression socks in different categories. So, when you are from the following category, you may know how these works to feed your needs. So, you go here to get the full reviews of these compression socks.

Best for Running

Vitalsox Italy

Vitalsox Italy is a renowned brand for making socks. The sock comes with numerous features. Surely this sock makes comfort and satisfaction as long as you wear. The best thing to know about this sock is that it has a conservative medication feature.

Vitalsox Italy
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This sock is made with the required level of compression. This compression from any sock is so effective to boost blood circulation and prevent muscle swelling, leg, and foot swelling. When someone has the problem of cramping, it is the best solution to wear this sock as part of conservative treatment.

When you are a sportsman, have a profession of standing a long time and traveling for long-distance, you go with this sock to make sure you can get a better treatment for your leg.

The sock is made with advanced technology which ensures comfortability and breathability. It comes with spandex and fabrics designed for sports demand and patented fabrics and padded sock which increases the comfort level and you also boost your performance having no problem in the leg.

This sock can be your outstanding choice as there is no development of bacteria and fungus. This sock is made with an anti-bacterial component that prevents odor and moisture storage. So you choose this sock for its organic feature where no chemical and artificial component has been used that is considered as harmful for human skin.

Men’s Athletic Compression Run Socks

Men’s athletic compression run sock is mainly designed for professional runners and sportsmen. This sock comes with the feature of CEP 3.0 which ensures effective fit and provides better compression support. Compression is now of the great feature to keep your feet and leg fit.

Men’s Athletic Compression Run Socks
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It is important to note that this compression support provides better results in terms of developing swelling and boosts up the blood circulation with its compression technology This can enhance your optimum performance indeed. The sock comes with excellent features in terms of moisturizing prevention as it is made with fine air technology.

Best for Shin Splints

Zensah Tech Compression

Zensah Tech Compression Socks is designed for the need of people to take work out and physical activities that put pressure on feet. This sock can be an awesome deal to prevent any leg swelling and other types of complications. This sock comes with graduated compression to make sure it boosts up blood circulation and improve muscle condition in the leg side.

Zensah Tech Compression
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It provides the required level of compression in the ankle and calf area. When you are a sportsman, nurses, and have any type of profession that put pressure in your leg, you just go with this sock to make sure you can get the optimum level of performance by keeping your feet fit.

This sock is designed perfectly with seamless design so you can have a better feeling by wearing this sock. This sock is also exceptional for its better fit and you may choose it for an effective fit.

Best for Men’s and Women’s

MudGear Premium Compression Socks

MudGear is a compression sock which can support for medical needs. This sock is the best choice for men and women. This sock is functional to ensure the required level of compression from 15 to 20 mmHg. This level is good enough to speed up blood circulation.

MudGear Premium Compression Socks
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When someone suffers from muscle fatigue, swelling, and other leg complications, this sock can be a good deal to go. This sock feeds the need when you are professional runners or sportsmen, have a profession of long time standing, this sock can be a better deal to boost the performance by keeping your feet fit.

The sock is featured with prime quality because it is comfortable and breathable to feel. It wicks moisturizing and prevents bacteria and fungus generation. Additionally, there is no issue to suffer from blister even if someone has to stay for a long time on their feet with this sock.

Best for Men

2XU Men’s Compression

2XU Men’s Compression Socks is an awesome choice for its compression support. They make this sock with lycra fabrics that ensure graduated compression. This compression sock is a better deal as medical support to pain and swelling relief as it provides graduated compression which boosts blood circulation. When you are men and professional athletics, these compression socks can induce a better performance by treating leg tension.

2XU Men’s Compression
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The compression sock comes with the feature of lightweight and comfortable. You will not face any issue for long time use. You can choose this sock because it is anti-bacterial and the material used in this sock wick moisture. The 360 degree knitted fabrics construct this sock to be consistent and powerful pressure as well.

Best for Travel

Travelsox TSS6000

Travelsox TSS6000 is made to provide better support for the people who travel frequently. When someone has to stay in the same condition as sitting in the seat on the plane, car bus, and other types of vehicles, it is common to see some complications such as swelling, pain, and similar type of issues.

Travelsox TSS6000
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So, compression sock can be highly a functional sock to make sure the leg can get proper support. They make it with compression and this compression starts from midfoot. This sock can be an awesome deal because one can use it comfortably.

Luckily this sock is made with high quality of fabrics and it protects any bacteria and fungus. Additionally, you don’t have to face any discomfort for long time use as it protects moisturizing. So, there is comfort and breathable feature even if for long time use. More importantly, it can be washed and dry quickly for its premium quality of materials.

CHARMKING Compression Socks

CHARMKING compression sock has brought about optimum support for your leg. It is well designed and fit effectively as it stretches by 360 degrees to make sure the leg can get effective flexibility. The important thing to get from this sock is that it provides effective compression support.

CHARMKING Compression Socks
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More importantly, you are going with optimum comfort and fit as it is designed for the better need of the leg. When you go for travel frequently or put pressure on your feet, this compression sock is the right choice.

If you are a traveler, nurses, trainers and have to stay on the feet for a longer time, you use this sock to make sure you have no problem such as swelling, pain, and other pain condition in the feet. The sock provides compression at the range of 15-20 mmHg which is recommended for those types of works.

The sock comes with better fit, comfort, and breathability, as they make it with premium quality of fabric. There, are two sizes of this sock and you need to choose the best size that perfectly fits your leg.

Best for Plantar Fasciitis

Bitly Plantar Fasciitis Compression

Bitly Plantar Fasciitis compression sock is one of the superb choices for the people who are suffering from plantar fasciitis. This sock is not just about a normal sock because it has a medication feature. When someone has this condition, we recommend them to wear this sock for instant pain caused by plantar fasciitis.

Bitly Plantar Fasciitis Compression
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The best thing that comes from this sock is that it provides effective compression support to make sure it can stimulate blood circulation and prevent pain caused by plantar fasciitis, heel pain, and ankle splint.

This sock can be an awesome choice because it is designed for ensuring comfort and breathability. This high quality of materials has been used and advanced technology can make you happy because there is no issue of moisturizing.

So commonly hygienic and soft fabric has been used to manufacture this sock. So you are athletes or nursing profession and want to feel better with your leg in terms of pain and swelling, this is really going to be perfect choice indeed.

AVIDDA Plantar Fasciitis Socks

AVIDDA Plantar Fasciitis Socks can help you in terms of leg issues. When you run, walk and put pressure on your feet, this sock will be a perfect choice. Truly AVIDDA is one of the good brands in the world of compression sock which provides functional support for the leg.

AVIDDA Plantar Fasciitis Socks
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This sock is recommended by the doctors for treating numerous complications such as plantar fasciitis, sprained ankle, Achilles tendonitis, ankle pain, foot arch pain, foot soreness, and injury caused by any sports.

It is because this sock is featured with compression support which boosts blood circulation and speeds up the recovery of the injury and those complications. Surely you are a sportsman or who has any type of profession and those leg issues, this sock is going to be a good choice to keep your leg fit.

The sock comes with ergonomically fit and it ensures better feeling in terms of comfort and breathability. This sock is made with high-quality fabrics that make this sock a better choice for the people who need to take care of the leg. There are different sizes and you should make sure the perfect size as per size chart.

Overall Best

Physix Gear Sport Compression Socks

Physix Gear Sport Compression Socks are the best brand for the sportsman and other people who need better compression support. This sock can be considered as a functional sock as it is made with graduated compression that boosts effective blood circulation.

Physix Gear Sport Compression Socks
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When someone wears with this sock, there is instant relief of varicose vein and other leg swelling issues. Truly the people having immediate surgery will see no sign of blood clots because this provides the required level of compression support.

You are a sportsman, have a profession of a long time standing, and suffering from swelling and pain, this compression sock is just for you. It is also doctor recommended as it is considered as a functional sock that provides the conservative treatment.

Luckily this compression sock is made with premium quality of materials that let you feel comfortable and breathable. This comes with a double stitched feature and very unique design which will surely help you feel better.

SB SOX Compression Socks

SB SOX Compression Socks is going to be a wonderful choice to make sure it can provide you with a better experience in taking care of your leg. You just go with this brand SB SOX which is really a renowned brand in the market. When you feel leg swelling, muscle fatigue, and varicose veins, this sock is for you because it is featured with compression support.

SB SOX Compression Socks
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This can provide effective compression support to make sure your blood circulation is in the appropriate condition. So going with this sock is worth reducing any risk of injury for the sportsman and enhance optimum performance for any person who has an issue with the legs.

This compression sock made with high-quality materials that ensure comfort and breathability. It also provides better support as it is lightweight and you are not going to feel at all. There are different sizes and you should make sure you can get the perfect one that fits well.

Key Consideration Before Buying Compression Socks

As compressions socks are considered functional socks and you should know the functionality of these socks. There are a number of issues that you have to know when you are buying these compression socks.

Size and Strength

When you will buy compressions socks, it is important to make sure you are going to get a perfect size. Specifically, when swelling occurs, you need to measure the circumference of the calf and ankle and the length of the calf. There is a size guide where you have to merge this size chart to get a perfect fit.

Materials

Compression socks are made with knit fabrics in which elastic and nylon are blended. This material is one of the considerable issues. Highly quality fabrics make the compression socks comfortable, breathable, and lightweight. Additionally, the socks made with premium quality of materials protect bacteria and fungus. More importantly, you are not feeling discomfort even if you wear this compression sock for a longer time.

Pressure rating

Compression socks come with different levels of pressure rating. This pressure rating is used for different health conditions. This pressure level must be recommended by the doctor.  The pressure rating is measured within millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Here is the pressure rating chart you may know.

  • 10-15 mmHg-light: People with no health complications can use this rate when they have to put pressure on their feet.
  • 15-20 mmHg-Mild: this rate is good enough to prevent deep vein thrombosis in airline passengers.
  • 20-30 mmHg-Moderate: this rate is recommended by the doctors for the people who have the condition of varicose veins, edema, and blood clots after post-surgery.
  • 30-40 mmHg-Firm: when people are suffering from chronic illness, post-surgery, this is highly recommended by the doctors after medical tests and reports.

Graduated Compression

There are some compression socks that are designed for graduated compression. This highly covers all across your feet and legs. Additionally, it provides a higher level of pressure in the ankle area. So, you make sure about this graduated compression.

Perfect fit

Effective fit is the main feature of the compression socks. This perfect fit is the theory to provide compression in the leg. Even though compression socks are made with this feature but you may choose the compression socks as per size chart.

Type of compression socks

Compression socks are truly designed to cover different parts of the leg. The common type is that it rises to just below the knee length which is used to treat Deep vein thrombosis. Additionally, one may have different choices for different parts of the leg and thigh. Surely you understand your need and you make the choice to get perfect compression socks.

More importantly, you should make sure the mmHg rating. you will be wrong when you buy a firm rating of the compression socks. So, you know the compression rating and start using it for better health benefits.

Price

Price is not just an issue at all. Anyone should pay more when this works for the interest of health. There is a different low quality of compression socks but you don’t compromise the price when you are getting the best one.

Reviews

Reviews are awesome instructions to decide on any product. In the age of online, you may get several thoughts about the good and bad sides. So you should go to the product site and read the comments. Then you can make a choice on the product easily.

How To Wear Compression Stockings

Compression stockings are out-wear and we all are habituated of wearing these types of socks since our childhood. But the issue is that it should be snugly fit to get proper compression support. So you just smooth out the stockings to make sure this can be stretched on the skin. Before buying the compression socks, you should put importance on length. Truly it should not be too long. Your health care provider may have a suggestion on how to wear compression stockings and you follow it carefully.

Side Effects of Compression Socks

Compression socks are not typical socks but it is functional socks indeed. surely a higher rate of compression is recommended by the doctor and you follow it. There may be skin problem and you don’t overlook it. Daily you notice your skin and make sure if there is any change like irritation or redness. In most cases, these may be found because of numerous reasons such wrong procedure of wearing compression socks, having an infection and you have allergic conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Now we are going to some most frequently asked questions. Truly this question comes from all the people who are eager about compressions socks. So, you go to know these answers to know more about compression socks.

When Should you wear compression socks?

Compression socks are the perfect choice for the sportsman, people who have to stand for a long time, and pregnant women and travelers. In this condition, it has to wear compression socks for comfort. Additionally, it is better to wear the compression socks at day time and put off before going to bed. It is also important to wear compression socks in the morning when you suffer from morning pain.

What level of compression socks do I need?

Compression socks come with different ratings. This rating is highly called mmHg (mercury of millimeters). If you are a healthy person but have to put pressure on your leg for a long time, you are recommended to wear compression of 10-15mmHg. In case people have chronic health conditions of severe pain, swelling, the doctor may recommend a 30-40 level. Pregnant women are recommended to wear compression socks from 15 to 20 mmHg to treat varicose veins and spider veins.

How many hours a day should you wear compression socks?

There is no exact duration of wearing compression socks. You may wear these socks all day long and take them off during bed. But it depends on your needs. If you feel well after using it for a few hours, you use it for a few hours. The doctor may have suggestions about the duration, and you may also discuss it with for the duration.

How do compression socks work for swelling?

Compression Stockings are made to make sure it can prevent swelling in the feet, ankles, and lower legs. The compression from socks squeezes the leg area so that there is no fluid build-up in the tissue which is really painful.

How long does it take for compression socks to work?

The compression socks work fast. But sometimes, it may take several days of regular use. One may notice the improvement of swelling or pain after some days of regular use. Additionally, visible improvement may be found after six weeks indeed.

Can I put compression socks on swollen legs?

When your leg is swollen, it is important to wrap them with compression bandages so that your compression socks can get a perfect fit. You note that compression socks have to provide pressure so wear it by placing bandage in the swollen area.

Why should you not wear compression socks at night?

Compression socks provide pressure and it is important to note that this pressure can cut your circulation off. According to health professionals, you don’t need to wear compression sock at night because of too level of compression.

Final Verdict

Compression socks are really helpful as a conservative treatment in the feet. When you have to put pressure on the leg, it is better dealt with thinking of compression socks. Choosing the right socks can be worth adding health benefits but the wrong choice may make you suffer. So, we hope that you can get the best one to keep fit well and fit.