Aging is an unavoidable life component that we have to face. With ages, usually, extra care is needed to address everyday life needs. One perfect solution, in that case, are the best compression socks for elderly.
Although these versatile socks are one of the most uncomplicated therapeutic methods, choosing a style that provides the right amount of pressure is still essential.
Compression socks must be strong but must not be limited to size or difficult to remove. Socks are present in various sizes of the calf to knees.
I reviewed the 11 best compression socks but still, you need to go through a buying guide for the perfect choice.
Buying Guide for Compression Socks
Here is the complete buying guide for compression socks for the elderly with different aspects including, size, fabric, comfort, etc. Let’s start reading buying guide for better results:
1. Size & Length
The main thing while buying compression socks is the right size and length. Compression socks are not like the other regular socks. Where ordinary socks can load loosely on your ankle or all your feet, compression socks are designed to fit your skin tightly.
For the perfect measurement of compression socks within medical terms, you can have a look at the charts here.
You have to select a perfect measure of compression socks pair, otherwise, it will lose its effectiveness. You can use a size chart for accurate leg measurements present in different shops.
Must use it while buying socks for yourself or any of your family elderly members. Pair of compression socks can cover your legs higher than the knee or calves.
Compression socks are also available in ankle length. They have many varieties. If you purchased an incorrect size of compression socks, it won’t last long and will make you feel regretful.
But if you buy an accurate size of compression socks for yourself, that fits you perfectly. Then it will be more good for you, and compression socks of the proper size will last long.
I hope you got my point. But if you are still a bit confused you can watch this video for a better practical understanding of how compression socks fit.
2. Level Of Compression
One of the essential parts of buying the correct compression stocking is to perceive the level of compression. Compression stockings have a scope of numbers to show what amount of measured compression, the compression socks have.
The standard compression levels for these socks are 15-20 mmHg (over the counter), 20-30 mmHg (clinical class 1), 30-40 mmHg, and 40-50 mmHg.
Compression socks are available at several degrees of support. Most of the common compression support stockings come in mild (8-15 mmHg), medium (15-20 mmHg), firm (20-30 mmHg), x-firm gradient compression levels (30-40 mmHg).
These are normal and the most regularly used. Compression socks can hurt if the compression level choice is excessively high.
Compression levels demonstrate how much critical pressure the sock will apply to your legs. If the socks are free and very loose, they won’t prevent liquid amassing, yet they can cause insufficiency in the legs. Both of these conditions can cause actual harm and more difficulty.
The mentioned video in the section of size and fit can help you in choosing the levels of compression for socks, as well.
3. Fabric
Compression socks are made in various materials like Opaque, Lycra, Spandex, Cotton, and Microfiber. Middleweight or “Opaque” materials are ideal for compression socks.
They are not thin and give good compression to your legs while covering some leg difficulties.
Opaque textures are additionally more solid than “sheer” textures. Ideal for after the therapeutic procedure. Opaque textures are our most favorite and chosen for our choice of socks.
The second sort of texture utilized in compression socks is Sheer, which is lightweight, easy, and trendy.
Available in some of our brands, sheer compression stockings make compression simple. While light textures don’t give as much control to specific sorts of swelling.
All compression stockings are made without latex for giving breathable wear, just as ensuring the user’s skin condition.
The main composition of the socks is a combination of Lycra and spandex strands, and a few models contain cotton.
Sports materials are tuned for cutting-edge warmth and dampness for the executives. Innovative dampness-wicking materials are durable and available in a variety of colors and styles.
4. Comfort
Compression socks may look like just a piece of clothing, but these socks can help the elderly live a healthy life.
Compression socks bring comfort to the elderly if they are walking or moving their legs. They promote mobility and reduce leg pain with a specific level of compression.
But it is vital to wear a perfect size of compression socks to enhance the comfort level as explained above. Because if it is loose or unsuitable for the user, compression socks will not bring comfort to your legs.
In old age, they only go from one room to another and do their basic things. These can also become a big deal sometimes if they have problems or pain in their legs.
The compression socks heal the pain of the leg because of the level of compression created by socks. It is usually worn while nerve damage or while in a cold environment to avoid pain in the leg.
Leg heaviness can also become so bad that the elderly can’t even do their basic things, bringing depression and sadness.
Compression socks bring comfort in case of nerve damage or during a cold environment, which may be normal for others but not for the elderly.
So, it’s necessary to buy the correct size of compression socks for the elderly so a pair of compression socks can comfort their legs.
Here you will know why comfort is an important factor to be considered while buying compression socks for aged people with leg problems.
5. Easy On / Off
You must make sure that the compression socks you are buying for the elderly, must be accessible on / off.
If wearing compression socks requires any effort or difficulty, you will not want to wear them. If it is easy to wear, then they will wear it quickly and use it regularly.
Knee-high compression socks fit very quickly. They are comfortable and don’t cause any trouble to your skin, and also are not heavy for the skin. It will bring comfort to the leg while moving.
Wearing this means a lot; compression socks can make your elderly live a healthy and pain-free life. It would be best if you took care that there should not be any folds or bindings in socks while wearing; otherwise, it would not work efficiently.
While wearing compression socks, they must be smooth and straight, without any bindings or folds, for better results and easy blood flow to the limb properly.
If you have a question about when to wear compression socks and when to not, you need to know that compression socks should be worn when you wake up; you can take off socks when going to bed.
6. Other Features / Extras
Here are some additional features that some companies add to compression socks that can help in your decision-making process:
1. Odor Control / Antimicrobial Fabric:
Some socks are made with microfibers that remove moisture from the legs and feet, control bacteria and odor.
This is a great additional feature if you use your compression socks for sports, walk-in hot weather, or live in a warm climate.
Silver is also woven into cloth to add antimicrobial properties – this limits odor and prevents bacterial growth.
2. Zipper:
Some zip compression socks on the side allow fitting easily on and off. It’s ideal for people who are seriously ill or have weak hands and arthritis.
If appearance is important to you, zipper socks are not what you want to wear.
3. Blister Prevention:
When socks or shoes are too loose or tight, friction can occur, which causes liquid buildup below the surface of your skin, which then produces blisters.
While some compression socks can say that they prevent blisters, the most important thing to know is that the right fit is far more important.
Other features that can help prevent blisters of flat stitches with quality fabrics.
11 Best Compression Socks for Elderly
In this review, I will tell you about the most highly rated compression socks for elderly people.
1. CHARMKING (3 Pairs) 15-20 mmHg Compression Socks
These medium-level compression socks display cuffs without slips and reinforced toes. They are made of durable and synthetic moisturizing fabrics and will accommodate up to hundreds of machine washing.
They are perfect for running, hiking, playing tennis, and for use throughout the day. Users of all the weight and size can wear these socks but it’s not tight above the ankles.
CharmKing compression socks are affordable as well as effective stockings. Made to cover feet for everyday activities that will help prevent varicose veins in comfort.
They provide sufficient compression (15-20 mmHg) and are designed to promote blood circulation and oxygen flow.
They are available in various colors and patterns and do not look like medical class compression socks. CharmKing socks are the most affordable choice we test.
They are made of thin material with a white ribbed cloth that appears under the pattern of socks. They still work quite well.
You might not want a few pairs of compression socks, but CharmKing socks, which come in packs of 3 for their qualities, that’s the only choice. CharmKing socks come in small sizes to XL and according to the size of men’s shoes 5 to 14 and women’s shoes 5.5 to 14.
2. Lemon Hero Zipper Compression Socks
If you have edema, and veins inflammation causes pain in your feet or other conditions associated with swelling. You must consider compression socks.
Compression socks are unique clothing articles that can provide medical benefits as mentioned. For example, they can put pressure on the legs that improve blood circulation to prevent several problems themselves.
It can also prevent foot and ankle swelling caused by poor circulation, obesity, or continuously sitting or standing. These medical compression zipper socks provide all the benefits that the elderly need for a healthy life.
Compression socks are famous for being difficult to use for wearing purposes. But Lemon Hero creates a solution with an open foot design. Wearing depends on the zipper.
You can safely and comfortably get it around your calf. Instead of rolling it up, you can insert your feet into it and zip it and they have a zip guard to protect your feet from being pinched.
These unique compression socks solve some problems that other traditional compression socks struggle with. And to complete, at the time of creating this review, it is offered for competitive prices, making it budget-friendly.
They are the perfect choice for use and to relax with a little more freedom.
3. FuelMeFoot 3 Pack Copper Compression Socks
Made with light pressure, these compression socks are of nylon material and infused with copper to ward off the smell and provide comfort when increasing circulation.
“I spent 12+ hours at my feet turning from patients to patients, so I developed pain in my calf,” said an Amazon reviewer.
These socks work to compress the calf area and reduce leg pain. The best part is you can get three pairs for the price of each so you can wear different pairs to work and others to exercise before or after your shift.
They display compression 15-20 mmHg, making it ideal for mild / medium symptoms. Socks come in 21 simple but cute designs, with solid color options.
These socks also display additional arch support, reinforced legs, and reinforced heels, making it a good choice for women who suffer from plantar fasciitis or other leg problems during pregnancy.
These fuel compression socks are specifically designed with several parts made of copper to facilitate fluent blood flow at your feet.
Not only that, but this feature also keeps your legs and feet healthy throughout the day by giving light scratches to support blood flow to the muscles.
Plus, ventilation is also added to this compression sock feature, thanks to the cleverly sewn fabric. In addition, long-lasting materials prevent products from breaking up even though they are used for years and eliminate unpleasant odors caused during exercise.
Another prominent feature of this couple is that it can keep you dry even in hot weather.
4. CHARMKING 8 Pairs 15-20 mmHg Compression Socks
Charmking socks will be the best compression socks for airline trips for elderly because it consists of eight pairs in a single package. They are also made of thin cloth with a white ribbed cloth that appears under the socks pattern.
This Charmking compression sock can be notified regardless of the competition because of their material choices. They have increased the percentage of nylon material from 40% to 85%. This results in a 360-degree stretch, increasing durability and flexibility.
This is a high-performance cloth that makes your legs and feet at optimal temperature, so they will not be too hot from compression.
The design is so cool that it makes you active and with the refreshing colors, you feel happier. And they are ideal if you just want to wear your compression socks to shops, travel, or work.
Not much use to take your pain because it feels warm and sticks to the legs. What makes these compression socks stand out is the color options that I mentioned and you can see in the images.
Some combinations include multicolor, multi-design options that come in 8-pack.
When they describe it, this means you can have socks that will last for a whole week without having to worry about them smelling or having to wash each pair after every wear.
One thing we have noticed in our research is that, quite often, compression socks do not have a design that only looks like regular socks, ‘fun,’ but this one is perfect for providing a look as well.
5. Vitalsox Drystat Graduated Compression Socks
Vitalsox support socks for attendants, long flights, and competitors and help blood flow when excessively long, sitting, dozing, doing extreme active work, or rapid recovery after a medical procedure or a physical issue.
These knee-high compression socks have a solid hold, but not being too close even to consider disturbing your leg makes them a perfect choice.
They are washing-safe, give an extraordinary pressure and are of incredible quality. They come in various shadings or in plain or with designs.
These socks are made with Polypropylene Silver Drystat, a novel, protected material that forms silver particles directly into filaments to hinder the development of microbes. This assists with keeping the socks smelling new and keeps them dry.
Yet, they likewise have a tiny continuous (lighter) pressure for most extreme blood dissemination created by Italian-based organization Arcos.
The four-way stretch framework guarantees an agreeable fit, with elasticized groups that support lower legs and foot curves.
The texture is delicate against the skin. They’re a famous decision among competitors and explorers. These socks have 12 to 20 mm/Hg of pressure.
6. CHARMKING (3/6/7 Pairs) Compression Socks
CHARMKING Compression Socks for Women and Men Circulation 15-20 mmHg is best for running, flight travel, and support.
The Charmking travel pressure socks are ideal for those of you that like to wear beautiful socks. They offer a medium degree of graduated pressure (15-20mmHg), which is extraordinary for movement.
These are a fantastic incentive for cash – they come in packs of 3, 6, and 7. What’s more, you can go for a bunch of truly vivid socks or a bunch of monochromatic socks, contingent upon what you like to wear.
They are made with 85% nylon, and they feel very decent on legs. The socks are neither elusive nor excessively hot so that you can wear them in the hotter weeks without much of a stretch.
That is a direct result of the breathable texture, which figures out how to keep up your internal heat level.
You can machine wash these movement pressure socks. They are not appropriate for genuinely high temp water or the dryer since they will extricate up and lose a portion of their pressure capacity.
In any case, they are still the absolute best pressure socks as far as colors are concerned.
7. Presadee Original Zipper Compression Calf Leg Socks
Presadee Closed Toe 15-20 mmHg Zipper compression provides 15-20 mmHg compression support for leg blood circulations, swelling relief, anti-fatigue, and recovery. They also help with preventing varicose veins, edema, and other leg pains.
The closed-toe offers full-length support from feet to knee with compression relief. Keeps leg swelling down throughout the day and helps energy during leg movement to prevent soreness.
They include inner fabric to protect the zipper from rubbing against your skin. The built-in zipper makes it much easier to put on.
8. CEP Athletic Tall Compression Run Socks
The CEP Athletic compression running socks have managed to nail the balance between support and ease of movement.
Just enough compression to support your legs but not enough to restrict motion. With a lot of technology built into them, these socks are designed for high performance and are great for a run of any length.
These socks provide consistent pressure through a unique fabric design. The threads of the fabric wrap around your leg over 400 times to give you precise compression to the millimeter.
Made of 85% polyamide and 15% spandex, these compression socks for running breathe well and fight odors and bacteria.
The moisture-wicking property of this fabric blend and the ribbed design help keep your feet cool, dry, and free of blisters and hot spots.
These running compression socks mold your feet and legs to provide comprehensive support. The microfibers, especially in the calf area, provide stability and support, which helps avoid calf injuries like tears and shin splints.
These socks have a stay-put band at the top of the calf to help keep them in place as your run.
Compression socks are designed to put pressure on your feet, help facilitate blood flow and keep swelling minimally.
Many athletes use compression after exercise to help accelerate recovery because increasing blood flow brings oxygen and nutrition to your muscles.
This compression also helps stabilize your muscles in the running, which provides comfortable nuances and extra support for your heels and arches.
The climate management system makes your feet cool (the brand claims that it cools your feet up to 3.6 degrees). Plus, padding along Footbed feels comfortable and helps prevent running.
9. SB SOX Lite Compression Socks
Even though SB Sox Lite Compression Socks is about one-fifth of pick prices over us, they rival performance. These socks have a compression rating of 15-20mmHg, which is a little less than CEP socks but still supplies enough compression for blood circulation.
Socks are made of spandex and nylon that are for breathing and are lightweight, which helps remove sweat and moisture from your feet. SB Sox comes in 11 different colors and two sizes.
Even though they look thinner and lighter than other choices in this list, SB Sox Socks survive well through many wear and washing. Plus, they provide a comfortable fitting that doesn’t narrow. More size options will be accepted.
10. LighSele Knee High Compression Socks
This cute 6-pack compression sock is a top-seller. These socks are a compression rate of 15-20mmHg to help improve circulation for those who spend hours at their feet.
And those who are worried about sitting for a long journey, or only outside adventurers who want to spice up their hiking equipment. The pleasant design also makes great gifts.
You can be sure of the best value for your money with six pairs of high pass compression socks. This helps increase blood flow while allowing you to react faster.
They are a quality choice made of dried fibers that are faster for the exclusive axis. This pair of socks will effectively prevent any form of bacteria or growth of fungi and is the ideal choice for many individuals sweating.
Compression graduates from 15-20mmHg helped alleviate the body of pain in the area targeted at the foot. You can be sure to feel better than the pain and discomfort in the long run. There is a guarantee of further money back if you don’t like the socks experience for any reason.
11. BIQU Athletic Compression Socks
One of the best compression socks for women and men will be these because of their quality. When it comes to features, comfort, and performance, this compression sock has everything.
They are proven technically to reduce pain and swelling in the legs and make the walk for the elderly easier.
Sitting at the sweet point of the compression range of passing between 15-25 mmHg, this sock will be very convenient while giving you some energizing benefits.
With graduate pressure, this sock will work to move blood from the bottom of your body towards your heart, which in turn will increase your overall energy.
Whether you walk around the house or in the office, these socks also have extra bearings on the legs and heels to add comfort.
For those looking for flexibility in compression socks, you will be happy to know that this can resist intense athletic performance.
Able to reduce fatigue by encouraging lactic acid from your muscles, these socks are perfect in improving performance and will help prevent injury to intense training.
Some FAQs
1. Should the elderly wear compression socks?
Compression socks are an unquestionable requirement for the old since clinical specialists have prescribed them to limit growth and help with various medical issues.
Compression socks can diminish the constant torment related to getting more seasoned. Especially on the off chance that you have problems, for example, varicose veins or lower leg and knee issues.
The elderly experiencing the previously mentioned sicknesses have grumblings of blood clumps, expanding, agony, and delicacy in feet and legs.
It holds them back from performing day-by-day errands. The uneasiness deteriorates with age. Consequently, it is prescribed to buy compression socks for the old.
For seniors, compression socks are a brilliant device for expanding versatility and autonomy while managing wounds or ailments, identifying with the lower legs.
2. When should you not wear compression stockings?
Contingent upon your need, you can consider wearing them throughout the day (however, you should take them off before bed), or only for a couple of hours all at once. Compression socks can be helpful for some individuals.
You ought to get some information about the length of wear time suggested for treating your manifestations. If you are by and large solid, it is prescribed to take off the compression socks around the evening.
3. How many hours a day should you wear compression stockings?
Now and again, a doctor may suggest that you wear compression pieces of clothing around evening time.
Particularly for the individuals who have as of late had a medical procedure and are in danger of fostering blood coagulation.
In these cases, they will suggest light compression pieces of clothing for nightwear. If you are on your feet for 24 hours or sitting for a long 20-hour flight, wearing your compression pieces of clothing all through these periods is an intelligent thought.
However long you wear them effectively, your compression socks will work for you and not against you. Your skin merits a break at day’s end, and taking off the compression socks will take into account better wind stream and better skin.
4. Why do legs ache after wearing compression stockings?
Compression stockings assist with joint torment in the knees. Yet, if you are wearing some unacceptable size, you may encounter the direct inverse.
Although when this happens, talk to your doctor right away. A few groups feel pain in the wake of eliminating compression stockings; others experience the ill effects of uneasiness, misery, and terrible sensations in their legs while wearing them.
This occurs if you wear them for a long time. Compression stockings should be worn during the day and be taken off before hitting the sack. While you rest, gravity has a similar impact on your legs as the compression stockings while conscious.
5. Is it OK to leave compression stockings on all night?
Try not to wear compression socks around evening time except if recommended by your primary care physician.
Even though they’re known to improve the course by expanding the bloodstream, they aren’t intended to be worn to bed.
Compression socks move the bloodstream away from your feet and may obstruct the bloodstream when you’re resting.
Ensure to wear the stockings as recommended by the specialist, regardless of whether to wear them as quickly as time allows toward the beginning of the day.
On the off chance that you neglect to wear them, your legs may grow, making it troublesome or difficult to get the stockings on once more.
Conclusion
Compression socks reduce leg ulcer recurrence, nerve damage pain, or pain due to a cold environment for the elderly. Otherwise, pain in the leg will cause them difficulty to move even inside the home.
Ensure you get the best compression socks with the right size and length and degree level, which can help reduce pain and promote mobility. Compression socks are usually used as a preventive measure which is very effective also.
