How One Woman Tapped Into the Benefits of Compression Socks to Ease Her Lipedema
Learn what to look for when purchasing a pair
After enduring years of misdiagnoses, I finally discovered that the persistent swelling, pain and disproportionate fat accumulation in my legs were due to lipedema—a chronic condition affecting adipose tissue, or body fat. This revelation led me to explore various treatment options, including the use of compression therapy. And tapping into the benefits of compression socks has been a game changer when it comes to managing my condition.
“Individuals with fat disorders will feel sensations of fullness or heaviness before visible swelling appears,” notes David Amron, MD, founder and medical director of The Roxbury Institute. “If someone is experiencing these symptoms, wearing compression socks can be beneficial in preventing further progression.”
But these specialized garments play a crucial role in overall leg health beyond just easing lipedema symptoms. Here we break down the benefits of compression socks or stockings, plus how to use them properly and what to look for if you’re purchasing a pair.
Woman's World Answers
What are compression socks?
Compression socks are designed to improve circulation by applying graduated pressure to the lower limbs. The highest compression is at the ankles, and it gradually decreases up the leg.
How exactly do graduated compression socks work? The pressure they apply improves venous return, the process by which blood is transported back to the heart. By compressing the surface veins, arteries and muscles, these socks help blood flow through narrower channels, reducing blood pooling in the feet and legs.
4 benefits of compression socks
Considering donning a pair of compression socks? Here’s how they can improve your health:
They reduce the risk of DVT
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a serious condition in which blood clots form in deep veins, usually in the legs. Long periods of immobility, such as during flights, road trips or bed rest, can increase the risk of DVT. By improving blood flow in the legs, compression socks may help stop these clots from forming. In fact, a study in The Lancet suggests the socks cut DVT risk up to 63 percent.
They ease varicose vein pain
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that can cause discomfort and indicate underlying venous insufficiency. Compression therapy helps by improving blood flow and reducing venous pressure, which can alleviate symptoms and prevent the progression of disease.
Bonus: Regular use of compression socks also minimizes the appearance of spider veins and provides relief from associated aches and heaviness in the legs.
They soothe sore muscles
There’s a reason athletes are fans of compression socks. The graduated pressure aids in stabilizing muscle tissue and improving oxygen delivery during physical activity. Some studies suggest that wearing compression garments during exercise reduces muscle soreness and fatigue, potentially leading to improved performance in subsequent workouts.
They soothe POTS Symptoms
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and orthostatic hypotension are conditions characterized by significant drops in blood pressure upon standing, leading to dizziness and fainting. Compression socks mitigate these symptoms by promoting blood flow from the lower extremities to the heart, maintaining more stable blood pressure levels when changing positions.
How to get the benefits of compression socks
Using compression socks correctly is essential to avoid complications like skin irritation and discomfort. Ensuring the right fit and compression level—especially for individuals with conditions like diabetes or peripheral artery disease—requires consulting a healthcare provider.
“Compression socks are great tools to add to everyone’s wellness belts,” explains Jamie Chang, Marketing & Operations at Soxland. “There are three main factors to consider when purchasing compression socks for the first time: compression level, size and silhouette.”
The compression level is measured in millimeters of mercury, or mmHg. “Most people start with mild (8-15mmHg) or moderate (15-20mmHg) compression levels,” Chang says. “Higher compression levels (20+mmHg) are more common for medical use.”
Finding the right size compression socks
Because compression socks hug your legs and feet, sizing is important so that you feel comfortable with still getting the health benefits. “Brands should have size charts and be able to inform their customers on what shoe size and calf circumference their products fit,” Chang says.
Proper measurement is key—many brands use centimeters rather than inches. Compression socks also come in open- and closed-toe styles, with open-toe versions often providing more comfort for extended wear. If you have larger legs, finding a brand with a wide top is crucial to prevent circulation issues caused by thin bands digging into the skin.
Non-medical-grade compression socks provide more comfortable and stylish benefits for those who don’t require medical-grade compression socks all day. Dr. Motion, for example, offers trendy designs and even ankle compression socks, which can be difficult to find.
My experience with the benefits of compression socks
Initially, I used a prescription-based compression sock store, but found their options uncomfortable. I later switched to Medity Health, which offers high-quality, medical-grade socks with better sizing options.
To ease into wearing medical-grade socks all day, I started with a larger size, which made the adjustment period more manageable. Now, my preferred brands are Juzo and Mediven.
Compression socks have become my secret weapon when it comes to managing my lipedema. Sure, they may not always be the most fashionable accessory (though I love a fun pattern when I can find one!), but they work wonders for circulation and swelling.
If you’re on the fence about trying them, consider this your sign to give them a shot. Your legs will thank you—probably in the form of fewer aches and maybe even a little extra pep in your step.
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