Yes!
That’s the short answer. Here is the long answer.
Why Do I Need My Socks To Squeeze Me?
Compression socks come from a long line of socks that were made to keep people healthier. Way back in the early 20th century, a German Tool and die maker invented the modern toothbrush. What does this have to do with socks? That inventor of the modern toothbrush happened to have venous insufficiency. His legs were swollen, painful, and varicose veins caused him a lot of pain.
He and one of his colleagues perfected an idea that had been tossed around for hundreds of years by doctors all over the world. They developed a stretchy fabric garment that looked a lot like pantyhose, and they made them incredibly supportive of the tissues of the legs. They called them TED hose.
“I bet his name was Ted.” You might be thinking.
Nope! His name was Conrad. His partner’s name was Otto.
Their TED hose were custom-made for people who had bad leg veins. Venous insufficiency, throughout history, caused a lot of swelling and pain. The new Thrombo-Embolism-Deterrent hose was just the ticket to relieve lots of pain, reduce swelling, and prevent varicose veins. They made Conrad’s life a lot better, along with countless people who would have their lives literally saved by this unique invention.
TED hose also prevents blood clots from forming in the calves of people who are on bed rest after an injury or surgery. Death from a sudden blood clot was an unavoidable death sentence for legions of people until the TED hose came along. TED hose are now a standard precaution that doctors prescribe all over the world to prevent untimely death.
Will My Socks Squeeze Me Too Hard?
Your compression socks are kind of like a 3rd or 4th generation version of the TED hose. Inventors took the very good idea of compression stockings, reworked the places where they squeeze the feet and legs, and then dialed the compression down a few notches. They then started making compression socks in cool colors, and in different lengths. Now, we all have socks that give us a bit of a massage all day, while we work out… or just work.
They still help prevent varicose veins and spider veins. They also prevent swelling of the ankles, feet, and lower legs. Compression socks allow us to work longer hours with less foot and leg pain after we go home at night. Conrad could have never imagined just how smart his socks would eventually become.
You might ask, “how long should you wear compression socks?” Since the compression isn’t incredibly tight, you can safely wear compression socks for a full workday of 8 to 12 hours. If you have opted to get some higher compression socks, which are available without a prescription up to a degree. Very high compression socks and stockings still require a doctor’s prescription, because they can potentially pinch off circulation if they are not properly fitted and maintained.
What Else Should I Know About My Smart Socks?
Compression socks start to lose their compression after six months of wear, so they should be replaced at that time, for optimal use. If you suffer any kind of tingling in the toes or feet or feel numbness, remove your socks and reassess the situation. If it helped, consider that your socks are too tight. Choose a larger size or socks that don’t have as much compression.
Launder your compression socks as directed on the label, tag, or package. The high heat from gas or electric dryers might cause elastic fabrics to degrade more quickly than if they are left to air dry. You might get longer wear from your compression socks if you choose to air dry them instead of using a drier.
