Top 6 things you should know before you buy compression socks

1. Visit your doctor. Getting a proper diagnosis and recommendation for the appropriate compression level for your condition is important. Most compression socks cannot be sold to you without a written prescription. Also, many extended health care plans will cover the cost of compression socks if recommended by your medical doctor. Find a store location that deals with extended health care plans and will help you make the inquiry.
2. Not all compression socks are created equal. There are a few brands such as Juzo, Sigvaris, and Jobst who have been in the compression stockings business for 60 to 100 years. Companies like these have been the innovators and are constantly developing better products. Make sure you are getting a reputable brand of compression stockings; your leg health depends on it.
3. Be properly measured and fitted by Certified Fitters. Nurses, Kinesiologists and other healthcare professionals will  receive proper training from the compression stocking manufacturer. It's important to find a store location with certified fitters who will help you choose the best product for your lifestyle. They will instruct you when's the best time of day to take measurements as well as how to properly put on and take off your compression socks. They will also explain the proper care instructions to get the most out of your compression socks.
4. TEDS aren’t the same as Graduated Compression stockings. TEDS stockings are meant to be worn in a hospital setting typically following surgery while you are lying down. Graduated Compression stockings are recommended for everyone else. This is because they have more pressure at the feet and ankles and less pressure as you get closer to the knee or thigh. This design is meant to promote proper circulation.
5. There’s a difference between support socks and medical grade compression socks. Support socks (travel socks) are designed for people who have very mild leg circulation issues. Support socks can be purchased at many places and don’t require any special measurements or instructions. Medical grade compression socks are designed for people with more involved conditions such as varicose veins and chronic swelling in the feet and ankles. They require a prescription and a certified fitter to assist you.
6. Get at least two pairs. The reason for getting two pairs is that you need to wash your compression socks after every use. Compression socks will stretch out about 30% after one days use. Wearing those two days in a row, without washing, will make them much less effective. Getting two pairs will help the socks last longer, since you are rotating them, and much more effective every time you use them.

Graduated compression stockings and socks are important to leg health. They help minimize muscle aches, swelling, and symptoms of fatigue. Exercise and a healthy lifestyle will strengthen your legs, but wearing graduated compression stockings or socks will support the internal function of the veins. Since leg health is vital to your overall health, you should speak to your doctor if you think you may benefit from compression stockings or contact a store location with certified fitters to find out more.