What is the Correct Way to Wear Compression Socks?
In this article, we will answer the most frequently asked questions about how to wear compression socks correctly. Read on to find out: how to choose the best pair of compression socks, how to avoid side effects and discomfort, what is the right way to put on compression socks, and missteps to avoid.
How to Wear Compression Socks Correctly
To ensure you get the most benefits from wearing your compression socks, we first need to start with the basics: identifying the right size and pressure level of compression socks, understanding when and how to wear them, and how to care for them.
Choosing the Right Size of Compression Socks
Sizing is essential. If your compression stockings or socks are too large or loose, they will not apply the pressure that leads to the benefits you can get. They can also roll down and may cause an accident by bunching up and putting too much pressure in one spot. At the other end of the spectrum, if your socks are a size too small, they could cut off circulation and cause discomfort, even bruising or pressure necrosis.
Start off by measuring the circumference of your calf. At Vim & Vigr, we have a wide variety of sizes to accommodate between your shoe size and the size of the calf muscles. This allows runners and other athletes to find that perfect fit, which lets the sock hug the muscles to provide the benefits runners and athletes want.
Check out our sizing guide to find out more and to see what to do if you feel you’re “between sizes,” among other frequently asked questions.
Find your perfect fitting compression socks.
Selecting the Appropriate Compression Level of Compression Socks
The second crucial piece of choosing the correct compression socks is determining how the right level of pressure the socks need to apply to your lower legs. Compression socks work by gently squeezing the feet, ankles, and lower legs. Our Vim & Vigr collection is made up of graduated compression socks, which means they are tighter at the feet and slowly loosen up as they go up the leg. As a result, they stimulate blood flow out of the legs and towards the heart, which prevents blood from pooling around the ankles.
Since we offer three levels of compression pressures, you have the flexibility of starting with a low pressure and increasing as you feel comfortable, or depending on your medical condition:
- 15-20 mmHg - this is the entry level of compression, suitable for wearing everyday casually, at work, when traveling long distances, or when recovering from hard workouts;
- 20-30 mmHg - firm compression, usually prescribed or recommended by a doctor for patients suffering from blood clots, moderate edema, deep vein thrombosis, varicose veins, or pre- and post-surgery.
- 30-40 mmHg - our tightest socks, available on prescription only, to treat more severe conditions like DVT, lymphedema, or venous insufficiency.
When and How Long to Wear Them
If you have not worn compression garments before, it may take time to get used to the feeling of pressure. However, Vim & Vigr compression socks are made with high-quality, breathable, and flexible fabric, which gives you the comfort you need to ease into wearing compression socks. We recommend starting out by wearing them for 2-3 hours at first, then increasing the time gradually. Remember - comfort is essential! With practice, you can even wear compression socks for 24 hours at a time.
Is there a perfect time to wear your compression socks for the best results? That depends on what your needs are. If you sit or stand all day because of your job, travel, or medical condition, you can wear compression socks at any time to optimize your leg health.
As an athlete, you can benefit from compression socks during warm-ups before your run or practice. During your sport, you can also feel better support for your muscles and joints, as compression socks provide light support for your joints and help improve exercise performance. Finally, you can benefit from increased blood flow to the muscles to repair and replenish them after working out. The choice is yours!
To prevent blood clots and DVT on long flights, you can wear compression socks for the duration of your trip. Similarly, those who stand up a long time at work can wear these socks during an entire shift to prevent swollen ankles and sore feet. You can also enjoy a soothing massage to your muscles and increase blood flow by wearing your socks when you relax after work.
Soothe aching muscles in soft merino wool compression socks.
Daily Care and Maintenance
The final piece of the puzzle is caring for your socks so that you can enjoy them for longer. We recommend washing your socks after every wear on a gentle machine wash cycle, in cool water (less than 40 degrees C or 104 degrees F). Washing your socks regularly has been shown to help them continue to be effective by avoiding the breakdown of the material. If you are traveling, you can also hand wash your socks quickly and lay them out flat to air dry.
Always use regular detergent and do not add bleach or softener, as this can damage the fibers of your socks.
Common Issues and Solutions
If you pick the right material, size, and compression level for you, we are confident that you will feel comfortable and soothed in our high-quality items. However, you may encounter problems when trying to find the right compression sock - here is how to resolve the most common issues!
How to Prevent Skin Irritation While Wearing Compression Socks
Vim & Vigr compression socks are made with high-quality materials that are meant to soothe the skin and avoid any irritation. Our soft cotton is ideal for everyday use, while merino wool is known to be hypoallergenic and antibacterial, so it can be a perfect choice for those with sensitive skin.
To prevent bacteria buildup - which can lead to skin irritation - you should wash your socks regularly and always after every use. In the unlikely case that you have an allergic reaction, you should speak to a medical professional to find the right fabric for you. Finally, never wear compression socks on open cuts or grazes, this will help you avoid inflammation and infection.
Discover hypoallergenic merino wool compression socks.
Compression Socks Rolling Down or Bunching Up
If your socks fit well, they should never roll down, which allows them to be used all day. If you frequently need to pull up your compression socks or feel that they are too loose, that means you are wearing too big a size and need to size down.
Sometimes, putting compression socks on in a hurry leads to uncomfortable folds or “bunching up.” This is a result of not putting them on properly. To avoid this, follow our step-by-step guide for how to put on compression socks, including how to smooth them once they’re on.
Difficulty Putting On or Taking Off Compression Socks
Some people may find compression socks difficult to put on, for mobility reasons or simply because they have never put some on before. We always advise to follow these steps:
- Make a “sock puppet” with your hand inside the sock, grabbing the heel in your hand.
- While holding on to the heel, fold the top of the sock inside out, so that the top of the sock is folded against the ankle.
- Now hold on to the sock as if it was “regular” height and step into it.
- Ensure that your toes are firmly against the top end and that the heel is cradled properly in the heel cup.
- Unfold the sock gently up towards the part just under your knee, taking care to not leave any folding or bunching up.
- Smooth over any folds.
If you cannot bend down to step into your socks and roll them up, you may need to ask someone else to help you.
To take off your socks, always unfold them gently from the knee towards the ankle, then remove them as normal.
Explore open toe compression socks for the summer.
How Do I Know If My Compression Socks Are On Correctly?
There are key things to look for, to ensure you are properly wearing your compression socks so you can receive the benefits:
- They do not hurt. This is the first and most important. You should be able to wear your compression socks just like any other “normal” pair, without any pain. If you feel sore, it is because your socks either aren’t on correctly or they’re simply too small.
- They do not roll down or bunch up. As we mentioned above, your compression socks should be tight and smooth against the thing. This reduces the risk of rubbing, bruising, or simply not getting the benefit of compression.
- The toes and heels are well nestled into the sock. Make sure your toes align with the seams for the end of the sock. Similarly, ensure the heel is well nestled into the heel of the sock. This way, the socks should be holding the foot and applying pressure, which supports your arch and boosts peripheral circulation at the same time.
- The sock goes up to just under your knee. Well-fitting compression socks should cover your calf muscles and shins, stopping just underneath the knee. If they are shorter, they will cut off your circulation and hurt the lower legs.
How Far Up the Leg Should Compression Socks Go?
If you wear knee-high compression socks, these should always reach up to just underneath your knee. This ensures that they cover your calf muscles and shins, providing support for the muscles and improving the blood flow through the lower legs. Other compression garments like compression tights should go up higher and lay comfortably on your hips.
Is There a Wrong Way to Wear Compression Socks?
As long as your socks are the right size and compression level for you and you have put them on correctly (no bunching and your toes and heels are nestled in the extremities of the sock) you should be enjoying gentle pressure without pain or discomfort from them.
Improperly fitted compression socks can cut off circulation and hurt or bruise the lower legs. Typically, this happens if your socks do not go up all the way to just under the knee or if they’re simply too tight. You should stop wearing them immediately if this happens. Some people also experience itchiness and irritation, often because of bunching and rubbing. This is caused by socks that have not been smoothed properly against the skin or by a pair that’s too large.
References
Charles, T., Mackintosh, D., Healy, B., Perrin, K., Weatherall, M., & Beasley, R. (2011). Merino wool graduated compression stocking increases lower limb venous blood flow: a randomized controlled trial. Advances in therapy, 28(3), 227–237. Read it here.
Armstrong, S. A., Till, E. S., Maloney, S. R., & Harris, G. A. (2015). Compression socks and functional recovery following marathon running: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of strength and conditioning research, 29(2), 528–533. Read it here.
Lim, C. S., & Davies, A. H. (2014). Graduated compression stockings. CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association journal = journal de l'Association medicale canadienne, 186(10), E391–E398. Read it here.
Mota, G. R., Simim, M. A. M., Dos Santos, I. A., Sasaki, J. E., & Marocolo, M. (2020). Effects of Wearing Compression Stockings on Exercise Performance and Associated Indicators: A Systematic Review. Open access journal of sports medicine, 11, 29–42. Read it here.
Clarke, M. J., Broderick, C., Hopewell, S., Juszczak, E., & Eisinga, A. (2021). Compression stockings for preventing deep vein thrombosis in airline passengers. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 4(4), CD004002. Read it here.
Ivankovic, T., Rajic, A., Ercegovic Razic, S., Rolland du Roscoat, S., & Skenderi, Z. (2022). Antibacterial Properties of Non-Modified Wool, Determined and Discussed in Relation to ISO 20645:2004 Standard. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 27(6), 1876. Read it here.
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