Have you wanted to use compression socks, or are you in need of a pair? Do you think you need it because of your rigorous activities, occupation, pregnancy, or medical condition? If you say yes to any of these, you would need to learn about the basics of compression socks to know what best fits you and your needs.
1. What You Need to Know First
First up, compression hosiery like socks, stockings, and sleeves provide pressure to the lower extremities. This pressure fixes the dilated veins that are embedded within the muscle tissues. Dilated veins may cause different problems on the legs, such as, but not limited to
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Blood flow runs in a single direction in the blood vessels. When the vein dilates, the blood flow gets disrupted, meaning blood pools in the enlarged veins that trigger those mentioned. The root cause has to be treated to address the issue, which is the dilation of the veins.
The only way to address this is to apply outside pressure to the muscle tissues to constrict the dilated veins back to their average size. This is what compression socks do specifically and is the only suitable treatment.
2. Compression Level Chart
The most important thing to know when buying compression socks is the pressure. That is the primary feature that has to be determined by users or patients. The second most important perhaps is the length of the compression hosiery; these are knee-high, thigh high and tights.
So the measurement used for compression socks is mmHg which stands for millimeter per Mercury. This is the measurement used to determine pressure levels.
Here are the different pressure levels of compression stockings:
Use Per Level Of Compression Socks
For each compression level, there is a corresponding usage. You can’t just point a finger and say, “I think this extra firm compression will be better for my workout.” If you do that, you may put your health at risk,
Here is a guide that you can refer to for usage:
a.) 8 to 15 mmHg
This compression level is ideal for daily use. Compression is at the lightest level, safe but still not recommended for those with medical conditions.
b.) 15 to 20 mmHg
This is a more popular over-the-counter compression level of socks or stockings. The pressure level is perfect for certain activities. Still, it is not recommended for individuals with health problems without a doctor’s advice.
c.) 20 to 30 mmHg
This level of compression socks needs a prescription by a doctor or a health professional for guidance to the length of use, fitting, and type.
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d.) 30 to 40 mmHg
Compression level also needs to be prescribed by a health professional or a medical doctor.
e.) 40 to 50 mmHg
Same as the two previous compression levels, this is also prescribed by a medical doctor and has to be strictly supervised since the pressure level is exceptionally tight.
Note: If you have cardiovascular problems with diabetes or other medical conditions that can complicate your health when using compression socks, speak to your doctor before doing so to avoid health risks.
3. In Conclusion
Compression socks have different pressure levels for various uses and treatments. Over-the-counter compression socks, stockings, and sleeves are okay to be used if you don’t have any underlying medical condition. Don’t forget to refer to compression charts for you to be appropriately guided. Lastly, always speak to your doctor before buying a pair of compression hosiery to prevent health risks or medical emergencies.
Unisex
8-15 mmHg