- How Do Compression Socks Work for Swelling?
- What does ‘mmHg’ Mean for Compression Socks?
- How Do I Put On My Compression Socks Properly?
- How Long Should I Wear Compression Socks?
- The Best Compression Socks for Swelling
- 1. BSN Medical 7529001 JOBST White Closed Toe Knee High Socks 20-30 mmHg
- 2. EvoNation Men’s Copper Graduated Compression Socks 20-30 mmHg
- 3. Truform Black Thigh High Over Knee Length Men’s Dress Socks Compression Socks, 20-30 mmHg
- 4. COMRAD | Premium and Stylish Compression Socks for Multipurpose Wear
- 5. Zensah Ankle/Calf Compression Toeless Socks for Circulation, Swelling for Men and Women
- Our Best Pick for Compression Socks
Throughout the day, we exhaust our legs and feet from constant standing and walking. Once you get home, you might feel that your legs and feet have swollen with discomfort. Trust me, I’ve been there. Trust your body — relief might be found in compression socks for swelling reduction.
How Do Compression Socks Work for Swelling?
Extended periods of leg, foot, and ankle motion can cause a fluid buildup in tissues. This can cause pain and discomfort. Worse, you can develop complications in your lower legs like thrombosis, edema, Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, or muscle fatigue. If you suffer from any of these conditions, you will need adequate foot and leg support.
Compression socks are highly useful for addressing these leg and feet issues. Their elastic tightness boosts blood circulation to support the legs’ blood vessels. The squeezing of the socks decreases the risk of fluid buildup in your leg and feet tissues. As a result, it decreases muscle fatigue and swelling.
What does ‘mmHg’ Mean for Compression Socks?
The millimeter of mercury or mmHg indicates the pressure level of your compression socks for swelling. For a brief guide, the standard pressure levels for compression socks are 15 to 20 mmHg and 20 to 30 mmHg. Pressure levels higher than 30 mmHg are for people with more severe conditions. Meanwhile, anything lower than 15 mmHg won’t provide an adequate amount of compression.
Let’s take a look at the characteristics of the standard pressure levels of compression socks for swelling:
- 15 to 20 mmHg: This is advisable for people without underlying medical conditions. It works best for occasional and minor swelling. Usually, doctors would prescribe this to reduce leg swelling or prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) when traveling.
- 20 to 30 mmHg: These are medical-grade compression socks that offer moderate pressure. Hence, it can treat mild to moderate symptoms of conditions such as diabetes, varicose veins, and edema.
How Do I Put On My Compression Socks Properly?
Since compression socks for swelling are designed to be tight, you need to know how to wear them properly. Unlike regular socks, there are a few adjustments that you need to make when wearing them. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Select the right size: Make sure to buy compression socks that fit you perfectly. Otherwise, you will have a hard time adjusting them on your legs.
- Relax: Wearing compression socks can be tricky, try to relax when you’re wearing them. The best way is to sit down when putting the socks on.
- Turn it inside out before wearing: This is a simple but effective trick as you will be able to get your foot to the bottom of the sock before you put it on. After that, simply roll them up to your legs.
How Long Should I Wear Compression Socks?
Once you wear your compression socks, you’ll notice immediate relief from your pain, but the swelling reduction may take at least several days of continuous wear. It’s advisable to wear compression socks upon waking up because mornings are when the limbs are least swollen.
However, it’s best to consult your doctor on what time of day is best to wear them for the optimal results.
The Best Compression Socks for Swelling
Now, let’s cut to the chase. If you’ve just decided that compression socks are for you, you’re probably a bit lost on where to start. I know the struggle, so I will share my insights to help you narrow down your choices.
In this section, we will look at five brands of compression socks for swelling that I’ve tried on and loved. I will review their overall quality and performance then it’s up to you to decide which suits your style and needs. Keep scrolling to learn about my picks for the best compression socks for swelling:
1. BSN Medical 7529001 JOBST White Closed Toe Knee High Socks 20-30 mmHg
These compression socks might be on the pricey side, but I was eager to try them to see if they would work for my leg’s swelling. Luckily, its quality matches its price when it comes to comfort and alleviating swelling.
Nobody likes having sweaty feet! I loved the moisture and odor control system. However, my favorite part about this pair is the cushioned padding. I’m always on the go, so I like how it eases the impact of my daily activities, no matter how rough.
At the same time, it also feels lightweight when worn, unlike other socks that compromise breathability. The only catch is it slides down frequently, even with slight movements, so you may constantly pull them up throughout the day.
| Pros |
| With graduated compression, it works strongly enough to reduce swelling. |
| It has cushioned padding for maximum comfort and effectiveness. |
| Moisture control is sufficient due to Microfiber technology. |
| The sock has an odor control system that minimizes smell even after a full day of use. |
| Cons |
| Although it doesn’t roll down, it slides down even with gentle movements. |
| The color is more grey than white. |
| You may find them pricey considering the standard price of compression socks on the market. |
2. EvoNation Men’s Copper Graduated Compression Socks 20-30 mmHg
The EvoNation Copper Graduated socks work wonders. Its advanced graduation compression is excellent for reducing swelling and boosting circulation.
Furthermore, these socks are elegantly designed and suits my work and casual outfits when it comes to appearance. I was lucky enough to buy a pair that fits just fine. But I think it would have been better if they provided a size guide for the exact fit.
The socks also feel comfortable throughout the day. The thickness is just enough to provide support while letting my legs and feet breathe at the same time. Here’s what I noted about the EvoNation socks:
| Pros |
| They keep the calf and feet from swelling throughout the day. |
| It provides firm support and is also breathable. |
| It offers temperature regulation. |
| The socks don’t roll down even with regular movements. |
| Cons |
| The sizing is a bit off as there is no size guide. |
3. Truform Black Thigh High Over Knee Length Men’s Dress Socks Compression Socks, 20-30 mmHg
The Truform Dress and Compression Socks are made of lightweight and durable materials such as nylon and spandex. First thing to note: these socks from Truform are quite difficult to put on.
Since its length reaches above the knee, it’s excessively tight around the calves and thighs. The size is also tricky. Even though I got measured before purchasing them, the length was still too long for me.
Overall, while I won’t instantly recommend this pair, it’s crucial to note the right compression strength for your specific need, especially if you plan to wear them for extended periods of time.
However, I had no problem with the compression of the socks on the feet and ankles as they do work well. These socks might be useful for people who need mild support for swelling in these areas. Below are more things to consider:
| Pros |
| The graduated compression effectively reduces swelling on the ankle. |
| It’s mostly comfortable, and it doesn’t compress your toes. |
| They feel very durable. |
| Since it’s a dress sock, it goes well with formal and casual attires. |
| Cons |
| Difficult to put on and take off. |
| The control top band is excessively tight, making it uncomfortable sometimes. It also makes the socks roll down when you move. |
| Even with the right size, the length may be too long for your legs. |
I would recommend this pair in a heartbeat for those people who have mild swelling in their legs. COMRAD Compression Socks look like a regular pair of stylish socks, except with the added benefits that come with its compression strength.
Upon wearing them for the first time, I found they were quite comfortable as the material is soft and forgiving. Since the design and color are simple and suit most outfits, I wear them whenever and wherever.
As mentioned, these socks didn’t give the same initial compression that initially loved after a few wears and washes. However, aside from this issue, these compression socks offer great comfort and functionality.
| Pros |
| Great for everyday use. |
| The socks are soft and very comfortable to wear. |
| They don’t squish your toes together. |
| They have anti-odor and anti-static functions. |
| Cons |
| The compression may wear off after multiple washes. |
| They shrink slightly after machine drying. |
5. Zensah Ankle/Calf Compression Toeless Socks for Circulation, Swelling for Men and Women
Unlike the other compression socks in this list, this one is a pair of toeless socks. I usually prefer closed-toe socks, but the reviews I read were promising—and they weren’t wrong at all!
The primary function of these socks is for ankle support and shin splint relief. They certainly provide adequate compression in said areas. They work very well for swelling and remain comfortable during a whole day of use.
This product’s main feature is its ankle support, but upon wearing, the fit on the ankles feels a bit loose and uneven when I stand up and walk. This is why it’s useful to consult a size guide and take note of your body measurements! Ultimately, however, Zensah Toeless Socks are on top of their game in terms of calf swelling relief.
| Pros |
| They reduce swelling and fatigue effectively. |
| Works well for cramp relief. |
| You can wear them just fine when you sleep. |
| The socks don’t roll down because of the top and bottom bands. |
| Durable and sturdy offering promising longevity. |
| Cons |
| Quite challenging to put on. |
| The sizing may be a bit tricky. |
Our Best Pick for Compression Socks
EvoNation Men’s Copper Graduated Compression Socks 20-30 mmHg
glovesmag.com
These compression socks from EvoNation caught my heart. With its quality, design, and overall performance, it ticked all of the boxes. Aside from the issue with the sizing guide, the pair I got is perfect for my needs. Unlike most compression socks for swelling, I didn’t have a hard time putting them on and taking them off.
Personally, I value comfort, so I love that it feels comfortable from morning until night. It doesn’t get stuffy after some time, and I didn’t feel sore, even after a long day at work. Overall, I’d recommend this to anyone who either wants that feet and leg relief or needs to address swelling—or both—without a doubt.
