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Medical compression therapy applies a graduated controlled pressure on the leg that helps squeeze the vein walls together, pushing the blood back to your heart.

Compression therapy improves blood circulation, reduces swelling by keeping the leg contained, and provides relief from pain and other vein symptoms.

Medical compression can be applied in different pressure degrees, forms, styles and materials based on the symptoms and needs of individuals.

Compression socks can be beneficial for many conditions. Your healthcare practitioner may recommend you wear compression socks for:

• Preventing venous ulcers
• Improving lymphatic drainage
• Boosting circulation in the legs
• Improving muscle function in your legs
• Reducing pain related to varicose veins
• Decreasing swelling in the legs and ankles
• Improving physical and athletic performance
• Preventing blood from pooling in the leg veins
• Reducing pain related to muscle soreness after physical activity
• Managing orthostatic hypotension, or low blood pressure when you stand up after a period of sitting down
• Preventing Blood Clots/Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) in the legs

Compression socks can be useful for:

• Athletes - Compression is very effective to help improve the flow of blood and help to oxygenate the muscles. It may also improve physical and athletic performance and reduce pain related to muscle soreness after physical activity.


• Pregnant women - Swelling is quite common in pregnancy. Compression can help reduce the discomfort and ache at the end of the day.


• Travellers - Travellers are at high risk of blood clots/Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). Compression can increase circulation and help to prevent DVT.

• People on their feet all day - Compression socks can help reduce fatigue, pain or swelling by increasing blood and oxygen flow in the legs and feet.


• People who sit at a computer - Sitting all day can cause stiff legs. Compression can boost circulation and promote blood flow.


• Those 65+ - Age decreases muscle elasticity and function. Compression can help increase blood flow.

If you've never worn compression socks or compression stockings, you may have some mistaken ideas or misinformation about them and their use.

MYTH #1: Compression socks are only for people with a medical problem.

It's true that compression socks help prevent spider veins and varicose veins, and treat edema, among other chronic venous disorders. And they're a prescription item for people with certain medical conditions such as diabetes, phlebitis, and venous leg ulcers.

But compression socks are also for everyday wear. They're intended to promote healthy circulation in people engaged in any kind of work or recreation. Anyone with a job that requires sitting or standing for long periods of time, travellers confined to car or plane seats for more than a few hours, and athletes whose sports involve running can benefit from compression.

Some people believe compression socks can actually cut off circulation and are therefore dangerous, but properly sized compression socks won't cut off circulation.

TRUTH: Compression socks benefit everyone.

MYTH #2: Compression socks are unattractive.

Today, stylish casual and dress compression socks and stockings are available in a variety of fibers like cotton, wool, spandex, and nylon. They come in a variety of colours, patterns, and prints. You will also find them in three lengths: knee-high, thigh-high, and pantyhose. With the variety of stylish options available, there's really no visible indication that you're wearing a medical garment. You'll simply feel the benefits as you go through your day.

Advances in research and design also mean that today's compression socks offer more performance features. You can buy socks that absorb and wick moisture, have antibacterial, odour-reducing properties, and provide irritation-free flat toe seams.

TRUTH: Compression socks are fashionable.

MYTH #3: Compression socks are hard to put on and take off.

Today, new technology and materials make compression socks more comfortable and functional. However, there are certain standard techniques that make it easy to put them on and take them off.

For example, never bunch them up. Instead, grab the heel pocket and turn the sock inside out. Slide the sock halfway onto your foot. Hold both sides of the top band and pull the sock over your heel and up your calf. Adjust the heel pocket and smooth out any wrinkles. The band should be the width of two fingers from the bend of your knee.

In addition, there are several accessories such as donning butlers, special rubber gloves, and roll-on adhesives that are easy to use.

TRUTH: Proper techniques make compression socks easier to put on and take off.

In Canada, you do not need a prescription to purchase compression stockings with a 15-20 mmHg compression level. However, a prescription may be required for private health insurance reimbursement.

For Medical Grade compression stockings with a 20-30 mmHg level or higher, a prescription is recommended. A prescription can be provided by a medical professional such as a medical doctor (GP) or a nurse practitioner.

NOTE: Medical compression socks are covered under most Extended Health Care (EHC) plans when prescribed by a medical professional.

Our Advanced Foot Care Nurse is trained to measure, fit and dispense Compression Stockings and Socks.

Contact us today to schedule a professional Compression Stocking or Sock Measurement and Fitting with our Advanced Foot Care Nurse. New patients are always welcome!

To learn about Foot Care, click here.

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