In an article with Health Central, Tyler Moldoff, PT, DPT, OCS, physical therapist at HSS, shares what you need to know about compression socks, who can benefit from them and who may need to avoid them avoid them. 

Compression socks are specialized garments designed to improve circulation, reduce swelling, and support the lower legs—but the right pair depends entirely on your needs and your daily routine.

“Compression socks gently squeeze the legs, with the most pressure at the ankle and gradually less as the sock moves upward,” said Moldoff. “This helps blood and fluid move back toward the heart instead of pooling in the lower legs.” (These graduated compression styles are generally recommended over ones that supply a uniform squeeze throughout the sock.)

By boosting circulation, these specialty socks can limit fluid buildup, reduce swelling, and even decrease fatigue, added Moldoff—“especially during periods of prolonged sitting, standing, or recovery.”

That may sound like a no-brainer for anyone with circulation issues, but compression socks are not for everyone: Moldoff warns they may not be appropriate for people with certain conditions, including severe peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and severe heart failure, as the pressure can cut off already‑limited blood flow in PAD or overload a weakened heart in heart failure. They’re also a bad idea for anyone with active skin infections or open wounds, significant numbness or loss of sensation in the legs, or fragile skin prone to tearing. So the bottom line is to check in with your doctor as to whether compression socks are right for you.

Read the full article at healthcentral.com.