Best Compression Socks for Women for Optimal Bloodflow

Proper circulation is one of the major components of good health. Issues with blood flow can cause uncomfortable aches and pains, and in many cases, they can be dangerous. Remaining in the same position for long periods can stop blood from flowing the way it is intended. This unusual blood flow can cause swelling in the calves and ankles. Luckily, compression socks offer a solution to this problem.

To help you find the most compatible compression socks for women, we have compiled a list of features you should consider before buying them.

Want to know more? Check out the rest of the article below!

Why might you need compression socks?

Your doctor may recommend you wear compression socks for several reasons. Compression socks can help combat symptoms against the following conditions:

• Improving lymphatic drainage
• Managing orthostatic hypotension, or low blood pressure when you stand up after a period of sitting down
• Boosting circulation in the legs
• Decreasing swelling in the legs and ankles
• Preventing blood from pooling in the leg veins
• Reducing pain related to varicose veins
• Reversing venous hypertension
• Preventing deep vein thrombosis in the legs
• Preventing venous ulcers

The following people may also use compression socks:

• Athletes: Many athletes occasionally wear compression socks on their hands or arms to improve oxygen delivery and blood flow when working out or during competitions. Some athletes also believe compression wraps help speed up their post-workout recovery.
• Disabled people: Compression socks reduce swelling and improve blood flow for people who use a wheelchair.
• Pregnant women: If you are pregnant, you may use compression socks to reduce swelling in your legs.
• Airplane passengers or crew: Many people use compression socks to help reduce their risk of developing blood clots or deep vein thrombosis.
• People on their feet a lot: For people on their feet all day at work, compression help reduce pain or swelling and fatigue by increasing oxygen and blood flow in the legs and ankles.

Things to consider when buying compression socks for women

There are several things we advise that you keep in mind to ensure you choose your compression socks wisely,

Get correct measurements

Compression sock measurements should be taken when your foot is not swollen. Remember: compression garments do not reduce swelling in the long run but keep the leg from swelling at the time. Reduce the swelling before you measure.

Swelling in the leg and ankle will usually go down at night because the feet are placed in an upward position. Try measuring your legs in the morning if there is minimal swelling. Measure the calf and ankle circumference to get the right size.

A lymphedema therapist can help you reduce the existing swelling if it is not going down and measure to get the right size compression socks for you.

Use non-Elastic Velcro closure compression wraps to try and reduce the swelling yourself if you cannot find a lymphedema therapist who uses bandages and doesn’t just massage.

Measure the widest part of the calf and the thinnest part of the ankle. Also, measure the length from your foot to your knee. Based on those three measurements, you can use size charts to figure out the right size compression sock. If your proportions happen to be outside of the sizing chart range, you will need to be fitted for a custom-made garment.

Don’t go cheap

Stockings on the cheap side may hurt you when you wear them. The stockings must fit well. Many cheap stockings only have 3 or 4 sizing options. They also often have no variations for the calf to ankle proportions or length. If the calf is wrapped tighter than the ankle, it will push the swelling further down instead of up, making it much worse.

Also, most cheaper socks will roll over at the top and cut in because they lack the silicone band that more expensive socks possess. Apart from feeling uncomfortable, the cutting in may make the swelling worse. Look for a compression sock with multiple sizing options to get the most compatible fit.

Look for strong, durable compression socks

Wearing a stocking that is too loose or stretchy in the morning will encourage your leg to swell. By the afternoon, your leg may swell to the point where the stocking now feels tight. This will cause a lot of pain and discomfort.

We recommend buying compression socks that are not too stretchy. If they are strong enough, you will not get any more swelling while wearing them. The thicker and stiffer the fabric, the better it will keep the swelling down.

Silicone top band

The majority of cheaper socks will roll over at the top and cut in because they lack the silicone band that more expensive socks possess. Apart from feeling uncomfortable, the cutting in may make the swelling worse. Look for a compression sock with multiple sizing options to get the most compatible fit.

Open or closed-toe?

Open-toe socks can often slide back over the foot and result in swelling in the front part of the foot and swollen toes. However, you may still choose open-toe compression socks if you have sensitive toes or enjoy wearing sandals. A correctly fitted compression sock should not squeeze the toes tightly.

Custom or ready-made?

If you have the best possible ready-made fit, but it becomes creased or cuts in around the ankle, you probably need custom-made compressions socks.

If you wear a good quality 30-40 mmHg compression sock and still get swelling during the day, you may need a flat-knit fabric that is thicker. You will need to get this custom-made.

You may also need custom-made compression socks if you have a narrow ankle but a large shoe size.

Compression socks for women price range

You can purchase a decent pair of compression socks intended for sports recovery for as little as $17. For a good quality compression sock to combat medical conditions, you will want to spend at least $100.

FAQs

How many hours a day should I wear compression socks?

You can wear compression socks all day or just for a few hours a day. It is always best to ask your doctor first because every individual has different needs. However, most medical professionals advise that no one should wear compression socks in bed.

Who should not wear compression socks?

If you have a peripheral vascular disease with symptoms in your lower extremities, you should not wear compression socks as they can make your symptoms worse.