One of the most important, yet overlooked, aspects of health is good circulation. Poor circulation can lead to aches, pains, and can cause a great deal of discomfort. Compression socks might hold the answer to improved blood flow. Compression socks and stockings are used to improve the blood flow and people swear that they can help with athletic performance. They might even be able to prevent serious medical conditions. Compression socks are snug-fitting, stretchy socks that gently squeeze the leg.

Compression socks offer a lot of benefits and they can help with the following conditions:

1. Deep vein thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when the veins form blood clots and they can appear anywhere in the body, but often affects the lower legs or thighs. It can happen to anyone, but your risk increases after surgery or trauma. Symptoms can include swelling, skin that is warm to the touch, and pain or tenderness. It is a serious condition where a blood clot can travel to the lungs and block an artery, known as a pulmonary embolism. To help with DVT and other blood clotting disorders, your doctor might recommend compression socks and stockings to improve blood flow to the heart and lungs, as well as reduce the swelling in the legs. Along with helping with DVT, compression socks can also aid other blood clotting disorders, such as

2. Varicose veins and spider veins
A varicose vein is a highly visible vein located beneath the surface of the skin and can occur when blood collects behind the small valves in the veins instead of flowing smoothly back to the heart. They are common in the legs and feet because the blood returning to the heart has to travel further. Spider veins are smaller, blue, red, and purple vessels that twist and turn making them easily visible through the skin. Spider veins occur most frequently on the legs and face. Compression socks can help with varicose veins and spider veins by providing consistent pressure in the legs which will help blood flow back toward the heart. Studies suggest that compression socks can improve the symptoms, but will not eliminate the varicose or spider veins.

3. Leg ulcers
Leg ulcers are open wounds or unhealed sores on the legs and are frequently associated with varicose veins. They can be caused by poor circulation and they can recur without proper treatment. Leg ulcers can cause symptoms like open sores, pus and pain in the affected area, leg swelling, enlarged veins, and heaviness in the legs. To treat a leg ulcer, doctors recommend using compression socks. They can ease swelling, close the wound, and prevent infection. Compression socks are a cost-effective method to prevent the recurrence of leg ulcers.