Did you know that there are different levels of compression socks? These graduated compression levels are rated by mmHg, which is a unit of pressure. The level of pressure is used to improve your quality of life by reducing problems in your feet and legs, like swelling, soreness, and pain.
If you have these types of issues, wearing compression socks can help to improve how your feet and legs feel at the end of the day. So you may be wondering, “what mmHg compression socks do I need?”
The Meaning of mmHg
The medical definition of mmHg is “a unit of pressure equal to the pressure exerted by a column of mercury 1 millimeter high at 0 degrees celsius and under the acceleration of gravity and nearly equivalent to 1 torr.” That’s a lot of scientific mumbling, right? Let’s break it down a bit.
When used with copper infused compression socks, mmHg is just the level of pressure or compression the garments provide to the wearer. It’s a range between 8 and 50 mmHg.
The Levels of Compressions Socks
The higher the mmHg, the more pressure the socks will provide to you. The levels go from mild compression to more intense styles with a chart that works like this:
- Mild or Everyday: 8-15 mmHg
- Medium or Sport: 15-20 mmHg
- Medical Class 1: 20-30 mmHg
- Medical Class 2 (Firm): 30-40 mmHg
- Medical Class 3 (Extra-Firm): 40-50 mmHg
Dr. Motion's Come in Two Different Compression Levels
At Dr. Motion, most of our socks are considered everyday wear at 8-15 mmHg. They are comfortable in different styles from ankle to knee high socks. All of the socks feature anti-microbial and anti-odor fabrics, a reinforced toe for superior durability and comfort and 360 degrees of support.Check out our compression socks mmHG guide to see which level would be best for your feet.
We also offer a sport sock that is a knee high compression style or a compression sleeve that is rated at 15-20 mmHg. These are a moderate support style sock. They also feature a moisture-wicking fabric to keep your feet dry and cool while you are working out or running. The goal with “athleisure” socks or 15-20 mmHg compression socks is to improve your blood circulation by increasing oxygen flow so that your stamina is increased, and you recover faster with less discomfort or soreness.
So whether you are looking for mild compression or sport style compression, we have you covered at Dr. Motion. We offer compression socks formenandwomenthat suit all needs. They are best for everyday use in your daily life when you stand or sit for long periods at work.
Mild Compression is a Great Way to Go
Most of the firm compression socks are made for people that just got out of surgery and need anti-embolism stockings. They have a very high mmHg.
If you just want to improve your blood flow, making your feet and legs more comfortable with less soreness at the end of a long day, then you’ll want to check out all of the mild compression socks in ankle, quarter, and knee high selections. With all of the cute patterns and styles we offer, no one will even know you are wearing compression socks. They just look like regular socks because they will fit into your existing wardrobe with ease.
Takeaways
- MmHg is a unit of pressure used for compression socks.
- The levels of mmHg from mild to extra-firm.
- Dr. Motion offers 8-15 mmHg compression socks.
Find Out The Best Compression Sock Size Today!
If you have questions about how beneficial mild or everyday compression socks can be from Dr. Motion, send us a message. We are excited to introduce you to all of the fun compression styles we have. You’ll want to pick up different pairs to wear all week long.
Disclaimer: This article provides information solely for educational purposes, including but not limited to text, graphics, images, and other materials contained herein. This article is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
FAQs
Basically, the greater the compression level, or compression strength, the tighter the compression stocking. These levels are measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). It's the same scale used to take your blood pressure. The most beneficial compression socks are “graduated” as opposed to “uniform” in strength.
Which is better 15-20 mmHg or 20-30 mmHg compression socks? ›
A good rule of thumb to follow is: 15-20 mmHg: Great for daily wear, travel, and sports. They help improve circulation without being too tight. 20-30 mmHg: Great for sports recovery, daily wear, medical recovery, and to manage mild symptoms of varicose and spider veins.
What does mmHg mean for compression socks? ›
MmHg stands for millimeters of mercury and it indicates the level of pressure or compression. Our socks provide graduated compression so the pressure is listed as a range. The higher number in the range is the amount of pressure at the foot while the lower number is amount at the top of the sock.
How tight are 20/30 mmHg compression socks? ›
15 to 20 mmHg is moderate compression. This is the compression level used to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) during long segments of air travel. 20 to 30 mmHg is firm compression.
What does 15 to 25 mmHg mean? ›
For a pressure measuring 15-25 mmHg:
Think of a force that is 15-20 times greater than the one exerted by a column of mercury under the circ*mstances described above. If you're talking about blood pressure, 15-25 mmHg would be a low measurement.
Who should wear 30-40 mmHg compression socks? ›
They will help those who've had a DVT or varicose veins control swelling and pain. Moderate to high compression. These provide between 30 and 40 mmHg. They're best for those who have severe pain or swelling.
How to know if compression socks are tight enough? ›
Most people generally find that compression socks should feel snug but not too tight. You should be able to slip a finger under the fabric at the widest part of your calf without much resistance. If you can't do this, the socks are probably too tight and could cut off your circulation.
Do you need a prescription for 20/30 mmHg compression socks? ›
Compression stockings of 20 mmHg or higher need to be prescribed by a physician. They are used for the treatment of various medical conditions, and should be used under the supervision of a doctor.
Can you sleep in 15-20 mmHg compression socks? ›
The compression garment applied to your ankle and calf during the night can cut your circulation off. Now, some people do need to wear compression socks at night because of health issues or post-surgery. Even in these instances, you should only be wearing the lowest compression available (below 15 mmhg).
Do compression socks really help with circulation? ›
Compression stockings work by applying pressure on the veins and tissues in your feet and legs to optimize blood flow, or circulation. Compression socks will also aid in the prevention of blood clots, reduce pain and fatigue, and minimize swelling.
The leg can be so edematous (swollen) that once the sock is on, it will squeeze fluid out of the tissue to above the sock. When the circumference of the leg covered by the sock is reduced, the squeeze becomes less and the remaining fluid in the leg remains.
Is there a 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.
What happens if you wear the wrong size compression socks? ›
Itchiness and irritation — Redness and temporary dents in your skin at the edge of the sock's fabric are a common side effect of improperly-fitted compression socks.
Can compression socks be too tight? ›
However, signs that compression socks are too tight include: discomfort, red marks on the top of your leg where the band should rest, and swollen legs. Compression socks should fit like a second skin, and feel supportive. If they feel like they are cutting off circulation then something is likely fitted incorrectly.
What is the best level of compression socks for travel? ›
Compression Ratings for Socks
It's generally accepted that 20-30 mmHg is the ideal compression level for travel. This mid-level of compression is comfortable enough for everyday wear and applies proper pressure that helps with swelling and leg fatigue.
What is a good mmHg level? ›
What is high blood pressure (hypertension)?
| Blood Pressure Levels |
|---|
| Normal | systolic: less than 120 mm Hg diastolic: less than 80 mm Hg |
| At Risk (prehypertension) | systolic: 120–139 mm Hg diastolic: 80–89 mm Hg |
| High Blood Pressure (hypertension) | systolic: 140 mm Hg or higher diastolic: 90 mm Hg or higher |
1 more rowYou can wear your compression socks all day long, and you can wear them every day without worries. They're designed to be worn for long periods. However, you should always remove them before you go to sleep.
What compression socks do doctors recommend? ›
15-20 mmHg (medium)
This is most common entry level of compression socks, and most doctors will recommend that you start with 15-20 mmHg if you've never worn compression socks before.
