Do Compression Socks Actually Work? - GoodRx (2024)

You may have seen compression socks, even if you’ve never worn them. You might have spotted someone wearing them on a flight or seen an athlete wearing them during a game. Compression socks or stockings gently squeeze your legs and ankles. The special socks are designed to promote blood flow.

But how exactly do compression socks work, and who should wear them? We’ll take a peek at the science behind compression garments to find out.

What’s the science behind compression socks?

Compression socks apply pressure to your legs and ankles. The compression increases blood flow to help prevent blood from pooling in your leg veins, which could cause damage and clotting.

Are there different types of compression socks?

To effectively provide pressure, compression socks are usually made of synthetic materials such as lycra, nylon, or spandex. While they typically fall below the knee, they can also come up to the thigh or be worn as tights. There are also arm and full-body compression garments.

The socks usually fall into three main categories:

• Nonmedical support hosiery: You can buy these garments –– including flight socks and elastic support socks –– over the counter. They provide uniform compression throughout the garment and are not as tight as medical compression stockings.

• Anti-embolism stockings: These stockings are designed to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot that forms in a deep vein) in people who are not mobile. They exert the greatest pressure at the ankle, gradually declining toward the top of the sock (gradient pressure).

• Medical or graduated compression stockings: Healthcare providers prescribe these medical-grade socks to provide a specific level of compression. Like anti-embolism stockings, they provide gradient pressure.

What are compression socks used for?

Prolonged sitting or standing can slow circulation and cause swelling or edema in your legs or ankles. That's why you might see people on long flights wearing compression socks.

Depending on the type of sock used, compression therapy can help with several conditions. A healthcare provider may prescribe compression socks to:

• Improve circulation in your legs

• Reduce occupational leg swelling

• Heal or prevent leg ulcers and other symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency

• Promote lymphatic drainage for people with lymphedema

• Stop blood from pooling or clotting in your leg veins

• Relieve pain caused by varicose veins

• Lower the risk of deep vein thrombosis or the symptoms of post-thrombotic syndrome

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• Improve hypertrophic and keloid scarring

• Relieve leg pain and swelling in pregnancy

Some people wear nonmedical compression socks while exercising or playing sports to enhance performance and recovery. But the research on this is very mixed. And the effects may be at least partially due to a placebo effect.

How tight are compression socks?

That depends on the type of sock and what you are using it for. If you've ever purchased over-the-counter compression socks, you may have noticed "mm Hg" on the tag. That stands for millimeters of mercury, which measures the level of pressure.

There is some debate about how much pressure is required to treat certain conditions. But research offers some general guidelines:

• Low pressure (under 20 mmHg): varicose veins in pregnancy, occupational leg edema, and blood clots after surgery

• Medium pressure (20 to 30 mmHg): acute blood clots

• High pressure (30 to 40 mmHg): after sclerotherapy, venous leg ulcers, ulcer recurrence prevention, and lymphedema

The amount of pressure you feel may vary based on the sock material and your leg shape and activity level. But generally, compression socks should be snug but not so tight that they hurt. If you're not sure how tight your compression socks should be, a healthcare provider can help.

Can everyone wear compression socks?

Compression socks are generally safe. But they are not the right treatment option for everyone. If you have certain medical conditions, it's best to check with a healthcare provider before using compression therapy. Some of these conditions include:

• Peripheral artery disease

• Massive edema due to heart failure

• Neuropathy or other sensory impairment

• Severe skin disorders or infections like cellulitis

How many hours a day should you wear compression socks?

If you have a prescription, your graduated compression stockings will be professionally fitted. And your healthcare provider can explain how long you should wear them.

Many reports suggest that you can wear compression socks all day to treat or prevent venous problems except while bathing or sleeping.

It's important to note that this information may not apply to everyone. So it's a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider even if you don't have a prescription. That way, you can get guidance on compression garments and how to use them based on your medical history and health needs.

Is there any downside to wearing compression socks?

As with any treatment option, there are some potential risks of wearing compression socks. Compression socks can cause:

• Discomfort: At higher pressures, compression socks can feel really tight and uncomfortable.

• Skin irritation or damage: Signs of irritation may include tingling, itching, redness, or bruising.

• Poor circulation: Ill-fitting compression socks can cause decreased blood flow.

In rare cases, compression socks that are too tight may cause superficial venous thrombosis. These superficial blood clots occur in veins close to the skin's surface and are less likely to cause complications. Compression socks have not been shown to cause deep vein thrombosis, which are more serious blood clots.

Severe complications from compression garments are rare and typically occur only in people who should not wear compression socks or who wear them incorrectly.

What are the alternatives to compression socks?

The alternatives that are available will depend on what you are using the compression socks for. In people with venous disorders, this can mean surgery. Your healthcare provider may prescribe anticoagulants (blood thinners) if you have blood clots or intermittent compression devices to help prevent clots. You can also increase your mobility. Standing up and moving around more often can help reduce swelling and pain in some cases.