What are the Side Effects of Wearing Compression Stockings?
Over time, or due to pressures like standing for long hours, pregnancy or frequent flying, the arteries and veins in your legs can become inefficient and weaker than they once were. By applying gentle but firm pressure along your calves and ankles, compression socks and stockings help to support your legs’ circulatory system and send blood back up towards your heart.
They can be used to treat the pain, swelling and general circulatory issues associated with DVT (deep vein thrombosis), varicose veins, lower-leg blood pooling, venous ulcers and more. It’s common for new users to worry about the side effects of wearing compression stockings and whether they’re the right choice for their individual needs. Thankfully for the majority of people, they are safe, easy to use, comfortable and come with a host of health benefits that can’t be ignored.
Common Side Effects of Wearing Compression Stockings
When worn and fitted correctly, compression socks and stockings are very safe and effective for most people. Some of the issues you may encounter if you use compression wear incorrectly include:
General discomfort due to incorrect wear.
If you put your socks or stockings on incorrectly, you may end up with uncomfortable twists or rolls that may pull or dig into your skin.
Circulation issues due to incorrect fit or inferior products.
If your stockings are too tight due to incorrect size or weight gain, they can interfere with correct blood circulation. Healthy circulation is also much more likely if you use graduated compression garments, which we stock here at TXG Socks.
Bruising, chafing, itching or skin irritation due to incorrect fit or skin conditions.
Wearing stockings that are too tight or loose can cause skin irritation or chafing. If you have cuts, bruises or scrapes, it’s best to not wear your compression garments until these are healed. People with dry/damaged skin or a skin condition like eczema or psoriasis may experience increased itchiness.
Prevention of Common Side Effects
If you have any of the medical conditions mentioned in our guide on who should not wear compression wear, you should always consult a medical professional for guidance. It’s generally safe to wear compression tights if you have minor skin conditions; however, in this case, it’s important to choose garments made of lightweight, antibacterial materials, like the great range available here at TXG Socks. Our socks feature the antibacterial and antiseptic properties of bamboo charcoal. While you can wear compression stockings regularly, it’s always a good idea to take a break at night to let your skin breathe. It’s also important to wear graduated compression stockings to ensure you’re getting proper circulation.
Our article about how to measure your compression wear will help you prevent issues associated with an incorrect fit. If you have any questions or concerns prior to making a purchase, a dedicated member of our team is always available.
Note: The information provided here is for general use and is not intended to act as medical advice. We advise anyone interested in this subject to seek qualified, professional advice.