Compression socks or
stockings are one of the most commonly used types of clothing
accessories among people who have problems with their legs. Flight
attendants, pilots, nurses, runners, pregnant women, people with
blood clots in their legs and people recovering from surgery are just
some of the many people who can benefit a lot from wearing them.
The main purpose of
compression socks, pantyhose and thigh high support stockings is to
improve one's blood flow, lessen the pain and swelling in one's legs.
They come in different sizes and strengths, and in order to help you,
we have prepared for you a simple guideline that can help you find
the right ones for you.
Generally speaking, there
are three different types of compression: 15 – 20mmHg (millimetres
of mercury), 20 – 30mmHg, and 30 – 40mmHg wherein in the first
type is ideal for daily wear, travel and sports recovery as they can
improve the blood flow and circulation without being too tight on
your legs. The second type can also be worn on a daily basis, for
sports recovery, and medical recovery as well. They are thicker than
the previous pair which makes them ideal for people with varicose
veins, spider veins, swelling and after surgery. The last pair
30-40mm Hg compression socks or stockings is the thickest and great
for managing moderate to severe symptoms, medical recovery and for
daily wear as well. They have the strongest level of compression and
is recommended for people who have problems with lymphedema, blood
clots, severe varicose veins, etc.
Regarding the type, there
are several types to choose from. Knee high compression socks have a
length high right below the knee and can be worn by anyone who has a
problem only in the lower part of the leg. The second popular type of
compression stocking is the thigh high support stockings cover
your entire leg as their main purpose is to improve circulation
throughout your entire leg. Pantyhose compression socks have both
legs connected by a torso portion and are ideal for people who have
problems with their overall legs. They bring swelling up and out of
your legs through your hips and the best thing is that they can be
worn even by pregnant women.
When it comes to the
material, opaque, sheer fabrics, and sports materials are the most
popular types of materials for compression stockings and socks. Sheer
materials are lightweight, transparent and more fashionable which
means that they are easy to pair with any type of outfit. When
compared to the sheer fabrics, the opaque ones are more durable and
they are ideal for people with varicose veins, swelling and after
surgery. Sports materials, on the other hand, are durable as well,
but they also control heat and moisture.