Compression Socks - Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re thinking about trying compression socks for the first time, you will likely have plenty of questions to ask! Don’t worry. Compression wear can help benefit millions of people in their everyday lives. It’s essential to make sure you are entirely comfortable with the idea of compression socks and stockings before you get started!
As experts in compression wear design, we help thousands of people find the best fit and style of socks for their individual needs. Therefore, we’ve put together some of the most frequently asked questions we answer regularly. Take a look and see if your query is answered below! If not, you can always call or email our team for further advice.
How Can Compression Socks Help Me?
It's a common misconception that only certain types of people benefit from compression wear. If you regularly suffer from tired, aching legs and feet, suffer from swelling or poor blood flow, the right compression socks can help to ease stresses and strains.
Compression socks and stockings work by applying a certain amount of pressure to your legs and feet. As you wear them, your socks will gently encourage blood to flow back from your lower extremities towards the rest of your body. They will also help to disperse fluid build-up, too.
Compression socks are great for active people as well as for those who travel a lot. Ultimately, they are designed to help give your blood flow that little bit of an extra boost! We could all use a little bit of pressure occasionally, and even if you are fit and healthy, you may benefit from compression accessories.
Who Could Benefit From Compression Socks?
While, as above, anyone could stand to benefit from compression wear, we have various ranges of socks available to cater to specific needs and audiences. These include:
- People who have diabetes, who may be at risk of painful ulcers and swelling in the legs and feet, where blood can pool.
- Pregnant women, who suffer from swollen feet and ankles due to over-active vein control.
- People who regularly fly long distances, who are at risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
- Athletes and active people, those on their feet all day and putting pressure on their lower extremities.
- Similarly, people who stand up to work all day will benefit, too. These may include people who work in retail, medical professionals, haulage drivers and more.
- People who are recovering from surgery or specific injuries will need help to keep their blood flowing correctly. If they are laid up for long periods, blood may pool in their lower extremities.
Your specific needs will vary. The ranges of socks we provide allow you to go about your everyday life without fear of pressure ever getting in the way. For example, our sports socks are designed to be worn and used during vigorous exercise. Our pregnancy range is designed to accommodate for the changes you may experience during your nine months.
How Does It Feel to Wear Compression Socks?
Our socks are firm, yet comfortable to wear. After a short period, you won’t even notice them impacting your day at all! You may experience some tightness when you first wear them, though this is to be expected. If your compression socks are loose, they are not going to do their job correctly!
Like a good pair of shoes, compression wear will take time for you to ‘break in’. That means it may take a few days before you are completely comfortable. If you really don’t feel that our socks are for you, you should always get in touch with our team right away.
Why Is It Important to Measure for Socks?
You probably know your shoe size, but socks are measured a little differently. That is because they need to be as close a fit as possible to support your legs and feet. If your socks do not fit properly, they will not be applying the right amount of pressure for your needs.
What’s more, if your socks are wrinkled or creased when you put them on, they may be applying pressure to areas of your legs and feet which don’t need it. This means you will risk further aches and pains, and potentially injury if you continue to wear them this way.
How Should I Measure for Compression Socks?
Measuring for compression wear is nice and straightforward. You’ll need a tape measure to hand, and depending on the type of socks or stockings you purchase; you’ll need to take specific measurements.
If you are wearing knee-high socks, make sure to measure around your ankle. Then, measure around the widest part of your calf. If you want to wear pantyhose or other types of compression wear, you will need to measure your upper thigh.
Do make sure you take care when measuring for compression socks and stockings. As mentioned above, wearing ill-fitting socks could result in more pain and stress for you in the long run.
How Do I Put on Compression Socks?
To avoid wrinkles and creases, the way you put your compression socks on is very important, too. Here’s a quick guide on what to do to make sure your socks are always flat, crease-free and working their hardest.
- Clean and dry your legs and feet before putting socks on, and use talcum or baby powder for ease of dressing.
- Try and keep your socks or stockings as straight as possible when you are putting them on.
- Cover your foot up to your ankle in the sock and gently roll it backwards, making sure your heel is correctly in place.
- Keep rolling back and up your leg until the upper band is in a firm position, and that any toe bands are comfortably in place.
- To take your socks off, gently pull from the upper band and start to peel downwards. Make sure you do this in short, slow strokes, as this will prevent your socks from rolling up completely at the bottom.
Putting on and taking off compression socks is very important. By making sure you take proper care of your compression wear, you will stand to get more use out of them for the months to come!
How is Compression Wear Pressure Measured?
Our socks are arranged in terms of pressure. That means that certain people may benefit from more, others less. Compression is measured in millimetres of mercury, or mmHg. Everyday wearers without significant health concerns will benefit from lower levels of mmHg, while those suffering from extreme swelling or the aftermath of an injury may require much more.
How Much mmHg Will I Need?
The level of mmHg you need will depend on your individual circumstances. For example, people with diabetes and pregnant women may need a greater level of mercury pressure than those who are merely travelling, or who wear socks for everyday use.
Our advice is always to contact your doctor or medical practitioner to find out more about your specific mmHg needs. We always encourage you to see a medical expert for a consultation before buying any of our socks!
Can I Wear Socks Again and Again?
Yes! TXG socks and compression wear are designed for regular use over extensive periods. Simply follow the instructions provided to learn more on how to clean and care for your socks over time. If you wish to upgrade to different socks, you can. However, we have made sure all of our brilliant ranges are hard-wearing and comfortable for months and months of use and support.
Generally, you may not need to buy new compression socks more than once every six months. Your circumstances and use may vary, however.
Need Help?
If you need any more help with choosing the right compression socks for your needs, our team is always here to help. Email us directly at sales@txgsocks.com.au, or call us for help and advice now on 1800 455 994. If you’re new to compression wear and would like to know more about how it could benefit you, let us offer you a helping hand. We’re confident you’ll be able to find fantastic, soothing compression aids in our catalogue in no time.
Please note: The information provided here is for general information only and is not intended to act as medical advice. We advise anyone interested in this subject to seek qualified, professional advice.