Support stockings - The complete guide to support stockings and compression stockings | Strumpor.se
Support socks for better blood circulation, less swelling and livelier legs
Support socks have become one of the most popular types of socks for both everyday life, work, travel and training. Whether you stand a lot at work, sit still for long days, travel often or just want to give your legs better comfort, the right support socks can make a big difference.
At Strumpor.se you will find a wide range of support socks and compression socks for both women and men - in different materials, colors, patterns and compression levels. But what exactly are compression socks, how do they work and who should wear them?
In this complete guide, we cover everything you need to know about compression stockings - from circulation and compression to materials, uses, sizing, washing instructions and FAQs.
What are compression stockings?
Support stockings, also known as compression stockings, are specially designed stockings that help stimulate blood circulation in the legs and feet through graduated pressure.
What distinguishes compression stockings from ordinary socks is that they are designed to provide the most compression around the ankle and then progressively less pressure higher up the leg.
This helps blood to be transported more easily back towards the heart, which can help to:
- Counteract tired legs
- Reduce swelling in the feet and ankles
- Make legs lighter and more alert
- Improve blood circulation
- Reduce the feeling of heaviness in the legs
- Prevent discomfort during prolonged standing or sitting
- Provide support during long working days and travel
Many people describe the feeling of support socks as making their legs feel more energized and less heavy after a long day.
How do support socks work?
To understand how support socks work, you first need to understand the body's blood flow.
When the heart pumps blood around the body, it is carried down to the legs through the arteries. The blood then has to work its way back up to the heart via the veins - something that happens against gravity.
When you walk and move, the muscles in your legs help push the blood back up. This is called the body's natural muscle pump and is mainly in the calves.
The problem occurs when we:
- Stand up for a long time
- Sit still for long periods
- Travel a lot
- Have reduced circulation
- Are pregnant
- Have hereditary problems with the veins
In this case, blood circulation works less efficiently and blood or fluid can collect in the legs.
This is where compression stockings come in handy.
Graduated compression helps the veins work more efficiently and supports the body's natural blood flow.
What does graduated compression mean?
Graduated compression means that the pressure is:
Highest at the ankle → slightly lower around the calf → gradually decreasing upwards
It helps the body to:
- Increase blood flow
- Reduce fluid retention
- Relieve swelling
- Provide better support for the veins
- Reduce stress on the legs
Benefits of support stockings
There are many reasons why more and more people are using support stockings on a daily basis.
1. improved blood circulation
One of the main benefits of support stockings is increased blood circulation.
When blood circulates better, muscles and tissues receive oxygen more efficiently, while the body removes waste products more easily.
The result is often healthier legs and less discomfort.
2. counteract swollen legs and feet
Swollen legs and ankles are common, especially after
- Long working days
- Sedentary work
- Air travel
- Pregnancy
- Hot summer days
Support socks help to reduce fluid retention in the legs.
3. reduces fatigue in the legs
If your legs feel heavy and tired after work, support socks can help reduce the strain.
This makes them popular with:
- Nurses
- assistant nurses
- Shop assistants
- Warehouse workers
- Hairdressers
- Teachers
- Restaurant workers
4. Helping with long flights
Long flights often involve sitting still for several hours.
This can reduce blood flow and make your legs feel swollen and heavy.
Many people therefore use support stockings:
- Air travel
- Car travel
- Bus travel
- Train travel
5. can help reduce the risk of varicose veins
Varicose veins occur when the veins become less able to transport blood back to the heart.
Support stockings help reduce the strain on the veins and are often used preventively.
6. provides more comfort in everyday life
Many people today wear support stockings simply for comfort.
The feeling of light support around the legs is often perceived as very pleasant.
Who should wear support stockings?
Support socks are suitable for many more people than you might think.
Support socks for those who stand and walk a lot
If you work in:
- Healthcare
- Trade and commerce
- Warehouse
- Restaurant
- Industry
- Hairdressing
support socks can reduce the strain on your legs.
Support socks for sedentary work
Long days in front of the computer can impair circulation.
Many office workers find that their legs feel more alert with support socks.
Support stockings during pregnancy
During pregnancy, the pressure on blood circulation increases.
Common problems are:
- Swollen feet
- Swollen ankles
- Tired legs
- Feeling of heaviness
Many pregnant women wear support stockings daily for added comfort.
Support stockings for exercise
Compression socks are widely used in sports and exercise.
Popular among:
- Runners
- Gym goers
- Hikers
- Cycling enthusiasts
Many appreciate the support around the calf muscles.
Support socks for older people
Blood circulation can deteriorate with age.
Support stockings are therefore often used for increased comfort.
Support stockings for women
Women's support stockings are available today in many stylish designs.
Popular models include:
- Black support stockings
- Thin support stockings
- Patterned support socks
- Bamboo support socks
- Colorful support socks
Common motifs:
- Hearts
- Floral motifs
- Animals
- Striped
- Dotted
Men's support socks
Men's support socks are often more classic and stylish.
Common colors:
- Black
- Grey
- Navy blue
- Dark green
Many people choose compression socks for work or everyday use.
Compression class - which level to choose?
Compression class 1
Class 1 is most common and suitable for:
- Tired legs
- Swollen legs
- Work
- Air travel
- Everyday use
Compression class 2
Provides higher compression.
Often used for more severe conditions and we recommend consulting a doctor before use.
Material guide - choose the right support stockings
Bamboo support stockings
Bamboo is a very popular material.
Advantages:
- Soft
- Comfortable
- Gentle on the skin
- Perfect for everyday use
Cotton support socks
Cotton is durable and comfortable.
Good for:
- Work
- Everyday life
- Daily use
Wool and merino wool
Perfect for winter time.
Advantages:
- Warms well
- Temperature regulating
- Comfortable on cold days
COOLMAX® support socks
Good for active people.
Benefits:
- Wicks away moisture
- Suitable for exercise
- Keeps feet drier
How to choose the right size of support socks?
For best results, support socks need to fit correctly.
Measure:
Ankle
Where the ankle is at its narrowest.
Calf
Where the calf is widest.
Foot size
Based on your shoe size.
The wrong size may result in poorer function.
Washing instructions for support socks
To make the support socks last longer:
- Wash at 30-40°C
- Follow the washing instructions
- Avoid high heat
- Avoid vigorous tumble drying
- Air dry if possible
This will help the elasticity last longer.
Frequently asked questions about support stockings (FAQ)
What do support stockings help with?
Support stockings are often used to treat tired, heavy and swollen legs and to improve blood circulation.
Can I wear support stockings every day?
Yes, many people use them daily.
Are support stockings good for air travel?
Yes, support stockings are very popular for air travel.
Do support socks help with swollen feet?
Yes, many people use them for this very reason.
Can I sleep with support stockings?
Normally this is not recommended without advice from a healthcare professional.
Are support stockings uncomfortable?
No, the right size should feel comfortable.
When should support stockings be put on?
Ideally in the morning when legs are least swollen.
Are support stockings only for older people?
No, they are used by people of all ages.
Are support stockings good for pregnancy?
Yes, many pregnant women use them for better comfort.
Which support stockings are best?
It depends on your needs, material and use.
Buy support stockings online at Strumpor.se
At Strumpor.se you will find a large selection of support socks and compression socks for both women and men. We offer everything from classic solid-colored models to patterned support socks in bamboo, cotton and functional materials.
Whether you're looking for support socks for work, pregnancy, air travel, everyday or exercise, we have options to suit your needs.
Discover our wide range of support socks and give your legs the comfort they deserve - at Strumpor.se.