surprising benefits of compression socks for running

To schedule an appointment, please call 91 or click here. Zimmerman lead the Oklahoma Heart Institute Center for the Treatment of Venous Disease, treating patients with peripheral venous disease including varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis and venous insufficiency. Open toe hose/socks may make monitoring more practical.”ĭr. Document color, sensation, swelling and temperature of the toes before putting on the compression socks. This may make a tourniquet effect, which may interfere with circulation. Ichinose tells his patients to pay close attention to the color of their toes and report any difference s in the color of their toes from the foot or leg to your health care provider. Diabetic patients can be at increased risk of complications, since neuropathy prevents them from feeling the changes in their feet.” Dr.

“The pressure provided by compression socks may make ischemic disease worse. “If you have peripheral vascular disease affecting your lower extremities, you should not wear compression socks,” he says. Ichinose says they are not recommended for some patients. The quality and workmanship make them high-grade.”īefore self-prescribing compression socks, Dr. These companies have made medical-grade compression socks for decades. There are four main companies that have been providing compression socks for decades - Juzo, Sigvaris, Medi and Jobst. Unfortunately, many times you get what you pay for. “However, they give up quality material and workmanship in order to be economical. “Many socks are chosen based on economics,” he adds. Ichinose says it is best to consider the quality first. Usually it is because a large leg was placed in a garment too small for the leg.” “Patients commonly complain that the compression socks cut into their leg. “The amount of compression provided by a pair of socks will vary depending on the size of the leg in relationship to the size of the garment,” shares Dr. Moderate compression 20-30mmHg: Prevention and relief of moderate to severe varicose veins, treatment of moderate to severe lymphatic edema and management of active ulcers or post thrombotic syndrome.įirm compression 30-40mmgh: Ulcer management, post thrombotic syndrome. Mild compression 15-20mmHg: Prevention and relief of minor to moderate varicose veins, relief of tired aching legs, relief of minor swelling of feet and legs. Compression levels range from mild compression to extra firm compression: If you have any questions about the compression level appropriate for you, talk to your health care provider. Use the sizing guide on the compression sock packaging to find the right fit for you. In the morning before swelling occurs, measure the circumference of your ankle (around your ankle), the circumference of your calf and the length of your calf (from the knee to the heel sitting with your legs at a 90 degree angle). However, you can also measure yourself for compression socks. Your health care provider will advise the compression level you need, as well as measure your leg to make sure you are fitted in a proper compression sock. Ichinose advises patients to know two important things before selecting compression socks: the amount of compression and the size needed.

They are labeled small, medium and large, however the amount of compression provided is not known.”ĭr. “Some very economical support hose are not sized by careful measurement of your leg. “The quality of the material, the sizing, the durability and the amount of compression or pressure the garment provides all culminate into the final product,” explains Dr. However, before heading out to the store or browsing online, there are some things you should consider to make sure you are getting the maximum benefit from compression socks.įirst, all compression socks are NOT created equal. Many people can benefit from compression socks after surgery, during pregnancy or as legs become achy, swollen or heavy feeling. If you have noticed your legs swelling or the appearance of varicose veins, for example, you may wonder if compression socks would be a good idea. The compression of the socks gently pushes blood flow up the leg, helping to prevent swelling and even blood clots. Compression socks work by promoting improved blood flow in your legs. He once stood on a chair during a presentation to model the compression socks he wears to help improve circulation as he stands throughout day. Eugene Ichinose is a firm believer in compression socks – not only for patients, but also for himself.

Surprising benefits of compression socks for running