Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow Many Hours?Factors to ConsiderMedical ReasonsWearing Them a Long TimeWho Should Avoid Them?Wear Tips
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
How Many Hours?
Factors to Consider
Medical Reasons
Wearing Them a Long Time
Who Should Avoid Them?
Wear Tips
Compression socks help with blood flow. It’s usually all right to wear them all day, but check the label first or consult your healthcare provider for specific instructions. Most of the time, you can wear them comfortably for long periods of time, like during flights, to reduce swelling or reduce the risk of blood clots. Some brands suggest overnight wear.
Benefits include improving blood circulation, managing medical conditions like varicose veins, and reducing leg pain, fatigue, or swelling. While they’re generally considered safe, compression socks may not be right for everyone.
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How Many Hours Per Day Should You Wear Them?
Not all compression socks are made the same. Here are some factors to consider when choosing compression socks.
Type
The three main types of compression socks are:
If you’re unsure which type you need, talk to your healthcare provider.
What Do Compression Socks Do?
Compression Level
Compression levels vary. Compression levels or grades are:
Reason for Wearing Them
There are various reasons for wearing compression socks. These include medical reasons explored ahead but also non-medical reasons. For example, people who stand for many hours a day may choose to wear compression socks to reduce leg fatigue, aches, or soreness.
Considering your reason why will help determine which type is right for you and how long you can wear compression socks.
Day or Night Wear
Compression socks are typically worn throughout the day and taken off at night or while sleeping. Taking them off at night gives your legs a break.
Choosing the Best Compression Socks for Flying
Medical Reasons to Wear Compression Socks
People may need to wear compression socks for different medical reasons, including those that impact blood circulation, such as:
Compression socks do not cure medical conditions, but they help manage symptoms.
Do Compression Socks Really Work? Here’s What Experts Say
Can You Wear Them Too Long?
Compression socks are safe to wear for long periods of time, including long flights. However, wearing compression socks for too long may lead to discomfort,skin irritation, redness, itchingor skin damage from the pressure.
To help prevent issues, follow your healthcare provider’s instructions.
What Is a Healthcare Provider?
Who Should Avoid Wearing Them for a Long Time?
People withperipheral arterial disease (PAD)or artery narrowing should avoid wearing compression socks.
The following people should consult with their healthcare provider before considering compression socks to determine if any amount of time with compression socks makes sense:
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Tips for Wearing Compression Socks
Compression socks need to fit correctly in order to work properly. They should feel tight around your legs, with the most pressure being at your ankles and lightest being higher up your legs.
Here are some tips for wearing compression socks to consider:
The 7 Best Compression Socks, Tested and Reviewed
Summary
Compression socks help improve blood flow. They can be worn for long periods of time like during flights. There are different medical reasons and nonmedical reasons for considering compression socks. Other factors to consider include type, compression level needed, and personal preferences. Some people should not wear compression socks. Be sure to find the right fit and follow instructions.
9 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Mount Sinai.Compression stockings.Pedorthic Association of Canada.Benefits of compression socks.Lim CS, Davies AH.Graduated compression stockings.CMAJ.2014;186(10):E391-E398. doi:10.1503/cmaj.131281Oklahoma Heart Institute.What you need to know about compression socks.Kaiser Permanente.Compression stockings: How to use them.American Heart Association.Do you really need compression socks on long flights?Yale Medicine.Blood clots, varicose veins, and sore legs: Can compression socks help?American Family Physician.Compression stockings may reduce postthrombotic syndrome.Vein Doctors Sydney.How long should you wear compression socks.
9 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Mount Sinai.Compression stockings.Pedorthic Association of Canada.Benefits of compression socks.Lim CS, Davies AH.Graduated compression stockings.CMAJ.2014;186(10):E391-E398. doi:10.1503/cmaj.131281Oklahoma Heart Institute.What you need to know about compression socks.Kaiser Permanente.Compression stockings: How to use them.American Heart Association.Do you really need compression socks on long flights?Yale Medicine.Blood clots, varicose veins, and sore legs: Can compression socks help?American Family Physician.Compression stockings may reduce postthrombotic syndrome.Vein Doctors Sydney.How long should you wear compression socks.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Mount Sinai.Compression stockings.Pedorthic Association of Canada.Benefits of compression socks.Lim CS, Davies AH.Graduated compression stockings.CMAJ.2014;186(10):E391-E398. doi:10.1503/cmaj.131281Oklahoma Heart Institute.What you need to know about compression socks.Kaiser Permanente.Compression stockings: How to use them.American Heart Association.Do you really need compression socks on long flights?Yale Medicine.Blood clots, varicose veins, and sore legs: Can compression socks help?American Family Physician.Compression stockings may reduce postthrombotic syndrome.Vein Doctors Sydney.How long should you wear compression socks.
Mount Sinai.Compression stockings.
Pedorthic Association of Canada.Benefits of compression socks.
Lim CS, Davies AH.Graduated compression stockings.CMAJ.2014;186(10):E391-E398. doi:10.1503/cmaj.131281
Oklahoma Heart Institute.What you need to know about compression socks.
Kaiser Permanente.Compression stockings: How to use them.
American Heart Association.Do you really need compression socks on long flights?
Yale Medicine.Blood clots, varicose veins, and sore legs: Can compression socks help?
American Family Physician.Compression stockings may reduce postthrombotic syndrome.
Vein Doctors Sydney.How long should you wear compression socks.
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