Compression stockings

Compression stockings are long socks that fit tightly around the foot and lower leg. They are very popular among athletes. Older people also often wear them when they suffer from fluid in the legs. The positive effects of compression stockings are not always backed by scientific research.

How do compression stockings work?

Due to gravity, body fluid sinks towards the feet and lower legs. By moving or elevating the legs, this fluid is drained again and absorbed by the body. If this does not happen, or if you have an abnormality of the blood or lymph vessels, the fluid can accumulate and lead to symptoms.

Compression stockings support the drainage of fluid and the waste products it contains. They do this by, as it were, squeezing or pushing this fluid upwards towards the thighs, where the vessels are larger. The stockings are very tight at the ankle and the pressure gradually decreases towards the knee. This stimulates circulation in the lower legs.

What are compression stockings good for?

Many benefits are attributed to compression stockings. Some examples are:

• Supporting the blood circulation and the removal of waste products.
• Reducing swelling in the feet, ankles and lower legs.
• Preventing or reducing muscle soreness and tired legs.
• Damping vibrations of the lower-leg muscles during movement, resulting in fewer muscle and tendon injuries.
• Preventing thrombosis (blood clot) and varicose veins.
• Promoting recovery after exertion.

Who are compression stockings suitable for?

Many people can benefit from using compression stockings. There are many athletes who use them during or after exertion. They feel that it improves sporting performance or helps them to recover better. Whether this is really the case is still unclear to scientists. There may therefore also be a placebo effect. That means: the wearer of the compression stockings believes that they work and therefore experiences positive effects.

People who are less active, for example because they have a standing or sitting job, make a long (air) journey or are pregnant, can also benefit from wearing compression stockings. Compression stockings are available from sports shops or online in all sorts of trendy colours.

Support stockings

People who suffer from oedema (fluid accumulation), or an abnormality of the lymph or blood vessels, also wear compression stockings. In that case they are called support stockings. Wearing these support stockings therefore has a medical necessity.

Older people wear them regularly. Moreover, because of a condition or age, they often move too little. This worsens the problems. Because support stockings are so tight, the person wearing them often needs help to put them on and take them off. Support stockings are available in all kinds of sizes, but are also often custom-made. That way they provide the right pressure.