Compression Socks

Choosing and wearing compression socks

The range mixes ribbed, patterned and sheer styles in Male, Female and Unisex fits. Alongside the brands above you will find Credalast® Comfort, Varisan® Fashion for Man, Solidea® Socks for You, Solidea® Miss Relax, SupCare Womens and SupCare Unisex. The questions below cover classes, sizing, wear and washing.

What do compression socks actually do?

Compression socks squeeze the lower leg with graduated pressure, firmest at the ankle and easing towards the knee. That pressure is designed to support blood flow back up the leg. Medical classes are designed for the management of varicose veins, mild oedema and tired, aching legs. Lighter support socks may help legs feel less tired after long days sitting or standing. They are everyday support wear, not prescribed medical compression. For long trips there is a separate range of flight compression socks.

How many hours a day should compression socks be worn?

Compression socks are usually put on in the morning and taken off at night, so they are worn through the waking day. Morning is the time to do it, before any swelling builds. They are not usually worn in bed. If compression has been prescribed by a clinician, follow their advice on compression level, style and fit.

Who should avoid wearing compression socks?

A GP, nurse or pharmacist should decide whether compression socks are right for someone with a medical condition. Compression hosiery may not suit people with diabetes, circulation problems, reduced sensation, fragile skin, heart failure or a diagnosed vascular condition. They should get advice before wearing it.

This matters more at the firmer end, such as UK Class 3. Sudden swelling, severe pain, skin changes, shortness of breath, or symptoms that are new, worsening or unexplained all need medical advice.

How much compression should socks have?

It depends on what the sock is for, and for a medical reason a GP, nurse or pharmacist should set the class. Pressure is quoted at the ankle in mmHg. The class number alone does not tell you the pressure, because socks here are made to different standards: British Standard, RAL and EU. A UK Class 2 sock is 18-24mmHg. A RAL Class 2 sock is firmer. So check the standard on each product page. Many support styles here, from Solidea® Stripe Game and SupCare, are 15-21mmHg, and the lightest sock in the range is 12-15mmHg.

How do I measure for compression socks?

Measure round your ankle and your calf in centimetres, first thing in the morning, then match the figures to the size chart on the product page. Swelling is lowest early in the day, so the numbers are truest then. Some charts also ask for the length from the floor to just below the knee, and a few use shoe size. Charts differ between brands, so one brand's size may not match the same size in another. Always check the size guide before ordering. Correct fit is important for comfort and effective compression.

What is the difference between compression socks and compression stockings?

The main difference is length: compression socks stop below the knee, while compression stockings also come in thigh length. The words overlap in UK shops, so some socks here are sold as below knee stockings, such as duomed® soft. Below-knee is the length most people wear. It is easier to put on and tends to stay in place. Thigh length or tights are used where support is needed higher up, as a clinician advises. Longer styles are under compression stockings.

What is the easiest way to put on compression socks?

Put them on first thing in the morning, before swelling builds, and use a donning aid or rubber gloves for the firmer classes. Gloves give your hands grip on the knit, so you can ease it up the leg in stages. Take off rings first and mind your nails. Both can snag fine knits such as the sheer styles. Frames and slides are in application aids.

How should compression socks be washed?

Wash them as the label says, because care differs between brands. Most take a gentle wash at around 30°C to 40°C with mild detergent, or a hand wash.

• Skip fabric conditioner and bleach
• Dry flat, away from direct heat
• Avoid the tumble dryer unless the label allows it
• Wash after each day's wear to lift skin oils and creams

The compression fades with wear and washing. A pair is commonly replaced every 3 to 6 months, and two pairs let one dry while you wear the other.