“After sitting for a long time, my legs are swollen like lead”, “My calves are sore for several days after running”, “I am worried about blue veins on my legs during pregnancy” – are you also troubled by these problems? In fact, a good pair of compression socks can go a long way. But there are a variety of compression socks on the market, what is the difference between medical grade and sports models? How to choose different pressure values? Today’s guide, from medical needs to sports scenarios, from material technology to wearable maintenance, will be thoroughly explained to you at once.
1. Medical protection: different stress values correspond to different health needs
The core medical value of compression stockings is to promote venous blood return through gradient pressure, which is why they are widely used in vascular care. However, not all compression stockings can replace medical devices, and the key is the grade of medical compression stockings – this is the core criterion for measuring their medical efficacy.
Pressure rating | Applicable scenarios | Typical groups and cases |
|---|---|---|
15-20 mmHg | Prevention is the main focus, mild relief | White-collar workers who sit in the office for a long time, business people who travel frequently. Ms. Li, 32, commutes + works for 10 hours a day, and after wearing this for 2 weeks, her leg swelling is significantly reduced in the evening. |
20-30 mmHg | Moderate symptom improvement | Patients with early varicose veins, pregnant women. Ms. Zhang’s legs were swollen after 6 months of pregnancy, and the doctor recommended wearing this grade, with elevating her legs, and the swelling decreased by 40% after 1 week (measured by household body circumference). |
30-40 mmHg | Medical intervention grade | Postoperative thromboprophylaxis, moderate to severe varicose veins. Mr. Wang was bedridden after knee surgery and wore it according to the doctor’s instructions, which effectively reduced the risk of deep vein thrombosis (clinical data show that the risk is reduced by more than 60% after wearing it in such people). |
In addition to basic stress grading, the effectiveness of specific populations also needs to be focused on:
- Varicose vein prevention and relief: It is especially suitable for teachers, shopping guides and other people who have been standing for a long time, reducing the burden on the venous valves and delaying the progression of the disease through the decreasing pressure from the ankle to the thigh.
- Postoperative recovery and bed thrombosis prevention: This is a routine recommendation for postoperative care in hospitals, and it should be noted that the pressure level must be selected under the guidance of a doctor, and cannot be purchased by yourself.
- Reduced swelling of the legs during pregnancy: increased blood volume during pregnancy, uterine compression of veins can easily lead to edema, choose breathable medium pressure (20-30 mmHg) is the most suitable to avoid excessive tightness affecting blood circulation.
- Diabetic foot circulation improvement: Choose a seamless model designed for diabetics to avoid friction and damage to the skin, and the pressure should not be too high (15-20 mmHg recommended) to prevent affecting the blood supply to the feet.
2. Sports assistance: From the arena to the gym, it is your “invisible leggings”
For sports enthusiasts, compression socks are no longer an “IQ tax”. It achieves the dual effect of “improving performance + accelerating recovery” by improving muscle oxygen supply and reducing vibration, and different sports scenarios have their own focus.
Endurance sports: running/marathon
The core needs are cushioning and post-game recovery. Runner Mr. Chen shared that after wearing professional running compression socks to complete the full marathon, the duration of calf soreness was shortened from 3 days to 1 day. These socks usually focus on the calf muscle group to reduce muscle tremors when landing and accelerate lactate metabolism.
Confrontational sports: basketball/football
The key is the calf support. Sudden stops and changes of direction during exercise can easily lead to muscle strain, and the gradient pressure of compression socks can fix the muscle position and reduce the risk of injury. Amateur player Xiao Wang said after wearing that calf cramps almost never occurred again after high-intensity games.
In addition, there are two types of scenarios that are particularly suitable for using sports compression socks: first, long-term flight muscle fatigue relief, low air pressure and little activity in the cabin, wearing compression socks can avoid soreness caused by poor blood circulation in the lower limbs; The second is the discharge of lactic acid from the lower limbs in the gym, and after heavy training such as squats and deadlifts, wearing it for 1-2 hours can effectively relieve muscle stiffness.
3. Technology empowerment: Good socks are hidden in materials and craftsmanship
Many people think that compression socks are “panicked” and “breathable”, but in fact, they did not choose the right material and process. Truly high-quality compression socks are inseparable from these core technologies:
Gradient Pressure Weaving Technology: This is the soul of compression socks. Through the difference in weaving density in different areas, the gradient pressure of “ankle high and low calf” (ankle pressure is 20%-30% higher than that of the calf) is achieved to ensure unidirectional blood return and avoid reverse compression.
- Antibacterial silver-ion yarn: especially suitable for sports and long-term wearers. Silver ions can inhibit the growth of bacteria and reduce sweat odor, and experimental data show that the bacterial growth rate of compression socks containing silver ions is 75% lower than that of ordinary socks.
- Breathable mesh structure: Mostly distributed in sweaty areas such as the back of the calves, the mesh design improves air circulation, keeping the legs dry even during exercise, and avoiding skin problems caused by stuffy sweat.
- Seamless one-piece molding process: Say goodbye to the friction of the seams of traditional socks, reduce skin irritation, especially suitable for diabetics and people with sensitive skin, and improve wearing comfort by more than 40%.
- Lycra High Elasticity Memory Yarn: Ensures that socks maintain stable pressure and elasticity after multiple wear and washing, and are not easy to deform. Compression socks made of high-quality lycra material can last up to 6-12 months.
4. Intimate care: wear the right and wash the right one, and the effect will be doubled
If you choose the right compression socks, you must also master the correct wearing and maintenance methods, otherwise it will affect the efficacy and even damage the socks.
1. Choosing the right size is the foundation: measure accurately according to the calf circumference
The size of compression socks is determined not by shoe size, but by calf circumference and ankle circumference. The measurement method is simple:
- Ankle circumference: around the thinnest part of the ankle for one week, record the value;
- Calf circumference: Circle around the thickest part of the calf (usually 10 cm below the knee) for one week, record the value;
- Compare with the brand size chart, if it is between two sizes, prefer one size smaller (to ensure the pressure is up to standard).
In terms of length, ankle to knee length is the most versatile choice, taking into account efficacy and comfort; If you need to prevent varicose veins in the thighs, you can choose the over-the-knee model.
2. Dressing tips: Waking up in the morning is the best time
After waking up in the morning, the legs are the least swollen, and this is when they are best worn. The steps are as follows:
- Turn the socks up to the ankles and spread the socks with your fingers to avoid snagging your nails (it is recommended to trim and smooth your nails before wearing them);
- Extend your toes in first, then gradually pull them up to the right position to ensure that the socks are flat and free of wrinkles (folds will cause excessive local pressure);
- After wearing, move your ankles to feel if there are any places that are too tight or too loose, and if your toes are numb, you need to take them off immediately to adjust.
3. Maintenance points: 30°C neutral bag washing is the key
The wrong way to wash can destroy the pressure structure of socks, the correct way is:
- Use warm water below 30°C and add neutral laundry detergent (avoid bleach and fabric softener);
- Machine wash gently in a laundry bag, or hand wash and rub gently (do not rub the pressure area too hard);
- Dry naturally after washing, avoiding sun exposure and drying (high temperatures can cause elastane to age).
5. Procurement perspective: How to choose cost-effective compression socks?
Hello everyone, I’m Yigu, and I’ve been working in procurement for many years. From a procurement point of view, the choice of compression socks should not only look at the price, but also take into account the “efficacy-quality-cost”. First of all, medical funds must be recognized for medical device registration certificates to avoid buying “pseudo-medical” products; sports models are preferred to be endorsed by sports brands or third-party test reports, focusing on pressure stability and breathability data. Secondly, when purchasing in bulk, you can pay attention to manufacturers who use the combination of “lycra + silver ion”, which is more cost-effective, has a long service life and has fewer after-sales problems. Finally, it is reminded that whether it is an individual or an enterprise purchase, it is necessary to keep the purchase certificate, especially the medical money, which involves health and safety, and traceability is very important.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: Can compression socks be worn every day? A: Medical models need to be prescribed by doctors, and healthy people can wear them for 8-10 hours a day for prevention (such as sedentary time), and do not need to wear them at night; Sports models can only be worn during or 1-2 hours after exercise.
- Q: Can patients with varicose veins buy compression socks by themselves? A: Not recommended. Moderate to severe patients need to do vascular ultrasound first, and the doctor will recommend the pressure level according to the condition.
- Q: Are compression socks tighter and better? A: No. Too tight will compress the arteries, resulting in obstruction of blood circulation, numbness in the toes, purple skin and other problems.
- Q: How many times do I need to change compression socks after washing? A: Usually after 30-50 washes, the pressure will drop significantly, it is recommended to replace it in time; If the elasticity deteriorates, the sock opens are loose or the hook is damaged, it also needs to be replaced immediately.