It is undeniable that compression socks can do wonders in relieving pain and reducing swelling and can be of immense help in recovery and therapy. It has a significant part in the administration of venous problems like venous ulcers and the prevention of thromboembolic infection of the deep veins in the legs.
Although the use of compression socks may not seem to pose any danger, using support socks that are inappropriate for your medical condition may have an adverse effect on your health. These are the things you need to be cautious about before considering getting a pair of compression socks.
1. How Compression Stockings Work
Compression or support socks are made of an elastic material to apply pressure on the legs. As pressure is being applied, dilated veins get constricted with the help of muscle tissues. When dilated veins are back to their average size, blood flow gets corrected, and with this, many symptoms such as swelling, pain, muscle weakness, and many others are addressed.
On the other hand, compression socks, stockings, and sleeves have different pressure levels, and every level is designated for a specific medical condition. Compression socks with the lowest pressure level can be used without prescription with the choice of graduated pressure level or stationary.
2. Can Compression Socks Cause Health Problems
A supposed medical treatment intended to cure should not pose any danger so long as it’s administered or used correctly. However, individuals and sometimes medical practitioners commit mistakes in using or applying treatments and medications.
According to a study released by the American Journal of Nursing, compression socks and/or stockings were incorrectly used on 29% of patients. And about 26% of patients were ill-fitted with the same support garment.
This is why product instructions and doctor’s supervision are essential to follow due to adverse effects.
3. Side Effects of Compression Socks
As mentioned, if compression sleeves, socks, or stockings are misused, it may cause some medical problems. And here are some of the possible adverse effects when using support socks:
4. Can Wearing Compression Socks Cause a Blood Clot
There is a more serious adverse effect in wearing compression socks: blood clotting. For this reason, wearing the right fit is necessary because this is a dangerous health risk.
When you wear compression socks that are too tight to the point that blood cannot flow properly, a blood clot can occur, thus causing deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Wearing ill-fitted compression socks for more than 24 hours can further aggravate the situation.
Best Practices
You can always avoid the harmful effects of compression socks by doing these simple things.
Finally, remember that all it takes is for you to be well-informed on proper use and how to care for your socks. If done correctly, you will surely avoid any unnecessary medical problems that can occur when using compression socks.
Unisex
8-15 mmHg