Understanding Compression Socks

If you suffer from varicose or spider veins you know just how uncomfortable and even embarrassing they can be. And although there are surgical procedures available to treat your veins from Atlas Vein Care, the first step you will be encouraged to take is to wear compression socks or stockings. But what are these stockings and how do they actually work? Read on to learn more.

Compress and Destress: Understanding Compression Stockings

You may think, “Why do I have to wear a specific type of stocking? Why can’t I just wear regular ones?” Unlike traditional stockings, compression stockings are composed of a thicker fabric and contain strong elastics that create pressure on your legs, ankles, and feet. Designed to help increase circulation and preventing the formation of blood clots, compression stockings also help to alleviate pressure that may be causing your legs to feel achy and uncomfortable.

How do they work?
There are a few different types of compression stockings that you can choose from depending on where your spider and varicose veins primarily reside on your body. For instance, there are ankle compression socks, regular compression socks, and knee high compression socks.

• Ankle Compression Socks: Ankle compression socks are designed to place a large amount of pressure on your ankle in order to help with the flow of blood to the veins in your feet. If you stand a lot for work and suffer from varicose veins on your feet, then these might be something to look further into.
• Regular Compression Socks: These socks simply ride up to about the mid of your calf. And similar to ankle socks, these stockings are designed to help with the veins that are in the lower part of your legs in order to alleviate pressure and make you feel more comfortable.
• Knee High Compression Socks: This type of compression sock typically sits above the knee and is designed to not only help with circulation and prevention against blood clots, but they also help to treat ulcers in your lower legs.

As you can see, there are many benefits of using a compression sock or stocking. If you would like to learn more about what type you should use for your specific body or to schedule an appointment with one of our vein specialists, contact Atlas Vein Care today!