Best Compression Socks for Seniors: Medical-Grade Options for Circulation & Comfort
Medical compression socks are a special type of sock that squeezes around your legs to improve blood circulation and provide comfort. They might look like regular socks, but they fit more tightly. Healthcare providers usually prescribe medical compression socks to help manage specific venous conditions and swelling in the legs.
Read on to learn more about the best compression socks for seniors, medical compression sock options for circulation and comfort, and how to choose the best pair for your needs.
Key takeaways
Medical compression socks squeeze around the legs to improve blood flow and make you feel more comfortable.
Graduated compression socks work by applying a gentle pressure of about 20 to 40 mmHg, with the most pressure at the ankle of the leg.
With a wide range of compression socks options in the market, choosing the best one for you comes down to your comfort needs and personal preferences.
Best medical-grade compression socks
Medical-grade compression socks are a type of compression sock designed for managing health-related issues, such as chronic venous disease and leg swelling. They help promote blood flow in your leg veins, reduce or prevent leg swelling, and reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in a deep vein).
For seniors experiencing aches, heaviness, or cramping in the legs, a doctor may prescribe medical-grade compression socks to relieve the symptoms.
Therapeutic compression socks are available in different pressure levels. Most graduated compression socks apply pressure on the legs, ranging from 20 to 40 mmHg, with the greatest pressure at the ankle that gradually eases as you go up. This pressure gradient allows blood to flow more easily in the legs and reduces swelling.
Compression socks are available in different colors, sizes, and lengths. Some are easier to put on than others. Medical-grade compression socks need to meet strict medical and technical specifications and are only available by prescription. Nonmedical compression socks are milder (15-20 mmHg) and are generally available over the counter.
Here are the top picks for medical-grade compression socks for seniors.
JOBST UltraSheer and JOBST Relief medical stockings
JOBST UltraSheer compression stockings are medical compression stockings that are lightweight, easy to wear, and made with soft, breathable material. They offer a moderate 15-20 mmHg graduated compression, allowing you to wear them all day, every day.
These medical compression socks may be suitable for you if you’re looking for comfortable socks you can wear all day long. They may help your legs feel better when they are tired or achy.
They are also a great option for preventing leg discomfort from sitting or standing for long periods, managing leg swelling, and preventing health issues or blood clots if you are at risk for vein health problems.
JOBST Relief medical compression stockings are another type of socks for managing different venous conditions that affect the legs. They provide the same compression level throughout the leg to soothe pain and discomfort. They are available in different compression levels, including:
15-20 mmHg
20-30 mmHg
30-40 mmHg
Sigvaris Essential Thermoregulating and Sigvaris Dynaven therapeutic options
The Sigvaris Essential Thermoregulating compression socks are made with 14% cotton. They have thermoregulating properties. This means that the socks regulate heat and provide a cooling sensation to the legs.
These compression socks are ideal for people wanting relief from leg issues while staying cool and comfortable. The socks remove moisture, so your legs don’t sweat when you wear them. This also makes them suitable for people with skin sensitivity by inhibiting bacterial growth.
The Sigvaris Essential compression socks are available in a range of sizes and compression levels, from 18 mmHg to 46mmHg.
Sigvaris Dynaven is a type of simple, functional compression sock that provides comfort to the legs and eases symptoms like swelling and pain. This line of stockings is ideal for people who want socks that are easy to wear and take off. They also work well for promoting leg health.
Medi Duomed and Medi Assure medical-grade features
The Medi Duomed compression line of stockings offers medical-grade features that help manage venous disease symptoms. They are made from lightweight materials for comfortable and long-lasting wear.
They are available in four models: Duomed Transparent, Duomed Advantage, Duomed Patriot, and Duomed Relax. These models offer different levels of graduated compression support, ranging from 15-20 mmHg to 30-40 mmHg.
Medi Duomed compression stockings are suitable for people with vein health problems or mild to moderate swelling. They also help relieve heavy, painful, and tired legs and prevent deep vein thrombosis.
Medi Assure offers the same softness and breathability at a more affordable price range. They are available in 15-20 mmHg, 20-30 mmHg, and 30-40 mmHg graduated compression levels. They also help manage mild to severe vein problems, as well as mild to moderate swelling. If your legs feel heavy, achy, or tired, they may also help provide mild relief.
Best diabetic-friendly compression socks
People with diabetes may experience health problems such as swelling in the legs and vascular issues. A doctor may recommend diabetic-friendly compression socks to help manage some of the issues they face and promote their leg health.
When shopping for diabetic-friendly compression socks, you must look for the following features:
Diabetic-specific seamless toe construction: This prevents the sock from rubbing against the skin, which may lead to sores.Moisture-wicking and antimicrobial properties: This helps to prevent sweaty legs and inhibits bacterial growth. This is essential for people with sensitive skin or those who are prone to irritation.
Non-binding socks with graduated compression: This ensures the socks fit snugly without restricting blood circulation, which is a concern for diabetic patients. Mild, graduated compression prevents swelling in the legs.
Here are a few great options for diabetic-friendly compression socks for seniors.
JOBST SensiFoot diabetic compression sock
Made of acrylic, multifiber yarn, the JOBST SensiFoot diabetic compression sock has a seamless design and provides a mild compression of 8-15 mmHg. The extra padding in the foot, heel, and toe provides added comfort. The material keeps your feet warm, which is great for diabetic patients, and comes with antimicrobial and antifungal properties.
Dr. Comfort Over-the-Calf diabetic sock
The Over-the-Calf diabetic sock from Dr. Comfort is made from micro-nylon and consists of nano bamboo charcoal fibers to keep feet dry and promote circulation. The sock has a non-binding top and seamless design, which is best-suited for people with diabetes, swelling, and circulation problems.
Best easy-to-put-on options
If you need to wear compression socks regularly, one of your top priorities is getting a pair that is easy to put on and take off. A good pair of compression socks will not only fit comfortably, but is less likely to cause irritation.
A few options for easy-to-put-on compression socks for seniors include:
Tommy Copper Easy-On compression socks
The Easy-On compression socks from Tommy Copper comes with a wide upper band for comfort and a breathable mesh back that keeps your legs cool and dry. The design makes the socks easy to put on and take off, and the mild compression helps reduce swelling and pain.
Comrad recycled cotton compression socks
Made from recycled cotton, Comrad’s compression socks are comfortable and breathable, suitable for all-day wear. These socks have a contoured design that makes them stretchable and easy to put on. A wider footbed and well-designed cuff adapt to the shape of your feet and don’t leave marks. It helps to improve circulation and reduce swelling.
What to look for in compression socks for seniors
Finding a pair of compression socks that feel good and work well comes down to a few key things. These include comfort and fit, ease of use, and medical features. Consider the following factors when picking out compression socks for seniors.
Comfort and fit considerations
For the right fit and comfort, look for stockings with:
Wide calf options and adjustable sizing
Cushioned soles and seamless toe construction
Open-toe design that allows your toes to breathe
Non-binding tops that don’t leave marks or hinder circulation
Breathable materials and moisture management
Ease-of-use features
For easy-to-use compression socks, look out for designs that come with
Easy-grip tops and pull-on assistance loops
Zip-up or side-opening features for people who find conventional socks difficult to put on
Color-coded sizing and left/right indicators
Durable materials that maintain compression over time
Some socks come with donning aids that can be useful for people with balance and mobility issues.
Special medical features
Compression socks for seniors should help them manage vein health problems, reduce their risk of getting a leg infection, prevent irritation and swelling, and deliver cooling effects to the legs. To get these benefits, look for stockings that provide:
Graduated compression at a level prescribed by your doctor
Antimicrobial treatments to prevent infections
Extra padding for sensitive or wounded areas
Temperature regulation for comfort in all seasons
How to size compression socks
For some pressure levels (up to 20 mmHg), you might only need to get the right compression socks based on your shoe size. For higher compression levels, the shape and size of your legs, particularly your feet, calves, and ankles, determine the size of compression socks for you. Measure:
the length of your foot
around the narrowest part of your ankles and above your ankle bone
your calf length (from the knee bend to just above your ankle)
the circumference of the widest part of your calf
Take these measurements while sitting on a chair with your legs at a 90-degree angle. Take these measurements with you when you go and get your socks to help the sales representative provide the best fit for you.
Remember to take measurements in the morning when your legs are less likely to be swollen. If you need higher compression levels, always consult with your doctor before you buy.
Does Medicare Cover Compression Socks?
Bottom Line
For seniors with vascular health problems that impact blood flow in their legs and cause swelling, medical-grade compression socks can be the answer to some of their symptoms. However, with the wide range of options on the market, choosing the right pair can feel stressful and challenging. You can narrow your options based on comfort needs, personal preferences, and health circumstances.
Talk to your doctor if you have swelling, aching, or cramping in your legs. They may determine if compression socks can relieve your symptoms and recommend the most suitable ones for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What compression level do seniors need for circulation problems?
Some studies suggest that high-compression stockings of 30–40 mm Hg work well for swelling and circulation problems. Talk to your doctor about the best compression level for your case.
Can diabetic seniors safely wear compression socks?
Yes, diabetic seniors can safely wear compression socks as long as they follow basic hygiene practices, such as washing and drying their compression socks regularly. It’s best to consider socks with antimicrobial and thermoregulatory properties. It’s also important that you choose diabetic-friendly compression socks that are seamless and non-binding.
How do I put on compression socks if I have arthritis?
It’s best to use compression sock aids to wear your compression socks and choose styles that are easier to wear if you have arthritis.