Best Compression Socks for DVT
Whether you are at risk of developing DVT or currently have DVT, you will benefit hugely from wearing compression socks (also known as stockings). They provide a powerful stimulation of blood circulation which will go a long way to helping you. So if you are asking, should I wear compression stockings with DVT, the answer is a big yes! The best compression socks for DVT prevention and treatment are an effective and inexpensive way to improve the condition and health of your legs.
In this guide, we explore compression stockings for DVT. In particular, we outline how they work, and how effective they are.
Our Current Top Rated Compression Socks
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What Is DVT?
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a clot in the blood which usually develops in the legs, thighs or pelvis. Occurring in the veins, the clot can cause a partial or complete blockage of blood flow. The risk is that the clot becomes dislodged and flows through the blood to the lungs. This is known as pulmonary embolism and has the potential to be very serious. Immediate treatment is of the utmost importance.
DVT has the potential to cause leg pain and or swelling, although it may also occur without any symptoms presenting. This difficulty in diagnosis and the severe implications of pulmonary embolism make proactive prevention a key risk mitigation measure.
The risk of DVT occurring is higher in some individuals. Specifically, those who are immobilized for extended periods due to, for example, hospitalization or long haul air travel, those recovering from surgery, or those with heart failure or a blood clotting disorder have a higher risk of developing DVT.
Compression Socks for DVT
Compression socks (also often referred to as compression stockings or support socks) are commonly recommended as a way to reduce the risk of developing DVT. Depending on the circumstances, either TED hose or graduated compression socks are recommended.
Ted hose generally provide 8-18 mmHg compression and are for anti-ambulatory patients recovering from surgery.
A bedridden patient who is immobilized can use the assistance with blood circulation that TED hose provide. By being unable to fully move around, blood is more likely to pool in the legs. This in turn increases the risk of DVT occurring.
TED hose for DVT can reduce this risk by encouraging a natural flow of blood in and around the legs.
Graduated compression socks promote the circulation of blood flow and aid in the flow of blood towards the heart. At their tightest around the ankle, with reducing compression strength upwards along the leg, compression socks effectively pump blood up and away from the feet towards the heart. This reduces swelling and pooling of blood in the lower legs and feet, and also makes way for new blood bringing with it vital nutrients necessary for healthy circulation.
Graduated compression stockings for DVT are often prescribed for those recovering from surgery, but are not confined to bed. With a lengthy recovery period, these individuals will have restricted movement for a few months up to a couple of years in some cases. During this time, DVT has a higher risk of occurring and so compression socks are worn as a preventative measure.
People who have already developed DVT are also often advised to wear deep vein thrombosis socks. Having already had DVT, the chances of it reoccurring are higher and so compression socks are recommended for prevention.
In addition, a common complication to DVT is developing post-thrombotic syndrome. This can occur within a couple of years of DVT and can cause pain, swelling, itching and other symptoms. Wearing compression socks after treatment for DVT has been shown to reduce the risk of developing post-thrombotic syndrome by up to 50%.
How Long Should You Wear Compression Stockings for DVT?
This depends on whether you are wearing compression socks as a preventative measure against developing DVT or to prevent post-thrombotic syndrome. If to prevent DVT, you need to wear them for as long as you are immobilized or at risk. For example, if you are leaving hospital and recovering from surgery, you should wear the compression socks until you have recovered and are once again fully mobile.
If DVT has already occurred, you should be wearing compression stockings to reduce your risk of developing post-thrombotic syndrome. This requires wearing them for up to two to three years.
Different Types of Graduated Compression Socks
Compression socks come in a variety of styles and compression strengths. The most common style of compression socks is knee length. As for strength, it is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg), which describes the amount of pressure applied. This range from 8-15 mmHg at the lower end to 30-40mmHg at the higher end of the spectrum. Generally, 15-20 or 20-30 mmHg is most common for DVT compression socks. However, if unsure, you should seek the advice of a medical professional.
Compression socks can feel uncomfortable at first, and so transitioning from a lower strength to a higher strength is often recommended.
Best Support Socks for DVT
Here we recommend our top choice available online. However, compression socks are also widely available in all major stores and chemists.
It is highly advised that you purchase two pairs of compression socks. This provides you with a replacement pair for when you need to wash.
There are many brands offering compression socks. However, the best are made by EvoNation. With a selection of styles and compression strengths to choose from, you are guaranteed to find the most suitable socks for you. Our favorite choice:
EvoNation compression socks for blood clots are made in the USA to the highest standard. With innovative manufacturing processes, the resulting socks are durable, comfortable and very effective.
Unlike many compression socks which look bland and are not pleasing to the eye, these can be worn all day, just as you would any other sock. In addition they are comfortable enough to wear for hours at a time without feeling discomfort.
EvoNation compression socks come with high customer praise. The overall feedback is very high, especially among those who purchased them for DVT.
Final Thoughts
Compression socks can be a very effective means of preventing or treating DVT. In addition they have been shown to reduce the risk of post-thrombotic syndrome by up to 50%. As far as brands go, we highly recommend EvoNation. We hope the information in this post was helpful and you were able to learn about and find the best compression socks for DVT for you. If you have any comments or feedback to make, please feel free to leave a comment below.