The Best Compression Socks for Elderly Folks: What to Know (2024)

Socks are a standard part of most people’s wardrobe. Unlike regular socks, compression socks boost circulation, reduce inflammation, and prevent the buildup of fluids in the lower legs. Well-designed compression socks are snug, feel lightweight and energizing, and are extremely comfortable to wear.

This is all great news for seniors, who are more likely to suffer from blood clots, leg swelling, and problems with circulation. In this post we address how the best compression socks for elderly folks can help seniors stay active and full of energy because, hey, age is just a number!

Top Benefits of Compression Socks for Elderly People

Well-designed compression socks come with a host of benefits that make seniors feel better every day.

Improve Circulation

Seniors are at greater risk for developing deep vein thrombosis (a type of blood clot), post-thrombotic syndrome, and chronic venous insufficiency (this is when the veins in your legs have poor circulation), especially after surgery. While blood clots can develop anywhere in your body, they tend to concentrate in the lower legs and thighs.

The gentle pressure of graduated compression socks improves blood flow to your heart and lungs, which means blood isn’t pooling and then clotting.


Reduce Swelling

Many seniors already know that the buildup of fluid that causes swelling in the lower legs can be extremely uncomfortable and even painful. Lymphoedema is a common condition in which the lymphatic system doesn’t function properly on its own, resulting in excess lymph fluid in your legs and arms.

While elevating your legs may bring some relief, compression garments make a huge difference in everyday comfort level. Why? Because the best compression socks for elderly folks are specially designed to gently push fluid up the leg and toward the heart. Functioning a little bit like a pump, compression socks ensure that all that excess lymph fluid isn’t building up in your ankles and lower legs. That’s why picking the right compression level for you is important: seniors can talk to their doctors about whether mild, moderate, or high-level compression socks will do the most to make you feel better.

Relieve Symptoms of Varicose Veins

One of the most widespread conditions affecting American seniors is chronic venous insufficiency, which occurs when veins malfunction and cause blood to reflux back into the vein rather than flow on smoothly to the heart. After time, this refluxing of blood leads to the swelling of the vessels, which then leads to permanent vein damage. Ultimately, this can result in the condition known as varicose veins, when veins are twisted and visible just beneath the skin. Aside from making people feel self-conscious about showing their legs in public, varicose veins are an uncomfortable problem to deal with, causing aching and cramping.

While there’s no cure for varicose veins, it’s fortunate that there are ways to help seniors feel better. Experts recommend compression socks for elderly people who suffer from varicose veins because they not only ease existing symptoms but can help prevent the condition from getting worse. By supporting healthy blood flow with consistent pressure in the legs, compression socks relieve pain, discomfort, and inflammation. It’s particularly helpful to wear compression gear during the day, when standing or sitting upright, so that your legs feel lighter and more comfortable.

Inspire Seniors to Stay Active

Gear aside, one of the most effective ways of improving circulation and reducing inflammation is by staying active. In fact, research shows that just 20 minutes of moderate activity, like fast walking, not only helps regulate inflammation, but also boosts immunity, reduces pain, and improves mood. While sitting too long is unhealthy, the older Americans get, the less they exercise. Many seniors are either not getting enough exercise or are completely inactive.

A major reason for reduced workouts among the elderly? Discomfort, fatigue, and cramps during exercise. Thankfully, compression gear is engineered specifically to target those concerns. The surprising benefits of exercising in compression socks can encourage seniors to stay active:

  • Reduces fatigue and soreness. By delivering more oxygen and nutrients to your muscles during exercise, compression garments reduce soreness and tiredness.
  • Boosts muscle recovery. If your legs feel achy after exercise, compression socks can make a world of difference to speeding up post-workout recovery so that you’re back on your feet sooner.
  • Enhances comfort. Well-designed compression socks for elderly are breathable and lightweight, meaning that your legs and ankles stay supported throughout your routine, which makes exercise easier.

Promote Health and Wellbeing

Getting older doesn’t have to be a drag! There’s too much to see and do to let leg circulation problems hold you back from exercising, playing, and traveling. The best compression socks for elderly folks make a proven difference in alleviating symptoms of deep vein thrombosis and varicose veins, while helping you feel your best. Crazy Compression socks are thoughtfully designed for everyone who wants to have healthy legs while also looking stylish no matter where life takes you.

The Best Compression Socks for Elderly Folks: What to Know (2024)

FAQs

What should you look for when buying compression socks? ›

Compression socks should fit snuggly around your lower limbs and feet but should not feel as if they are constricting you from moving in anyway. The fabric should be breathable and shouldn't make your skin sweat.

Are compression socks safe for the elderly? ›

For senior citizens who need assistance with blood circulation in their lower extremities, have certain chronic health issues, or feel that their legs and feet are constantly tired, compression socks are the answer.

What is the number one brand for compression stockings? ›

The LEVSOX 20-30 mmHg Compression Socks for Women and Men met all these requirements when we tried them ourselves, so we've selected them as our best overall pick. The fit, feel, support, and value were all perfect. They weren't hard to wear; they were about as snug and flexible as tights or leggings.

How do I know what level of compression stockings I need? ›

A good rule of thumb to follow is: 15-20 mmHg: Great for daily wear, travel, and sports. They help improve circulation without being too tight. 20-30 mmHg: Great for sports recovery, daily wear, medical recovery, and to manage mild symptoms of varicose and spider veins.

Is there a downside to wearing compression socks? ›

Breaks in the skin — Inappropriately worn compression socks, especially in older, malnourished patients and those with thin, brittle skin creates uneven pressure distribution that can lead to breaks in the skin.

How many hours a day should you wear compression stockings? ›

Taking care of your compression socks

You can wear your compression socks all day by putting them on when getting dressed in the morning, and take them off before bed (unless your doctor advises otherwise).

What is the alternative to compression socks for the elderly? ›

Elastic wraps: In specific cases, your doctor might recommend specialized elastic wraps as an alternative to stockings, although their effectiveness and convenience generally fall short compared to graduated compression stockings.

Who Cannot wear compression socks? ›

If the top of the stocking at the thigh or calf is too tight, it can create a tourniquet effect. This actually blocks or slows your blood flow. You shouldn't wear compression socks if you have severe peripheral artery disease (PAD) because it makes the blood vessels in your legs narrow, reducing your blood flow.

What is the difference between class 1 and class 2 compression stockings? ›

Class 1 stockings (light compression) exert an ankle pressure of 14–17 mmHg. Class 2 stockings (medium compression) exert an ankle pressure of 18–24 mmHg. Class 3 stockings (high compression) exert an ankle pressure of 25–35 mmHg.

Are Bombas compression socks worth the price? ›

Bombas socks feel worth the money to me. I love how comfortable they are, I love that I never get blisters when I wear them (even if I'm breaking in a new pair of sneakers). I wear them constantly and years later all of my Bombas socks are still in great shape… they are durable and the quality is great.

Does Medicare pay for compression stockings? ›

Original Medicare does not recognize compression socks/stockings as durable medical equipment (DME) and therefore does not provide coverage for the legwear. However, some Medicare Advantage plans provide some coverage for over-the-counter medical expenses, which may include compression socks and stockings.

Are Dr. Scholl's compression socks good? ›

The compression level is just right – not too tight, yet offering substantial support. Whether I'm at work or engaging in athletic activities, these socks have proven their worth by significantly reducing fatigue and enhancing my overall comfort. The quality of these socks is truly commendable.

Where does the fluid go when wearing compression stockings? ›

The leg can be so edematous (swollen) that once the sock is on, it will squeeze fluid out of the tissue to above the sock. When the circumference of the leg covered by the sock is reduced, the squeeze becomes less and the remaining fluid in the leg remains.

How do you know if compression socks fit right? ›

They should not be too tight as to feel uncomfortable after a while, but not so loose that they feel like any other pair of socks. How tight is subjective, but if you follow the size guide you will get a compressive fit that will end up helping your legs and feet feel much better at the end of the day.

Do you need a prescription for 20/30 mmHg compression socks? ›

Compression stockings of 20 mmHg or higher need to be prescribed by a physician. They are used for the treatment of various medical conditions, and should be used under the supervision of a doctor.

What does 20/30 mmHg mean in compression socks? ›

Millimeters of mercury is a measurement of pressure, which is also used in locating one's Blood Pressure. 10-20mmHg= Good for people who stand a lot during work or have swelling or there good to wear during airplane flights. 20-30mmHg= Moderate swelling & this amount really helps with varicose veins from forming.

What do the numbers mean when buying compression socks? ›

Support compression stockings are made available in multiple compression support levels. Most commonly compression support stockings come in mild (8-15 mmHg), Medium (15-20 mmHg), Firm (20-30 mmHg), X-Firm (30-40 mmHg) gradient compression levels.

What is the difference between 8 15 mmHg and 15 20 mmHg compression socks? ›

The higher the mmHg, the more pressure the socks will provide to you. The levels go from mild compression to more intense styles with a chart that works like this: Mild or Everyday: 8-15 mmHg. Medium or Sport: 15-20 mmHg.

What is a good pressure for compression socks? ›

There is evidence that high-compression stockings (30–40 mm Hg) are effective. Generally, the highest level of compression (20–60 mm Hg) that the patient can tolerate is likely to be the most beneficial. However, lower compression can be used for milder lymphedema or general leg edema.

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