The Best Compression Stockings

Compression stockings, socks and sleeves are used to help increase blood flow and circulation to the legs to promote healing in the legs by helping oxygenated blood travel through the veins. Where these can be worn by anyone in need of relief, they are particularly handy and useful for runners and medical purposes. Compression stockings, socks and sleeves (worn around the shin from the ankle to knee) all serve the same purpose to help legs recover through allowing good blood circulation and getting lactic acid out, which is produced by fatigued muscles and causes soreness.

  1. Medical Purpose Stockings

    • There are various medical reasons why a doctor would want a patient to wear compression stockings, such as varicose veins, anti-embolism, and diabetes. Other reasons may include an array of post-surgical needs. Your doctor will be able to tell you which pair of compression stockings is best for your individual needs; some of the most popular stockings out there for medical purposes are Jobst Stockings, T.E.D Stockings, Sigvaris Stockings, Medi Stockings, Truform Stockings and CircAid.

    Athletic Performance

    • Compression stockings, socks and sleeves can all provide relief and recovery for an athlete who has pushed his body and legs to the brink and needs help. These lower leg compression socks help increase blood circulation, which helps promote healing. Also the legs are relieved from the discomfort of lactic acid buildup after a hard workout by pushing out that acid that makes muscles sore and fatigued. Some of the best compression socks for athletes, according to Runner's World Magazine, are CEP Compression Socks, Under Armour Revenant Socks, Sugoi Race & Recovery Knee High Compression Socks, 2XU Compression Race Socks, CW-X Compression Support Socks, and the Craft Cool Compression Recovery Socks.

    Maternity Compression Stockings

    • During pregnancy, it is not uncommon for a woman to experience vein problems and bad circulation due to the swelling of the lower leg and foot as a side effect of the pregnancy. Maternity compression stockings exist to provide relief for the pregnant woman. There are pantyhose-type stockings that cover the whole leg and even go up over the belly and there are thigh/knee-high versions as well, depending upon the individual needs of the pregnant woman. Some of the best maternity compression stockings are Sigvaris Maternity Compression Pantyhose and Truform Maternity Compression Stockings.

    Find What Feels Good

    • Regardless of your individual needs, there are dozens and dozens of different types of compression stockings, socks and shin sleeves out there. If you are unsure of which is right for you, you can either ask your doctor or consult a sporting goods professional who can help you determine which compression product is going to give you the best results. It's important to find what feels good on your legs and provides you with comfort and relief.