If you want the short list, these are my top compression sock picks for seniors, and you’ll find the details on each one further down.
Best Compression Socks for Elderly People
If you or an elderly person you love need compression socks, here are my top recommendations:
Copper Compression Knee High Socks
These long compression socks have a universal design to fit men and women. Plus, they feature the anti-microbial and circulatory benefits of copper infused into the breathable fabric.
Available in 4 sizes for proper fit as well as ankle sock and foot sleeve versions as well.
This one-of-a-kind pair of socks is copper-Infused, comfortable, and durable. Copper is registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as an antimicrobial material.
Plus, when infused with stretchable fabric, copper offers a light compression that aids in controlling intravenous blood flow moving oxygen and blood to the feet.
So, this pair can help with both joint and muscle recovery.
Plus, they lower the likelihood of lactic acid buildup in the muscles, which is the primary cause of muscle discomfort.
In a nutshell, these socks will be a valuable addition to arthritis pain relief items and any other age-related leg pain relief. You can get them in different types, too: ankle socks, calf sleeves, full socks, etc.
Here are the specific benefits of this product:
- Say goodbye to joints and muscle aches. They are ideal for anyone who needs medical compression socks. Their light compression regulates intravenous blood flow hence ache recovery.
- Provide pain and discomfort relief. They’re comfortable and stretchy. Moreover, copper improves oxygen circulation and decreases lactic acid buildup, resulting in less discomfort.
- Fabric compression with superior performance. They are superior to conventional compression socks in terms of comfort and support. They aren’t too tight and don’t sag.
- Packed with authentic copper’s therapeutic properties. Keeps your feet dry. They also encourage natural blood circulation to aid in healing.
My Personal Experience with Copper Compression Support Socks
Copper Compression provided me with a free pair to try for myself, and here is what I found after wearing them to work every day for a week. They were much more comfortable than I thought they would be.
I typically wear shorter socks and wasn’t sure I would like socks up to the knees. They also had a cooling effect on the skin, adding comfort.
Admittedly, I don’t have circulatory problems in my lower legs. But I get leg aches from spending a great deal of time sitting at my desk working on blog posts – sometimes for 8 – 10 hours at a time.
My legs weren’t achy at all at the end of those long days and I still wear them if I know it’s going to be a “long sitting” day.
If you decide to try them for yourself, Copper Compression offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. Use my discount code GWG20 to save 20% off the regular price.
IRAMY Plantar Fasciitis Compression Socks
If your feet ache by the end of the day but you don’t want a sock that goes up to the knee, these crew-length socks focus on the arch and ankle. They are the IRAMY crew compression socks for plantar fasciitis, and I have handled them myself.
The knit has six zones, each aimed at a different spot, with the arch and ankle getting the most attention. That is different from a sock that simply squeezes everything evenly. They are made for long days on your feet, not just workouts.
There is a breathable mesh panel across the top of the foot, which helps keep heat from building up. You get three pairs in a pack, so you can rotate them through the week.
Now the downsides. The sizing runs firm, and IRAMY suggests sizing up if you want a more relaxed feel. If you have trouble pulling on snug socks, keep that in mind.
The compression level is not given in mmHg (the unit doctors use to measure squeeze). If your doctor prescribed a specific range, these are not the right pick. For general comfort and arch support, they are worth a look.
Physix Gear Compression Socks
This is one of the most durable compression socks around that comes with double-stretched fabric. Whether you wear it at home or while cycling, this pair of socks will offer maximum comfort.
They have excellent vascular toning that helps to retain the compression even when you wash them multiple times a month.
Compression socks provide much-needed relief to your varicose veins and improve blood circulation. It prevents various leg issues, such as swelling of your heels and calf compression.
If you had surgery on your leg recently, these socks would help prevent blood clots in and around your legs. The support and compression are located on the calves, heels, and toes. These areas are more prone to blood clots.
Once you put these socks on, you get a feeling of relief. It is as if someone is massaging your leg as you walk!
ACTINPUT Copper Compression Socks
The ACTINPUT Copper Compression Socks come as a set of 4 pairs in black. They give 15-20 mmHg of compression, which is a light to moderate level. The idea is support that feels snug without squeezing too hard.
They are knee-high, with a fit at the calf meant to stay put. That makes them a fit for everyday wear, long car or plane rides, and days when you are on your feet a lot.
The fabric is a smooth, nylon-based knit that breathes. It is made to move with you when you walk, so it should not feel stiff.
Sizing is where these stand out. They come in S/M, L/XL, 2XL, 3XL and 4XL, so there is a better chance of a good fit if you have wider calves.
The trade-off is that 15-20 mmHg is a mild level. If your doctor has prescribed stronger compression for swelling, varicose veins or another condition, these will not replace that.
Check the size chart against your calf measurement before you order. Socks that are too tight or too loose will not do much good.
SB SOX Compression Socks
Designed to fit both men and women, this brand pays specific attention to the design and fittings.
Many older adults complain that they don’t find compression socks that fit well. Well, this pair will tend to all those complaints. These socks provide 20-30mmHg compression, enough to keep your legs relaxed and energized whenever you put them on.
They come in four different sizes with a variety of calf circumferences. You can also buy the appropriate pair according to the size of your shoes.
This is the ideal pair when it comes to offering maximum compression without compromising on the quality of the socks. They not only fit well but also maximize your blood circulation. This helps your muscles to recover quickly after a long walk.
CHARMKING Copper Compression Socks
Looking for compression socks that are actually fun to wear? These come in 38 different color options, including holiday patterns. They come in 2 size options with 15-20 mmHg of compression.
The primary objective of this pair of compression socks is to deliver maximum comfort to your legs. That is why the makers used breathable fabric, which is lightweight and soft.
Although it sits tightly on your legs, you don’t feel uncomfortable due to the triple comfort layers of nylon. Plus, it follows the recommended compression by doctors and trainers, which is 15-20 mmHg.
The 360-degree stretch provides greater durability and flexibility. Older adults can wear it daily if they have frequent leg pain. It keeps your legs warm and comfortable.
The appropriate compression and the breathable fabric don’t make you feel like you are wearing socks. This is one of those socks that work silently. They don’t suffocate your legs are you wear them.
Buying Guide: How to Choose Compression Socks
Compression socks are a medical device, so you should always visit your doctor before using them.
- The first thing you should do is make sure that you buy the right size for your legs. Many brands offer a wide variety of sizes, making this step much easier.
- There are many styles of compression socks available. You can choose from different designs, open or closed-toe socks, and varying lengths. In most cases, the socks you choose will depend on personal preference.
- Look for socks that offer antibacterial properties, which will keep them odor-free and extend their life. This will also keep your feet dry throughout the day, reducing the risk of blisters.
- Another feature to keep in mind is cushioning. Especially for elders, having extra cushioning under the sole of the sock can increase their comfort level. Diabetic patients or people with peripheral neuropathies will also benefit from this feature.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How Do Compression Socks Help?
Compression socks work by exerting a certain amount of pressure over your legs. By doing this, they prevent fluid buildup and combat the effect of gravity. Since they constrict the veins in your legs, they help blood return to your heart, thus improving circulation.
This also helps prevent swelling since your body’s circulatory system also reabsorbs fluids.
They also make the muscles in your legs more stable, which helps decrease muscle fatigue. Lactic acid, which is the substance that accumulates in your tissues and makes them feel sore, is also reabsorbed by circulation.
Since compression socks improve circulation, they also aid in lactic acid clearance, making your legs ache less.
By reducing fluid buildup in your legs, compression socks also prevent deep vein thrombosis. Since fluids and blood no longer pool in your tissues and veins, they don’t have time to form blood clots which could cause a dangerous thrombosis.
How Should Compression Socks Fit?
Before buying your new compression socks, make sure to measure your legs so that you can get the right size. The ideal compression sock will obviously exert a certain amount of pressure over your legs, but they should never feel uncomfortable.
If your legs, feet, or toes feel numb or tingly after putting on your compression socks, they are probably too small for you. The bands at the top of the sock and the seams should never leave red, sore marks on your skin.
Compression socks that are too small could constrict circulation and produce injuries, especially in patients with nerve damage –such as diabetics, for example-.
It’s very important to ensure your compression socks aren’t too small, but you also need to get socks that aren’t too large.
If your socks are too big to exert any pressure, you won’t reap any of their health benefits. Visit your doctor or podiatrist to ensure that you get compression stockings that fit you perfectly.
Are There Side Effects of Wearing Compression Stockings?
If your compression socks are good quality and fit you well, they shouldn’t produce any side effects. However, ill-fitting compression stockings can cause blisters or skin lesions, especially when they are too tight.
Diabetic patients or those with the severe peripheral arterial disease should be especially careful when wearing compression socks.
People with these conditions should make sure to wear their stockings for shorter periods of time and check their skin for any lesions after taking them off.
These diseases cause nerve damage and fragile skin, which makes them more prone to develop injuries, especially if their compression socks are too tight.
How Long Should You Wear Compression Socks?
As long as your compression socks fit you properly, you should be able to wear them throughout your day without any issues. Many people like to put their socks on at the beginning of the day before any swelling develops.
They wear their socks the entire day and then take them off before bed. There isn’t a specific amount of time during which you should wear your compression stockings, but they tend to be most useful when you are up and about.
Take them off if you experience discomfort while wearing them, and check your skin after taking them off.
Can You Sleep with Compression Socks?
Most people can sleep in compression socks without experiencing any issues. If your socks fit properly and don’t cause any numbness, you should be able to wear them to bed when necessary.
However, people who suffer from diabetes or peripheral neuropathies shouldn’t sleep in their compression socks. Remember to check with your doctor before making any decisions regarding your compression stockings.
Summary and Final Recommendations
Taking care of your legs is essential, especially if you have a habit of walking regularly. Growing old is inevitable but you can always take care of your legs by wearing these compression socks. They are worth every penny you spend.
The appropriate compression on these socks helps to prevent blood clots in your legs. So, buy the pair you think will fit best and see how your legs adapt to this positive change.
Sources:
- https://www.castanet.net/news/Connecting-Seniors-with-Care/63160/The-benefits-of-wearing-compression-stockings
- http://www.berkeleywellness.com/self-care/over-counter-products/article/rough-guide-compression-stockings
