What Are the Best Compression Socks for Edema?

Poor circulation can be uncomfortable at best and dangerous at worst. From throbbing feet to varicose veins, poor circulation can cause swelling and get in the way of your daily life. Thankfully, compression socks can help with edema to keep you feeling comfortable on your feet. Read on for everything you need to know about compression socks for edema.

What is Edema? 

Edema is the medical definition of swelling caused by excess fluid in the soft tissues. While edema can affect anywhere in the body, it is often noticed in the legs and feet. It can also happen to anyone, but is most often a side effect of certain medications, pregnancy, or general poor circulation.

As fluid builds up in the soft tissues in the body, edema can cause pain and mobility problems. You may notice puffiness under the skin in your arms and legs and your skin may even appear more shiny than usual. Your legs may feel heavy and uncomfortable and it can become difficult to walk.

Edema can also occur in the lungs, known as pulmonary edema, which can be much more serious. If you notice shortness of breath or are experiencing chest pain it’s worth checking in with a doctor ASAP.

Causes of Edema in Legs and Feet

Edema is extremely common, and there are many reasons that you may experience swelling in your legs and feet. Here are some predictable lifestyle factors and underlying health conditions that can cause edema. 

• Standing or sitting for long periods: Too much time spent without moving, like when traveling, can cause gravity to pull water down your arms, legs and feet, resulting in swelling. This is called dependent edema and is usually fairly mild.
• Consuming too much salt: Eating a diet rich in sodium can cause fluid build up throughout your body, including in your legs and feet.
• Pregnancy: A growing uterus can put excess pressure on the blood vessels in the lower body, causing edema in the legs and feet during pregnancy.
• Weakened valves: Known as venous insufficiency, this chronic type of edema is generally considered more serious. Damage to blood valves in the leg can cause fluid to pool in the lower limbs, resulting in swelling and discomfort.
• Certain medications: Some medications, like blood pressure drugs or steroids, can increase fluid retention leading to edema.
• Underlying health conditions: Some serious health issues such as heart, liver or kidney disease can cause edema. If you suspect a more serious cause for your swelling, make sure to see a doctor to rule out more dangerous conditions.

Compression Socks Can Take the Pressure Off

Once you’ve determined the cause of the swelling in your legs, it’s time to figure out ways to relieve the discomfort. Thankfully, compression socks for edema are a simple and accessible solution to help boost your circulation and relieve the symptoms of edema.

Graduated compression socks work by applying firm pressure to the lower legs that gradually tapers towards the knee. This helps provide support to the blood vessels in the legs, and prevents fluids from pooling and causing swelling.

While compression socks are a staple of long haul flights, the same benefits can be extended to daily life. Compression socks can be worn all day to relieve swelling, and are most effective when put on as soon as you wake up. 

When to See a Doctor

While most cases of edema are mild, it’s important to monitor your legs and feet to keep an eye out for more serious symptoms. If you notice pain, tingling or numbness in your legs or feet, a change in the color or temperature of your toes, or any wounds in your lower extremities, it’s extremely important to seek medical help.

While compression socks for edema can be a huge help to many people, don’t ignore potential symptoms of more serious health conditions. A doctor will also be able to help you choose the right level of compression for your legs, lifestyle, and severity of swelling.

Crazy Compression for Edema

While swelling in the legs and feet can be annoying and uncomfortable, the good news is that Crazy Compression’s range of compression socks can help relieve and support you all day long. With graduated compression socks for both men and women, Crazy Compression has a range of colors and prints to help you find comfort and express your unique style. There are even wide calf  compression sock options to help support those with any body type!

If you’re dealing with swelling in the legs caused by edema, then look no further than Crazy Compression socks for easy relief on the daily. Compression socks for edema are an effective way to prevent fluid pooling in your legs, and Crazy Compression makes getting a handle on your health fun and stylish!