Compression socks have a range of benefits beyond helping with varicose veins. Athletes use them to improve performance and speed up recovery, they offer pregnant people relief from leg and ankle swelling, and people who stand for extended periods of time use them to avoid the heavy, achy leg feeling that comes with working a long shift on their feet.
According to Jashan Valjee, DPM, of The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics in Maryland, compression socks are designed to apply consistent and constant pressure to the feet, ankles, and calves, which forces your vascular and lymphatic system to work more efficiently and prevents the accumulation of fluid, swelling, and blood clotting.
When shopping for compression socks, finding the right ones for your feet is important. First, determine the level of compression you need and choose a snug size. Look for breathable, moisture-wicking materials and consider additional features like graduated compression or cushioning.
