Compression Socks FAQ - Answered

You buy particular pairs of socks for all kinds of things.

You probably have socks for hiking, socks for playing sports, and an extra fluffy and comfortable pair of socks for wearing when you’re relaxing at home.

But do you have socks to wear at work?

If the answer is no and you constantly have to replace your favorite socks because you've worn them to work, compression socks could be the answer, for many reasons.

What are compression socks?

Compression socks, or compression stockings, are specialist, stretchy socks that provide a snug fit to gently squeeze your legs and ankles as you go about your day.

You might already be familiar with compression socks, but you might not have tried them for yourself.

As knowledge about conditions like deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) has grown, compression socks and stockings have become increasingly available in grocery stores, local pharmacies, and online. Many people buy them for various reasons, even without being recommended to wear them by a medical professional.

Is there a difference between compression socks and compression stockings?

You will generally see the terms compression socks and compression stockings used interchangeably. If there is a difference between the two, a compression sock will typically be the size of or reach a little further up the leg than a traditional sock. In contrast, stockings will go up to and sometimes beyond the knee and as far as the upper thigh.

You might also see compression socks labeled as "knee-high," too. You just need to look out for the specific type of sock or stocking you want to wear.

The three types of compression socks

There are three main types of compression socks. The ones you'll find in the grocery store or online are generally non medical support hosiery, although you might be able to find the other types for sale, too.

Graduated compression stockings apply strong pressure around the ankle, which decreases as the fabric moves up towards your knee. These stockings are generally prescribed, and you'll need professional fitting to ensure you have the right socks or stockings for your specific medical need.
Anti-embolism stockings are the ones generally used in medical settings to prevent the development of DVT post-surgery. Given this use, they’re also typically prescribed and professionally fitted.
Non medical support hosiery is what you can buy at most stores that sell compression stockings. This type of sock or stocking generally provides a consistent level of pressure across your legs. While these aren't medical stockings, you'll still be able to get different fits and pressure levels to suit your preferences.

How do compression socks work, and what are their benefits?

When you wear compression socks or stockings, the pressure they provide improves blood flow around your lower body. As a result, the arteries in your legs can get blood to your muscles more efficiently, and the same is true for your veins returning blood to your heart.

Because compression socks promote blood circulation, they help to prevent blood from pooling and clotting, which can cause various health problems, some of them life-threatening.

In addition to this benefit, compression stockings can also prevent your legs from feeling tired or achy and help to prevent and ease swelling in your ankles and feet. Also, if you wear compression stockings to promote blood flow because you're sitting down all day, they can help you avoid feeling dizzy and light-headed when you stand up, which is caused by low blood pressure.

From a medical perspective, compression socks also help to:

Improve lymphatic drainage
Prevent venous ulcers
Reduce pain caused by varicose veins
Reverse venous hypertension

When should you wear compression socks?

As a medical worker, depending on your specific job, you probably spend most, if not all, of your day either sitting down or standing up. In these circumstances, you're an ideal candidate to wear compression socks or stockings at work! Since you probably work long hours day after day, wearing them should help you feel the benefits even more sharply than others who don’t wear them for medical reasons.

Buy compression socks or stockings to wear as your “work socks,” save yourself from wearing out your others, and maintain some energy in your legs to still want to do something after work. Or at least not be so tired you can’t even get home and put your extra comfortable fluffy ones on!

What are the best compression socks for nurses and other medical professionals?

Whichever ones you find comfortable and that make a noticeable difference to how your legs feel throughout and at the end of your day at work.

Here at Greenscrubs.com, we have a wide range of compression socks and stockings for every taste, whether you’re a dedicated flamboyant sock wearer or just want something plain and understated.

Our most popular compression socks include:

Our Pink Ribbons on Pink 12-inch socks