Introduction
Have you ever experienced stiffness in your calves or entire legs from not moving for long hours? Or perhaps you might have a health issue, such as varicose veins, that bring discomfort and ache to the lower half of your body?
Whatever your condition may be, it might be useful to try and wear compression socks. These socks come at various lengths to be able to provide you comfort, whether needed up until the knees or the thighs.
This article will cover everything about Compression Socks for Men, including:
- What compression socks are,
- How they differ from regular socks,
- The difference between those for men and women,
What are compression socks?
Compression socks are uniquely designed for compression therapy. This means that they are manufactured to be able to provide gentle pressure to your feet, ankles and legs with the purpose of promoting improved blood flow from the legs to the heart, and vice versa.
What is the difference between compression socks and normal socks?
Normal socks are usually worn for warmth and as part of one’s attire when they need to go out or travel. They are not designed for any medical benefits and do not perform the same way as compression socks do.
Compression socks are capable of various health benefits due to the way they are designed. Several examples are as follows:
- Reduce pain and swelling,
- Boost circulation,
- Support the veins and prevent blood pooling in them,
- Prevent venous ulcers and development of deep vein thrombosis.
How does the pressure from compression socks help improve circulation?
As they apply pressure to your ankles and calves, or thighs as well if you are wearing thigh-high socks, this can reduce the diameter of major veins by increasing the volume and velocity of blood flow which, therefore, helps blood flow easier towards the heart. This also helps prevent blood from moving backwards.
Are there different levels of compression?
Yes.
It is important for you to understand the purposes of every level as wearing the wrong one could bring more harm than benefit.
The compression level is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Each level comes at a range of two numbers; the lower number represents the measurement of the loosest part of garment while the higher number represents the compression level at the tightest part of the sock.
The levels are as follows:
1. Light Compression: 8-15 mmHg
This level is the lowest compression level and is, therefore, suitable for mild conditions such as minor swelling and discomfort in the legs, possibly caused by hours of standing or sitting.
2. Mild Compression: 15-20 mmHg
Being an over-the-counter compression strength that is commonly available in pharmacies and drugstores, this compression level is typically recommended for first-time wearers. It is suitable for preventing swelling or aches in the legs and varicose veins.
3. Medium Compression: 20-30 mmHg (Medical Grade Class I)
This is an optimal compression level for muscle recovery from fatigue due to athletic training, but it is also optimal for treating slightly more serious health symptoms, compared to minor swelling or aches.
These symptoms include severe edema, lymphatic edema, orthostatic hypotension, active ulcers, among others.
4. Firm Compression: 30-40 mmHg (Medical Grade Class II)
This is typically recommended for post-surgical patients. This levels is quite high for treating slightly more severe health symptoms, including severe edema, orthostatic hypotension and superficial thrombophlebitis.
5. Extra Firm Compression: 50-60 mmHg (Medical Grade Class III)
This can only be acquired from a doctor’s prescription, due to its strong compression level. This level is for treating severe health symptoms, such as acute lower body swelling, severe varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis.
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Can men and women wear compression socks?
Yes.
Men and women of any age can wear compression socks. However, the level of compression needed will vary upon each individual’s needs and health condition.
What is the difference between men’s compression socks and women’s?
The main difference will be the length and size of the compression socks.
Men’s compression socks are slightly longer than women’s and have a larger feet size. However, it is not uncommon for tall women to use men’s compression socks nor for shorter men to wear women’s compression socks.
Why should men wear compression socks?
Asides for medicinal purposes, such as post-surgery, men can wear compression socks for work, sports or leisure.
Work
Desk jobs require sitting for long hours; if you are the type of person who uses a standing desk, then it will be standing for long hours. The problem is that this can affect your blood circulation, especially if you do not get a lot of movement. This is where compression socks can be useful.
If your job is more labor-intensive, compression socks can still be useful in maintaining your blood circulation to minimize blood clots and aches.
Sports
Engaging in athletic or physical activities, whether it is running or lifting, can bring strain to the muscles, including your legs even though it may not be targeting them as part of your workout for the day.
Muscle soreness or aches that can occur after the exercise can go away sooner with the help of compression socks, or even compression sleeves, due to the assisted boost in blood circulation, which can help remove lactic acid quicker.
Leisure
Lastly, for leisure which includes traveling, compression socks ensure your blood circulation is maintained while you remain stationary during the ride to your destination.
Are there any side effects of wearing compression socks?
Several side effects include:
- Skin irritation or redness – Possibly due to being allergic to the sock material, an existing skin infection, or the socks not fitting properly.
- Discomfort; nerve damage; lessened blood flow – Possibly due to the socks being too small or at a compression level that is higher than required.
What brand of compression socks is recommended?
Our socks deliver instant relief from any swelling or discomfort in the legs. They also are made of the highest quality, so rest assured that a pair of ComproGear Compression Socks are not thin nor cheap and even provide moisture-wicking features to keep your feet and legs dry.
If you want to wear your compression socks for work or leisure, you can! Our socks are stylish, fashionable and currently are available in six different designs for you to choose from.
Lastly, should you ever need to return your socks or exchange it for a different size, we provide 100% money back guarantee.
Conclusion
Compression socks are great for maintaining proper blood circulation in our feet and legs. Men can wear these socks on a daily basis for work, sports, leisure or specifically for medical purposes. However, it is most important to understand what compression level suits you; get the right fit, size and length of compression socks; follow instructions for putting them on and removing them; adhere to your doctor or professional healthcare’s consultation on when and how long to wear them; and monitor any skin changes or discomfort while wearing compression socks. Lastly, try out ComproGear’s compression socks today for improved leg health!
References
- “What to Know About Compression Socks and Stockings,” Healthline, 2019
- “What Level of Compression Socks Do I Need?,” Comrad, 2020
- “ComproGear Compression Socks,” ComproGear, 2020