All You Need to Know About Therapeutic Socks

The humble sock is more than a means to keep your feet protected, warm and dry. The right pair of socks can also help you get relief from pain or provide the perfect support during an activity.  Surprised, are you? Then it’s time you discover about therapeutic socks and what makes them so useful.

What Are Therapeutic Socks?

Therapeutic socks are a specific variety of socks that extend specific benefits to the wearer. Unlike their regular counterparts, which may be wore for fashion, occasion or utility, therapeutic socks are recommended either for providing relief or stimulating circulation in specific body parts.

The two main categories to be considered here are:

01Compression Socks

Compression Socks, as the name suggests, are so designed to provide the required pressure or grip to the ankle and feet. Typically used by athletes, compression socks have a snug fit and they help regulate the blood circulation between your legs and feet. Other benefits of these socks include prevention of blood clotting, relief from swelling, sores, and blisters.

Key features –

• Arch support which reduces leg and foot fatigue, mild compression for swollen feet and legs, cushioning in the heel and toe for extra comfort.
• Moisture wicking properties and anti-microbial finish to keep feet fresh and dry.

Compression socks have varying levels of pressure. One type is graduated socks which have a very high level of compression at the ankle. This gradually reduces towards the top. Such socks are designed for mobility. When their length ends below the knee, they help reduce lower leg swelling. When such socks extend up to the thigh or waist, they help limit orthostatic hypotension.

For serious medical conditions like Deep Vein Thrombosis, a key element involved in treatment is use of specialty anti-embolism socks. These are recommended especially after surgery. As our movements are restricted after any such medical procedure, there are chances of blood clotting in the legs or feet. Anti-embolism socks prevent this from happening are enable regular blood flow.

02Diabetic Socks

Diabetic Socks, on the other hand, are designed as comfort wear and provide relief to the feet. They are usually loose-fitting in nature and give sufficient room for toe movement and ‘breathing’. They are also designed with moisture wicking to keep the feet dry and eventually free of skin infections. For diabetics, even the slightest of wounds can prove critical, and hence their socks are often provided with padding at the heel to avoid injuries.

Key features –

• Soft, non-binding top that gently conforms to you legs and won’t restrict circulation.
• Smooth, comfortable toe seam reduces irritation on sensitive skin.
• Cushioned on the bottom to protect feet.

Who Needs to Use Therapeutic Socks?

Therapeutic socks are not exactly a trend but more of a medical recommendation. They are useful for several categories of people who want to get relief from pain and improve their health. Such people include senior citizens, pregnant women, and patients recovering from post-surgery. They provide relief to athletes and sportspersons as well. Nurses, line workers, pilots, and flight attendants depend on these compression socks. They are useful for even common people who love to go to the gym and are involved in physical fitness activities.

How Are Therapeutic Socks Made?

Therapeutic socks are stretchy and washable, offering a snug fit in specific places. These socks are crafted out of a variety of materials, such as cotton, spandex, nylon, and other elastic fibres. Their softness, elasticity, and thickness depends on the combination of the fibres used to construct them. They are designed to be of various sizes and heights, such as thigh-high, knee-high, and full-leg. These socks are usually made using soft yarns.

Soft Yarns –

Diabetic socks are often made from finer texture fabrics that feel super soft against the skin. Bamboo fibers are an excellent option that reduce rough abrasion and shear forces on the skin.

Compression stockings are constructed using elastic fibers or rubber. These fibers help compress the limb, aiding in circulation. Compression stockings are offered in different levels of compression. The unit of measure used to classify the pressure of the stockings is mm Hg.

Benefits of Therapeutic Socks

Therapeutic socks offer several benefits, such as:

In Conclusion

Therapeutic socks can help you to get relief from pain and swelling in your legs. Whether you are suffering from a medical condition or need to improve -your blood circulation, these socks can be of much use to you. So, go ahead and say goodbye to pain and discomfort with therapeutic socks.