Latest news with #compressionSocks
Forbes
03-07-2025
- Health
- Forbes
The Best Pregnancy Compression Socks To Relieve Swollen Legs And Feet
Pregnancy can mean the swelling of, well, just about everything—feet and legs included. The thought of a tight-fitting sock may not spark joy, but the best pregnancy compression socks are easy to get on and off, breathable and feel great all day long. They can increase blood flow and alleviate such conditions as leg edema or cramps, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and blood clots. Our top pick, the Comrad Knee-High Compression Socks, are breathable and comfortable and available in a wide range of sizes. If you want more than one pair to use for the duration of your pregnancy, our budget pick, the Charmking Compression Socks, comes in a convenient eight-pack. The best pregnancy compression socks are as comfortable as they are effective. Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailers 'Compression socks are specialized stockings that help improve blood flow and support the lower legs and feet. It is often one of the recommendations for pregnant women who are experiencing uncomplicated bilateral swelling of the legs and feet,' says OB-GYN Dr. Donna G. Baick, an associate clinical professor at UC Irvine School of Medicine. 'For some, this edema can be painful and bothersome, leading to varicose veins.' After speaking with two OB-GYNs and other moms, we've curated the best pregnancy compression socks—read on to see why they stand out. Material: 91% nylon, 9% spandex | Sizes: Small, medium, large, x-large; regular and wide calf options | Compression level: 15 to 20 mmHg These comfortable compression socks are effective and comfortable. Made with a thin and breathable moisture-wicking nylon-blend fabric that's great for hot days, exercise, working from home or travel, it's a versatile pair you can use all pregnancy long. With 15 to 20 mmHG of graduated compression (meaning they're more compressive at the ankle, then less so as it goes up the leg), they're appropriate for most occasions. According to double board-certified OB-GYN Dr. Kecia Gaither of New York, 'Knee-high graduated compression socks are the most common and effective for pregnancy-related swelling and vein issues.' Padded heels and toes help prevent blisters and provide extra comfort for tired pregnancy feet. Forbes Vetted deputy editor and mom of two Jane Sung took several long-haul flights throughout her pregnancy and found these compression socks really helped prevent leg swelling. 'I like that the Comrad socks come in plenty of neutrals, cute stripes and some brighter colors if you want that,' she says, indicating the over 25 different patterns and colors it's available in. She does note that they're 'not the most fun to put on,' but that once they're on, 'you forget you're wearing them.' She also used them postpartum when she noticed ankle swelling. For added convenience, the Comrad socks are machine-washable and available in both regular and wide calf sizes. Amazon Sockwell Moderate Graduated Compression Sock Material: 32% merino wool, 31% bamboo rayon, 32% stretch nylon, 5% spandex | Sizes: Small/medium, medium/large | Compression level: 15 to 20 mmHg Legs and feet tend to swell while flying or sitting for a long time in a car or train, and pregnancy makes it that much worse. The moderate graduated compression (15 to 20 mmHG) of these Sockwell compression socks relieves uncomfortable legs and keeps blood circulating even when sitting for a long tim—without being too tight on top. A seamless toe means there's nothing to potentially irritate you on the inside. These breathable socks are made in the U.S. with a blend of merino wool, bamboo rayon, nylon and spandex. The brand offers a wide variety of compression socks in different firmness levels if you require more pressure and lots of fun patterns—which makes the decidedly unexciting idea of wearing compression socks a little more appealing. I've personally found the Sockwell compression socks to be durable and comfortable once on, helping with the typical leg swelling many people experience when they fly. They also have a great return policy: If for some reason you don't love them, you can return them for a full refund within 60 days. Material: 85% nylon, 15% spandex | Sizes: Small/medium, large/x-large| Compression level: 15 to 20 mmHg If you know you're at high risk for conditions like DVT or leg edema that require you to wear compression socks around the clock, you might not want to be shelling out $30+ for each pair. Charmking compression socks come in a pack of eight pairs for just $20, so there's always a clean pair waiting for you. With over 35 different styles to choose from, there's a pack to suit every aesthetic. The socks are available in small/medium or large/x-large sizes and offer a moderate amount of 15 to 20 mmHg pressure. It's a popular choice with over 13,000 5-star Amazon reviews for those seeking a budget-friendly option. Amazon Zensah Tech+ Compression Socks Material: 82% polyamide, 18% elastane | Sizes: Small, medium, large, x-large | Compression level: 15 to 20 mmHg The problem with many compression socks is that after a few hours, your legs or feet can start feeling a little sweaty due to the tight fit—less than ideal when you're working out (or just being pregnant in general). The Zensah Tech+ compression socks are designed to be used during exercise and made of a lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric. They're also comfortable and super soft to the touch. A seamless toe means no possibility of chafing or blistering and, unlike many other socks in general, these are designed with a specific sock for your left foot and one for your right to ensure a truly secure fit. They are definitely on the pricier side, but if you're someone who plans to exercise frequently throughout your pregnancy and at risk for clots or DVT, they're worth the splurge. Material: 66% Supima cotton, 17% polyester, 10% elastane, 7% nylon | Sizes: Small, medium, large | Compression level: 15 to 20 mmHg Bombas are known for their durable, aesthetically pleasing and comfortable premium socks, and their compression socks are no exception. They have the same modern yet slightly retro vibes as their regular socks, with a moderate 15 to 20 mmHg compression. If you need more pressure, the brand also has a Performance Compression Sock with a compression level of 20 to 30 mmHg. All of their compression socks feature their proprietary honeycomb arch support and seamless toes, both of which I, as a daily user of their regular socks, find super cushy and supportive. A band at the top keeps the socks from slipping down, even as your legs may swell more throughout the day. Note that their socks tend to be thicker than other socks, which is great in terms of durability and comfort—and they are very breathable—but it's something to consider during the summer months when even the thought of one more layer is simply unbearable. Amazon Kindred Bravely Compression Socks (2-Pack) Material: 60% viscose derived from bamboo, 15% spandex, 23% elastane, 2% nylon | Sizes: Small (regular calf), large (wide calf) | Compression level: 20 to 30 mmHg Kindred Bravely is known for its beloved maternity wear that's as functional as it is stylish, and their compression socks don't disappoint. Made of a super soft bamboo fabric, they're stretchy, comfortable and easy to get on and off. The bamboo is also a naturally moisture-wicking material for added comfort. The two-pack of socks is an affordable $30 and cuter than your average compression socks. A generously cushioned sole adds to the coziness. For some pregnant people, pulling on compression socks over swollen calves can be a challenge. Luckily, the Kindred Bravely pairs come in both small calf and large calf sizes to make the process easier. They don't come in any other sizes, however, so if you're in between, finding the perfect fit may be a bit harder. At Forbes Vetted, the kids and baby gear team is committed to hands-on testing, thoroughly researching and applying expert feedback in order to find the best products. The author of this article, Esther Carlstone , is a longtime parenting editor and mom of three who has extensively covered maternity and baby products including the best bottle sterilizers and the best infant life jackets . , is a longtime parenting editor and mom of three who has extensively covered maternity and baby products including the and the . The story was edited by Forbes Vetted commerce editor Christine Colby, who has several years of experience with consumer product testing and recommendations. She recently spearheaded a test of the best patio umbrellas, reviewed the Titan Plus Luxe Mattress and covered the best cooling blankets for hot sleepers. We interviewed two OB-GYNs: Donna G. Baick , associate clinical professor at UC Irvine School of Medicine, and Kecia Gaither , double board-certified in OB-GYN and Maternal Fetal Medicine and director of perinatal services/maternal fetal medicine at NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln in Bronx, New York. They shared their thoughts on what features pregnant women should consider when shopping for compression socks and what conditions these socks may help address or alleviate. , associate clinical professor at UC Irvine School of Medicine, and , double board-certified in OB-GYN and Maternal Fetal Medicine and director of perinatal services/maternal fetal medicine at NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln in Bronx, New York. They shared their thoughts on what features pregnant women should consider when shopping for compression socks and what conditions these socks may help address or alleviate. We regularly review and update our content to ensure its accuracy and relevance. This article was first published in June 2025. In order to find the best pregnancy compression socks, we combined feedback from our network of parents (including ourselves), market research and information from the experts we interviewed. Here's a more in-depth look into our selection process. We spoke with other parents to see which compression socks they used during their pregnancies and noted any brands that came up repeatedly—and why. We considered input from the two OB-GYNs we consulted, Baick and Gaither, and factored in their insights. We combed through online reviews of various compression socks and only considered ones that were rated at least a 4 out of 5 stars by hundreds of reviewers on Amazon and other retail sites. We particularly honed in on reviews from people who used them during pregnancy. We compared specs of the various pregnancy compression socks out on the market right now. Compression levels are measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and come in two versions: 15 to 20 mmHg (moderate) or 20 to 30 mmHg (firm). They also come in graduated compression, where it is tightest at the ankle then less compressive as the sock goes up the leg, which can help with edema or varicose veins, and uniform compression. All of our picks are graduated compression socks, as they tend to alleviate issues common to pregnancy. 'Compressions are graduated which are tighter at the ankle and gradually decreases upward. The 15 to 20 mmHg compression socks offer milder support and may be more comfortable and best for mild swelling,' says Baick. 'The 20 to 30 mmHg provides more support and may be better for pregnant women with varicose veins and more swelling. Whatever you choose, you should consult with your provider to determine if compression socks are appropriate for you and to review proper type and fitting,' she says. Breathability Only you know how easily you get sweaty and how much breathability you need to be comfortable. Look for socks made with more naturally breathable fabrics like cotton or blends utilizing bamboo, wool or polyester that may also be moisture-wicking to help you feel dry. Easy On/Off If a compression sock is too difficult to simply get on and off, the chances of you wearing them regularly goes down. Both experts warn that you also don't want to get compression socks that are too tight, as that can increase the chances of blood clots. You might try ordering multiple sizes at first and returning the ones that don't fit. What Kind Of Compression Socks Are Best For Pregnancy? 'The compression sock should not be restrictive or too tight, especially around the knee. They're usually available in knee-high, thigh-high and full length. Women should choose what is most comfortable for them or consult their provider to assure proper fitting and use,' says Baick. 'Too much restriction on the lower leg may increase risk for blood clots.' Which Is Better: 15 To 20 mmHg Or 20 To 30 mmHg Compression Socks? 'Socks 15 to 20 mmHg are a good starting point—safe for daily use and the type most often recommended. Socks with a higher level of compression may be needed for more severe symptoms, but as with anything, speak with your health-care provider first,' says Gaither. According to Baick, 'The 20 to 30 mmHg pairs provide more support and may be better for pregnant women with varicose veins and more swelling,' but also reiterates to check with your doctor first before selecting. Is It A Good Idea To Wear Compression Socks While Pregnant? 'Not all pregnant women need compression socks, but [they] can benefit from them, particularly if they are at risk for DVTs and varicosities,' says Gaither. She says they're particularly recommended for those who sit or stand for extended periods of time, have significant edema, have a history of DVT or venous insufficiency or those who experience leg pain or leg cramps during pregnancy.
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Travel + Leisure
22-06-2025
- Health
- Travel + Leisure
I Fly Across the Atlantic Every Month and Couldn't Do It Without These $20 Socks
I'm a travel writer, and last month's rose was getting to spend six glorious days sipping rosé and playing with free-range pigs at Spier Wine Farm in South Africa. The thorn? The swollen ankle I had when I arrived. Admittedly, it was my fault, and was the result of an experiment: What would happen if I only wore one knee-high compression sock on the 15-hour flight from Newark to Cape Town? On my other foot, I would wear a regular ankle sock in order to see just how effective compression socks can be for improving circulation while in the air. Surely, after 10 years of flying across the Atlantic on a monthly basis for my career, my body has acclimated to spending hours at high altitudes—right? Spoiler alert: I couldn't. As it turns out, you can have million miler status and will still want to wear compression socks on long-haul flights, and my inflamed ankle was proof. In a few weeks, I'll be flying 30 hours to Nairobi before embarking on Micato Safaris' 14-day Hemingway Wing Safari (which involves another five domestic flights while inside Africa). For this trip, I'll be embracing my inner flight attendant. Compression socks are among the items cabin crew can't live without, and after trying them out for myself, I know that I can't, either. That's why the first thing I pack in my carry-on is my beloved Charmking Compression Socks from Amazon. Here's how both of my legs and feet looked prior to my flight. Instead of scrolling through Amazon's endless pages of compression socks with a fine-tooth comb, I bought the Charmking compression socks because they were the most popular. With nearly 10,000 pairs purchased in the last month alone, they're ranked No. 1 on Amazon's list of Best-ellers in Medical Compression Socks. These socks offer a targeted compression grade ranging from 15 mmHg to 20 mmHg—there is more compression at the ankle than the toes and shins—which Dr. Diana Levin Valencia, DPM, previously told Travel + Leisure is a great starting point if you're new to compression socks. Left: After wearing a compression sock. Right: After wearing a normal ankle sock. They're made with a moisture-wicking nylon and spandex blend that is surprisingly breathable. I wore them while flying 60 hours round-trip to the Maldives in March, and the seaplane flights to and from the resort were especially hot. Still, my feet didn't sweat. These socks aren't quite as soft as my Vuori Performance Joggers (which are so soft, I'd wash my face with them). However, they don't feel scratchy or stiff, despite the no-slip cuff that keeps them from sliding down. Speaking of shoes, I love that my Charmking compression socks are thin enough that my feet can still fit comfortably in my snug On Cloud 6 Sneakers, which I like to fly in because they're so easy to take on and off. Because these knee-high socks aren't bulky, I can even comfortably wear them under my Lululemon Align leggings. That said, these socks are definitely tight; like skinny jeans, I can't take them off without them turning inside out. But, in my opinion, that's just an added bonus: Washing your socks (or any item of clothing, really) inside out helps to preserve their color. As you can see, the swelling on my non-compression sock foot was no joke. These socks are available in more than three dozen color combinations with tons of patterns to choose from. You can choose solid colors like I did, or play around with florals, polka dots, stripes, and fun, eye-catching prints. These socks come in two sizes: Small/medium and large/extra large, and as a size 9, the small/medium size fit me just fine. These Charmking compression socks also have far more five-star ratings than similar products: We're talking nearly 62,000 five-star ratings and nearly 13,000 five-star reviews, many of which come from frequent fliers and flight attendants. 'These are easy to put on and make my calves not ache from a long day on my feet in the air,' wrote one flight attendant. 'The nice designs are an added bonus that get compliments regularly,' added another flight attendant, and one reviewer who travels for work reported that they were 'very helpful' for staying comfortable on recent trips to New Zealand and Australia. At around $3 per pair, these compression socks are a steal. If you do want to shop around, and not just go with the presumed GOAT like I did, below are a few more best-selling compression sock options on Amazon, starting at $15. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
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Travel + Leisure
15-06-2025
- Health
- Travel + Leisure
Yes, You Should Wear Compression Socks on Flights—a Former Nurse Shares the Important Reason Why
While it's a completely normal occurrence to experience leg, ankle, and foot swelling on a flight, it can be pretty uncomfortable. Rather than endure the physical distress, you can invest in a pair of flight attendant-approved compression socks. Karen Young, a nurse-turned-flight attendant with nearly 50 years of experience in the latter role, shared with Travel + Leisure why compression socks should always be a part of your airport outfits. Read on to learn more about the benefits of compression socks, and shop her top picks from Amazon's fashion store, where these important travel essentials start at $20. Before becoming a flight attendant, Young was a nurse who would recommend compression socks for patients with circulatory and cardiac issues as they increase blood flow to the heart, which in turn, supports a healthy circulatory system. Now, working as a flight attendant, she says compression socks are 'wonderful' for travelers who want to ease swelling and avoid getting enlarged veins (a.k.a varicose veins); both are common during a flight because the change in air pressure, combined with dehydration and sitting down for long periods of time, leads to blood pooling in your leg veins, according to the Mayo Clinic. Fluids then leave your blood and go into the soft tissue, causing your legs and other parts of your body to swell. Compression socks use pressure on your legs to encourage blood flow, which can reduce swelling in the legs and feet, and in more severe cases, prevent blood clotting. When Young was a nurse, she and her colleagues regularly recommended Jobst compression socks, which range from $26 to $74, but Amazon has comparable picks for less than $20. Keep scrolling to shop the best compression socks ahead of your next flight. These compression socks from CharmKing use controlled pressure to help stimulate blood flow so it doesn't pool into your lower extremities from inactivity on the plane. The stretchy material makes them easy to pull over your legs, and the knee-high length will help provide relief throughout your leg. Young added that it's common to see flight attendants wearing compression socks on flights, and the reviews for this style prove it. In their Amazon review, one flight attendant said these prevent their calves from aching after a long day in the air on their feet. This three-pack of compression socks includes a mix of neutral colors you can pair with any of your airport outfits and are 'very comfortable,' according to a flight attendant. They also said that they reduced their aches and pains. Another one wrote that their legs were 'noticeably less swollen and felt less sore at the end of the day.' These compression socks have earned more than 60,000 five-star ratings, including one from a flight attendant who said that since wearing them, their feet feel better and 'recover faster.' They also have a reinforced heel for extra comfort and to help prevent uncomfortable rubbing in your shoes. Dr. Scholl's compression socks are American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)-approved for promoting good foot health. They're made with mild compression to help encourage blood circulation and have the brand's comfortable Stay-Up Top cuff to prevent the socks from rolling down. You can wear these Aoliks compression socks on the plane and your hikes; they're that versatile. The pressure provided on your legs helps with swelling and achy feet per the brand, which is especially helpful on long days of trekking up trails. One reviewer wears them on every flight, and said their legs no longer throb and they don't have restless leg syndrome. If your feet are prone to sweating, you'll want to throw on these compression socks made from a breathable and comfortable material. One shopper, who's on their feet for up to 15 hours a day working across as many as four flights, said these socks make it so their toes 'don't feel like they're going to pop off like little sausages.' They continued, 'And I can see my ankles. These are miracle socks.' Featuring a mix of nylon and spandex materials, these compression socks have a soft, stretchy feel that'll help keep your feet comfy and less swollen. The bottom comes with a non-slip design for extra stability, and the built-in heel cushion will add a layer of protection from blisters caused by shoes. One flight attendant called these their 'must-haves' for air travel, saying they noticed an immediate difference from the first wear, including their legs not being sore and feet not swollen. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
CNN
03-06-2025
- Health
- CNN
Some of our favorite items from Ostrichpillow are up to 25% off ahead of your next vacay
If you haven't heard, it's Summer Travel Week here at CNN Underscored. Our team is ramping up their packing lists, scoping out the best gear for long-haul flights and the like. But scoring some of our editors' favorite travel accessories doesn't mean you have to pay full price. The latest travel deals on our radar are from the editor-approved brand Ostrichpillow, with its biggest sale of the season taking up to 25% off pillows, eye masks and more. Ostrichpillow Original Napping Pillow Last spring, our associate editor, Jillian Tracy, got her hands on the Napping Pillow and was a fan of the distraction-free cocoon. It might look a little ridiculous at first, but we found that it's great for serious nappers and those who prioritize their sleep, especially at this rare low price. Read our review Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow The traditionalists out there are probably more interested in wearing one of our picks for the best travel pillow on their next flight. It's typically more of a splurge, but with this sale, you can save with a rare discount. Our senior deals editor Rikka Altland loves its memory foam and 360-degree support that helps keep long flights our review Ostrichpillow Bamboo Compression Socks After a health scare in 2023, compression socks became a part of my everyday routine. Even if you aren't told you need to wear them, they're great for promoting blood flow and preventing clots, especially when sitting for long periods. Outside of travel, they can be used when working from home or exercising. Ostrichpillow Light Versatile Pillow For something that can be used as a sleep mask-pillow hybrid, consider this lightweight circular model that can be used during your commute, lounging at home or even reading on a flight. It's significantly cheaper than its other pillows and is a great option for those on a budget. Ostrichpillow Eye Mask Ostrichpillow's eye mask offers complete darkness and a snug fit. You'll have no problem falling asleep with its soft eye cups and ergonomic design. After testing, it's better suited for all sleepers aside from those who prefer snoozing face-down. Read our review Ostrichpillow Mini Handy Pillow This is the slimmest build in Ostrichpillow's entire line. You can store it in the front pocket of your carry-on or slide it into your bag for convenience. The compact, yet casual design differs from the rest, and it's accessible for those just getting into the portable pillow space. During Sleep Week in early March, we had an exclusive deal with Ostrichpillow that offered 15% off its popular eye mask and Go Neck Pillow. This sale matches the previous discount on the neck pillow, while marking the eye mask down even further. The rest of the site is discounted by up to 25%, which includes rarely on-sale items like its Original Napping Pillow. With the school year winding down and summer travel picking up, snagging travel essentials for yourself and the family is a must, particularly with some of our favorite items on sale. Our deals team has over a decade of combined commerce journalism experience. Rikka Altland, Jacqueline Saguin and Elena Matarazzo source the deals for the day to curate one-offs and retailer-specific roundups of the best sales to shop. Searching everything from coveted tech sales to Lululemon finds of the week, the team works across a wide variety of categories to ensure they're finding the best buys for Underscored readers.
Health Line
16-05-2025
- Health
- Health Line
Should You Wear Compression Socks to Bed?
In most cases, a doctor will recommend removing compression socks before going to bed. But they may advise wearing them overnight if you have venous ulcers or are recovering from venous surgery. Compression socks are a type of compression therapy that works by applying gradual pressure to the legs, which can help improve blood flow and circulation. They're often used to help manage conditions like varicose veins, lymphedema, and deep vein thrombosis. Healthcare professionals usually recommend wearing compression socks during the day and removing them at night. Sometimes, they may also suggest wearing them overnight for a short period. However, it's important to note that very limited research has examined the effects of wearing compression socks at night. A healthcare professional can help you determine whether nighttime use is appropriate for you. Keep reading to learn more about the possible benefits and risks of wearing compression socks at night. Why are compression socks recommended for the daytime? Your body positioning during the day and night may affect how blood flows throughout your body. During the day, you're more likely to be in a vertical or upright position, such as standing or sitting, so gravity causes blood to move down toward your legs. If you have an underlying condition like varicose veins, your blood may not be able to circulate back up to your heart normally. This can cause blood to pool in your legs, causing swelling, pain, heaviness, and possible complications. Compression socks offer different levels of pressure throughout the leg, with the strongest at the ankle. This continuous, gradual pressure helps your blood flow back up to your heart. However, at night during sleep, you're most likely to be in a horizontal position. In this position, gravity has less of an impact, and the return blood flow back to the heart is usually stronger. As such, you may not need the extra support from compression socks to manage your blood circulation, even if you have a health condition like varicose veins. Are there benefits to wearing compression socks at night? Very limited research has examined the effects of wearing compression socks at night, but they may be beneficial for a short period in some instances. A 2023 review found that nighttime use was mainly used for a short period for people who had venous ulcers or after some invasive procedures, including: radiofrequency ablation varicose veins stripping phlebectomy People most often wore compression socks during the day and at night. The duration of nighttime use ranged from 1 week to 13 weeks, but the most common timeframe was 1 week. After this, daytime use only was recommended. Other research suggests that an ulcer stocking system may help manage venous ulcers. These special compression stockings are made up of two stockings, or layers: Understocking: This is the inside layer. It applies mild pressure, holds the bandage in place, and helps the outer layer slide over. The understocking can be left on overnight. Overstocking: This is the outside layer. It applies additional pressure and should be removed at night. Not all research recommends their use Despite these findings, not all research supports the possible benefits of wearing compression socks at night. A small 2022 study in 20 people compared the effects of wearing compression socks during the day or at night to manage edema, which is swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet related to fluid retention. At the end of the study, the researchers concluded that wearing compression socks at night had very few benefits. Although wearing them helped relieve swelling slightly, the swelling came back within 10 minutes of being awake. A 2024 study in 60 people who underwent endovenous ablation compared the effects of wearing compression socks for 7 days straight or only at night for 12 weeks. After 12 weeks, the researchers found no significant difference between the two groups. A healthcare professional can help you decide whether wearing compression stockings at night is recommended. Can daytime compression socks help manage nighttime symptoms? In most cases, compression socks are recommended to be worn during the day. This may help manage conditions in which symptoms can occur at night, possibly disturbing your sleep. These conditions may include: restless leg syndrome, especially during pregnancy obstructive sleep apnea asthma venous insufficiency What are the risks of wearing compression socks at night? In general, compression socks that fit properly are a very safe, noninvasive treatment method for managing lymphatic and venous conditions. Limited research has examined the possible side effects of wearing them at night, but possible side effects and complications have been identified for their general use. The most common side effects are skin problems, such as: irritation dryness itchiness pain discomfort discoloration In rare cases, compression socks may lead to some complications, including: allergic reaction to the compression sock material edema in the front of your foot and toes infections tissue damage or necrosis (skin cell death) nerve damage arterial impairment blood clots heart failure It's very important to ensure that your compression socks fit properly and that they're not too tight. A healthcare professional can help you choose and correctly size them. What can you do instead of wearing compression socks? If you wear compression socks during the day as prescribed by a doctor, you should be fine to take them off before bed. If you experience any discomfort, you may wish to consider: applying a fragrance-free moisturizer to help manage any skin symptoms elevating your legs above heart level to promote blood flow taking a short walk to promote blood circulation avoiding crossing your legs or ankles, as this may reduce blood circulation A healthcare professional can recommend other alternatives for you. Frequently asked questions How many hours a day should you wear compression stockings? Healthcare professionals recommend wearing compression stockings during the hours of waking up and going to bed. However, the exact time may vary depending on the underlying condition you have. Healthcare professionals recommend wearing compression stockings during the hours of waking up and going to bed. However, the exact time may vary depending on the underlying condition you have. Where does the fluid go when wearing compression stockings? Compression stockings help fluid and blood in your legs move back up to your heart. Compression stockings help fluid and blood in your legs move back up to your heart. Should you elevate your legs when wearing compression socks? Elevating your legs when wearing compression socks can further help improve blood flow and relieve symptoms like pain, swelling, and heaviness. Elevating your legs when wearing compression socks can further help improve blood flow and relieve symptoms like pain, swelling, and heaviness. How long does it take for compression socks to reduce swelling? They start to help as soon as the socks are put on. The timing for the full effects will depend on how much fluid is already in the legs. They start to help as soon as the socks are put on. The timing for the full effects will depend on how much fluid is already in the legs. The bottom line Compression socks are a type of noninvasive therapy that can help promote blood flow and manage lower limb swelling and pain. Most people only have to wear them during the day. But a doctor may recommend nighttime compression socks if you have venous ulcers or are recovering from an invasive treatment like radiofrequency ablation.
