Are Compression Socks Effective?

Alain Tanbe, M.D., a fellowship-trained, board certified vascular surgeon with The Vascular Center at Mercy Medical Center, addressed questions from Health.com regarding the efficacy of compression socks for addressing certain vascular disorders. Below are his responses.

When should one consider wearing compression socks?

It is recommended to wear compression socks whenever you plan on sitting or standing for a long period of time. If you have signs of vein problems or swelling in the legs, it is recommended to wear them daily, all day long except when going to bed. It is also recommended to wear them while flying or during long car rides.

When should one avoid wearing compression socks?

The only time I would advocate against wearing them is if someone has advanced peripheral vascular disease.

How long should one wear compression socks?

Ideally, all day long, but mainly during the day when the legs are in a dependent position. Dependent edema (swelling that results from excess fluids trapped in body tissues) is caused by the effects of gravity and occurs when fluid pools in the lower parts of the body, i.e. feet, legs, or hands.

What should one look for when considering a pair of compression socks?

I would recommend knee high compression socks. I prefer those over the compression sleeves. You should also consider the level of compression. If you are wearing them prophylactically, I would recommend 15 to 20 mmhg. If you have signs of venous insufficiency (leg swelling, spider veins, varicose veins), I would recommend the 20 to 30 mmhg.

When should you see a doctor?

You should see a doctor if you have leg swelling, aching and throbbing at the end of the day, cramps at night, spider or varicose veins.

Recognized as a "Top Doctor" in Baltimore magazine, Dr. Tanbe treats disorders of the arteries and veins including peripheral artery disease, carotid artery disease, vascular blockages, diabetic vascular conditions and varicose veins. His interests include minimally invasive management of critical limb ischemia (CLI), carotid artery disease, aortic aneurysms and venous disease. Dr. Tanbe is a Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation (RPVI), evaluating the circulatory system and identifying blockages in the arteries and veins, and blood clots.