Compression socks are elastic socks that tightly wrap around your ankles or thighs to provide comfort and prevent specific diseases. The socks are manufactured with a gradual development on the pressure it exerts so your thighs. Your thighs will not be affected at the same pressure as your ankle. Compression socks offer great relief and therapeutic help to people with venous disorders and for those with discomfort on their legs. While it doesn't necessarily cure all of these disorders, it does help with recovery and prevention. Many named conditions can be helped with the use of compression socks.

Edema

‘Edema’ is a condition that arises due to abnormal accumulation of fluid in the interstitium. The accumulation causes severe swelling on the legs. With the excessive swelling, the blood flow will be blocked. This can also lead to cardiac failure, liver failure, and nephrotic syndrome if not treated effectively. Compression socks assist by squeezing the areas affected to prevent the build-up of the fluids and to let it flow out of the area.

Grading of Edema (image)

Chronic Venous Insufficiency

‘Chronic Peripheral Venous Insufficiency’ occurs as a result of the blood pooling in the veins and thus straining the walls of the veins. The cause for this is usually venous reflux where the valves that force the blood to go back up stops functioning. Chronic venous insufficiency is easily treatable but when left ignored can develop into more dangerous and threatening disorders.

The Symptoms are:

• Itching
• Hyperpigmentation
• Chronic swelling
• Venous ulceration
• Skin thickening
• Inflammation
• Cellulitis

The compression socks help prevent the development of the disorder into something more severe. Instead, it makes sure the blood circulation is returned to normal by supplying apt pressure to the veins.

Varicose Veins

‘Varicose veins’ is a situation where the veins get enlarged and twisted. Typically noticed on the leg but varicose veins can be developed in other parts of the body. This disorder is seen as hereditary and seen more in women than men. There are other possible factors of the cause.

• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Aging
• Abdominal straining
• Leg injury
• Menopause
• Venous reflex

The Symptoms are:

• Aching
• Swelling in the ankles
• Discoloration
• The appearance of spider veins
• Heavy legs
• Itchiness
• Cramps

A combination of these symptoms could lead to the above disorder. The disorder can be treated in a multitude of ways. The safest and cheapest would be to own a pair of compression stockings. They will help to reduce the varicose veins and regulate blood flow gradually.

Deep Vein Thrombosis

• ‘Deep Vein Thrombosis’ disorder is a result of the decrease in blood flow and as such, the blood clots being formed. A common occurrence of this disorder is in airline passengers that continuously fly over 7 hours. The long hours of sitting end up being a cause for it.

The Symptoms are:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Discoloration
• Appearance of veins

The disorder has several symptoms, and the appearance of other similar disorders can factor into its occurrence. However, most cases of deep vein thrombosis do not have any early symptoms. Patients only notice once it is in full effect.

Compression socks have proven to be highly effective in the treatment of this disorder. The pressure applied by the stockings can gradually remove the blood clot and help with the blood circulation.

Lymphedema

‘Lymphedema’ is much similar to Edema where the leg swells up considerably due to the accumulation of fluids. However, the difference is that lymphedema occurs as a result of the fluids of the lymphatic system accumulating. This difference alone makes the disorder impossible to cure especially when in full effect. The disorder is commonly seen developing in cancer patients and patients with parasitic infections. While Edema and Lymphedema are different disorders, the appearance of Edema can lead to lymphedema if untreated.

The Symptoms are:

• Soft tissue swelling, much similar to Edema
• Dermal thickening
• Ulcers
• Cellulitis
• Discoloration
• Heavy legs
• Hyperplasia

Compression stockings can also effectively help with the lymphatic system and the fluids built up in it. Much like the way it helps with Edema, the fluid drainage is improved upon when pressure is applied. However, this treatment must be done during the earlier stages of the build-up. Once the leg completely swells up and hinders movement, it may become untreatable.

Phebitis

‘Phlebitis’ is the result of inflammation on the vein that ends up clotting the blood and restricting the blood flow. Most of the time, phlebitis occurs alongside thrombosis as they both cause blood clotting. However, unlike thrombosis, the chances of a blood clot are lower in phlebitis. Phlebitis can be caused as the result of certain medications and trauma to a vein. The disorder can be typically seen in cancer patients.

The Symptoms are:

• Redness and swelling
• Burning sensation on the affected vein
• Vein becomes very hard and cord-like.

The affected area usually shows all three symptoms together. Initially, the appearance of the redness and then the swelling. The redness will be the first visible sign of inflammation, and you will be able to feel the burn afterward. Eventually, the vein becomes harder and noticeable.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a situation where the body goes through a lot of changes. These changes can come with side effects and damages to the body which can cause some serious effect. The hormones released and the expansion of the uterus can affect the veins of the leg. Doctors usually suggest compression stockings after the delivery and the operation. Compression socks greatly aid in the recovery of the veins and turn improves the health of the mother.

Compression stockings are suggested by doctors for various disorders as mentioned above. But the use of these stockings despite being perfectly healthy is still very much advised. Compression socks are most useful for the prevention of these disorders rather than their cure. So, consult your doctor to find out the right compression stocking for you, and you can make it part of your style. Fortunately, these stockings are very attractive and fashionable. A perfect combination of healthy and stylish!