Compression Socks: What Are They Used For? [Complete Guide] - Advanced Healthcare Blog (2025)

Have you ever dealt with tired, aching legs or swollen ankles?

If so, you have probably heard about compression socks. These specialised socks do more than just keep your legs warm. They are designed to help you with certain medical conditions.

But what are compression socks used for? How do they work, what are their benefits and who should wear them? How can you choose the best compression socks?

Find all the answers in our helpful guide!

What are compression socks?

Compression socks, also known as compression stockings, are specially designed socks that apply gentle pressure to your legs and ankles. They are designed to improve blood flow from your legs to your heart and reduce swelling.

They are commonly used for conditions like Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), varicose veins, venous insufficiency, and other medical conditions.

How do compression socks work?

Unlike regular socks, compression socks are made with stronger elastic materials. They apply gentle pressure to the legs. They fit tighter around the ankles, while the pressure gradually decreases going up the leg.

The pressure applied to the veins, arteries, and muscles forces blood to flow through narrower channels, helping it circulate better and return to the heart. This reduces the risk of blood pooling and clot formation in the lower legs.

When circulation is impaired or blocked, blood can pool in the veins of the feet, leading to pain, fatigue, swelling, and discomfort. Compression stockings also enhance lymphatic flow, helping to decrease tissue swelling.

Who should wear compression socks?

Many people can benefit from compression socks, including:

• Those with varicose veins, DVT, venous insufficiency, or lymphedema
• Patients recovering from surgery
• People who stand or sit all day at work (e.g. hairdressers, nurses and other healthcare workers, etc.)
• Those who travel long distances
• Pregnant women who are prone to leg swelling
• People with low blood pressure who need circulation support
• Athletes who want to improve their blood circulation and oxygen delivery while exercising or playing sports

Who should avoid wearing compression socks?

We have outlined who may benefit from compression socks. But are there any situations where they should be avoided?

Compression socks should not be used by people with conditions like:

• Peripheral neuropathy (causes severe nerve damage)
• Congestive heart failure (the heart muscle becomes weak and cannot send blood to the rest of the body efficiently)
• Severe diabetic neuropathy with loss of sensation or skin necrosis

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) used to be considered a condition that prohibited the use of this type of stockings. New research (since 2023) shows that the use of compression socks may be safe for PAD patients.

In any case, you should consult your doctor before you use them.

Types of compression stockings

There are two main types of compression socks:

Graduated compression socks

Graduated compression socks are the most common type and provide the highest pressure at the ankle while getting looser as they move up the leg.

But what are graduated compression socks used for?

They help improve circulation, reduce swelling, and prevent conditions like varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

They are most suitable for people who can walk and are not bedridden or in a wheelchair. They are prescribed by a doctor.

Anti-embolism compression socks

They also have graduated compression (tighter at the ankle, looser above the knee), but are most suitable for people who need to stay in bed (e.g. patients who are recovering from surgery).
They help prevent blood clots and DVT and are prescribed by a doctor as well.

Non-medical compression socks

Non-medical compression socks do not require a doctor’s prescription and can be found in most pharmacies.

They apply weaker pressure and can help reduce leg pain, fatigue, and swelling.

Benefits of compression socks

The most important benefits of compression socks include:

• Better blood circulation
• Prevention of blood clotting
• Decrease of leg swelling, fatigue, pain, and discomfort
• Improving lymphatic drainage
• Preventing conditions like DVT, varicose or spider veins, lymphedema, and venous insufficiency
• Enhancing muscle recovery for athletes

Side effects of wearing compression socks

Compression stockings can have some side effects, especially if you wear them incorrectly or have the wrong size.

Some of the most common side effects are:

• Skin irritation, itchiness, or rashes
• Redness
• Discomfort or restricted blood flow (if they are too tight)
• Bruising
• Allergic reactions

Rare side effects include:

• Nerve damage
• Necrosis (tissue death)
• Soft tissue damage
• Arterial impairment

To avoid issues, ensure you choose the right fit and avoid wearing them too long without breaks.

How to pick the best compression socks

So now you know what compression socks are used for, how they work, who should or should not use them, their types, benefits, and side effects.

But do you feel ready to choose the right ones for you?

Probably not, so here are some key factors to consider when choosing the best compression socks:

1. Find the correct compression level

Selecting the right compression level (measured in mmHg, which is a unit of pressure also used to measure blood pressure) is essential and depends on your condition.

If you are wondering what level of compression socks you need, here you are:

• 8-15 mmHg (mild compression level) → Mild compression socks are suitable for daily wear, mild leg pain and fatigue, and for people who stand or sit for long periods.
• 15-20 mmHg (mild/medium compression level) → These socks (compression stockings Class 1) offer more support and are usually recommended for pregnant women to prevent varicose and spider veins.
• 20-30 mmHg (medium compression level) → Doctors most commonly prescribe this compression level (compression stockings Class 2). It is used to relieve painful and swollen legs and to help minor or moderate medical conditions (e.g. varicose veins).
• 30-40 mmHg (medium/high compression level) → Recommended for more serious conditions (compression stockings class 3). They are used to relieve severe swelling (oedema) and lymphedema, severe cases of varicose veins, and to treat DVT, venous ulcers, phlebitis, etc.
• 40-50 mmHg (high compression level) → They are used by people with serious vein problems like chronic venous insufficiency, severe DVT, post-thrombotic syndrome, etc.

Choosing the right compression level ensures you receive the appropriate support without causing any problems in blood circulation.

2. Pick the right length

You also need to pick the right length. That depends on where the affected area is in your body.

Choose between:

• Knee-high socks (if you have swollen ankles only)
• Thigh-high stockings (if the swelling goes above the knee)

3. Choose the correct type

We have seen earlier what the most common types of compression socks are.

Consider your condition, level of pain, swelling, or discomfort, and the purpose of use to choose the right type for you:

• Graduated compression socks
• Anti-embolism compression socks
• Non-medical compression socks

4. Consider the material

High-quality compression socks are made from breathable materials like nylon, spandex, or a cotton blend.

These materials help prevent sweat buildup and skin irritation while maintaining the necessary pressure.

Keep in mind that some compression socks may contain latex. If you are allergic to latex, it would be better to opt for latex-free alternatives.

Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider!

Compression socks – FAQs

1. Can you wear compression socks to bed?

Yes, but only if prescribed. Most people don’t need to wear them at night since the legs are flat when sleeping. That means blood doesn’t have a hard time going against gravity to reach the heart.

2. Why shouldn’t you wear compression socks at night?

Wearing compression socks at night (meaning for long periods) can cause problems in blood circulation.

3. How do I know if I need compression socks?

If you have swelling, varicose veins, poor circulation, or leg fatigue and pain, compression socks might help. Check with a healthcare provider for advice.

4. What are sports compression socks?

They are socks designed to improve blood circulation and reduce pain and swelling. Athletes mostly wear them when exercising.

What are compression socks used for – Final thoughts

Now you know everything about compression socks. More specifically, in this article we have covered:

• What compression socks are and how they work
• Who should and who shouldn’t wear them
• Types, benefits, and side effects
• How to choose the best compression socks

So consult your healthcare professional and find top-quality medical compression socks to suit your needs and relieve pain and discomfort!