What Compression Socks Look LikeĬompression socks can be short, covering just the ankle or calf, or come up to or even past the knee. “Compression stockings can ‘support’ the muscles and soft tissues around the joint, which helps pain management as well,” Dr. Even people without arthritis, such as runners, use them for this purpose, he says.Ĭompression socks can also act as a brace to allow for more control and comfort when walking. “They work to increase your feeling of proprioception ,” Dr. Compression socks may help add sensation back to your lower extremities. Stiff and swollen joints may also make feet feel numb or have lessened sensation, which can increase the risk of loss of balance and falls and difficulty walking. “They help reduce the swelling thereby improving mobility.” “Compression socks are very helpful on those days when my feet swell,” Elena K. Some arthritis patients we heard from said they found the socks did help calm their inflammatory symptoms. In addition, this reduced swelling “allows increased blood flow to muscles and joints,” says Cary Zinkin, DPM, a podiatric physician and spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). “Compression socks or stockings work by keeping the swelling down.” “Fluid can build up in a joint affected by arthritis, which can cause swelling in the soft tissues surrounding the joint,” says Kristina Marie Quirolgico, MD, a physiatrist at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. But just how effective are they? How Compression Socks Work for ArthritisĬompression socks may lessen the symptoms of arthritis by applying mild pressure to affected joints, which can help with inflammation and swelling. “I wear compression socks for my ankles and they help a lot,” arthritis patient Carolyn O. In order to stay active, some people living with arthritis have found that wearing special tight socks or stockings helps them feel better and allows them to move around easier. Inflammatory arthritis or osteoarthritis that affects the legs or feet is not only painful, but can also limit your mobility.

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