The Science Behind Circulation Socks: We Break it Down

Compression socks are an effective way to boost the circulation in your legs, but how do they work? Whether you’re someone who sits or stands all day, flies frequently, or is an athlete, we’ll unpack the science behind circulation socks to help you understand why they may be a great choice for you.

What Are Circulation Socks?

Circulation socks, also known as compression socks or stockings, are a type of wearable garment constructed to provide firm, consistent pressure to the feet, ankles, and lower legs. They come in different lengths and levels of compression to suit your personal needs and preferences.

The best circulation socks are constructed with graduated compression, meaning that they are the most firm at the foot and gradually become less firm toward the knee. The main objective is to support and boost circulation in your legs, which can have a positive effect for a wide range of different health conditions and lifestyles. From reducing swelling and inflammation to simply improving daily comfort, circulation socks are an easy way to level up your leg health.

How Do Circulation Socks Work?

Your legs and feet are the farthest part of your body from your heart, so they are often the first place affected by poor circulation. While gravity does a good job of getting blood to your lower legs, it makes the return trip much harder! It’s the job of your veins to keep blood flowing, but if they become weakened they may not be able to get the blood moving. There are a range of medical and lifestyle factors that can impair this function, leading to swelling, pain, vein damage, or clots in the lower legs.

Compression socks work to support the circulatory system by optimizing blood flow and reducing stress on your veins. Think of them like a helping hand that picks up some of the slack when your veins aren’t at 100%. Circulation socks with graduated compression can prevent blood and fluids from pooling in the legs and feet, keeping your lower legs healthy and comfortable.

What Are the Benefits of Circulation Socks?

It’s clear that circulation socks can help boost blood flow, but what does this mean for your everyday experience? Here are some of the benefits of wearing compression socks:

Reduced Pain and Discomfort

Whether you have sore feet after a hard day at work or get restless legs after sitting for long periods, circulation socks can help keep your lower legs feeling more comfortable day in and day out.

Reduced Swelling

As blood and lymphatic fluids pool, you may notice swelling (edema) in your feet, ankles, and legs. Circulation socks help to prevent this, keeping uncomfortable swelling at bay.

Protect Against Blood Clots

Blood clots can be very serious, and those who sit or stand for long periods of time are at a higher risk. Circulation socks can help prevent blood clots for frequent fliers, those recovering from surgery, or people sitting at a desk all day for work.

Prevent or Treat Varicose Veins

Varicose veins and spider veins are caused by weak or damaged vein walls, and they are especially common in the legs. Circulation socks help to support the venous system, preventing or soothing venous ulcers, varicose veins, and spider veins.

Improve Muscle Recovery

Increased blood flow from circulation socks has been shown to help reduce the strain of intense exercise and improve recovery for athletes. For many top athletes, these socks are a secret weapon that keeps them a step ahead of the competition!

Who Can Benefit from Circulation Socks?

While healthy circulation is important for everyone, those with health or lifestyle factors that may affect blood flow will especially benefit from wearing compression socks. These include:

• Pregnant people
• Those with conditions affecting circulation, such as diabetes
• Athletes
• Wheelchair users or those on bed rest
• Airplane passengers or crew
• Those with lymphatic issues

How to Wear Circulation Socks

To get the most circulatory benefits from your socks, it’s important to wear them correctly. You don’t need to wear them overnight (unless advised by a doctor), but you should put them on first thing in the morning. This stops any swelling before it can even begin.

To put them on, roll them down to the toe, place the toe box over the end of your foot, and then roll up your leg. Your socks should be smooth from the foot to the knee with no bunching or creasing that could cause uneven blood flow.

Boost Your Circulation with Crazy Compression!

If you’re looking to add circulation socks to your daily wardrobe, then Crazy Compression should be your first stop! With graduated compression of 15-20mmHg, Crazy Compression circulation socks are specially designed to boost blood flow, support leg health, and keep you feeling comfortable day after day. And if you’re just looking for a little extra comfort throughout your day, we also have socks with mild compression that can keep you moving with ease. 

With a range of socks in neutral tones, playful patterns, and seasonal designs, there’s a pair of socks for any occasion. Crazy Compression makes circulation socks for men and women, and we even have a wide calf range for an accessible fit. Like all our socks, no matter your size or shape, you get the same premium construction and graduated compression from knee to toe. 

Take advantage of the science of circulation socks with Crazy Compression. Try them for yourself to reduce swelling, alleviate aches, and support your overall leg health today!