The use of compression socks, or stockings, has become increasingly widespread as a way to help those suffering from, or anticipating the onset of, medical issues such as Deep Vein Thrombosis, chronic venous insufficiency, varicose veins, and other circulatory problems. As a person moves throughout the day, blood tends to settle and accumulate in the feet and ankles, rather than continuing back to the heart. If left unchecked, this lack of fluid mobility can cause severe discomfort for the affected person in the form of leg cramps and muscle soreness, or can very easily aggravate the aforementioned health issues. In the worst case scenario, the stagnant blood particles would form potentially lethal clots and subsequently pave the way for a life-threatening embolism to manifest within the body.
Compression socks are made from nylon, spandex or other elastic material and, depending on the advice of a medical professional, can be worn up to the knee, thigh, or waist. Just as the name suggests, they are worn exactly like a normal sock, but are specially designed to provide support during all daily activities. There are also compression styles available from the toes to the abdomen like pantyhose which can be worn by men or women.
The objective of compression stockings is to ease or prevent medical issues by keeping blood flow healthy and consistent. This is accomplished by placing enough pressure on key points of the ankle and leg to keep blood moving past potential obstacles, such as narrow points along a vein. In essence, what a compression sock does is give enough support along the various avenues of blood flow to ensure that the body can adequately pump the blood out of the lower extremities and back into the rest of the body on its own. In detail, this is achieved by using a graduated system of elastic material that makes up the sock's construction. The material applies the most pressure on the ankle and gradually relaxes as it moves up the leg.
By maintaining this fluidity, blood is kept from accumulating at various choke points, such as these narrow points, and forming potentially harmful clots or ulcers within the vein itself. This gives the sock the ability to support, rather than replace, the natural ability of the heart and muscles to stimulate blood circulation throughout the lower extremities. By acting in conjunction with the body, compression socks propose a non-invasive way of alleviating medical hurdles that many people face on a daily basis.
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