Compression socks are special garments that go up to the knee and the thigh. They are used to decrease the amount of swelling in the feet and reduce the chance of blood clots forming in the legs. They apply pressure to the areas covered, with more pressure at the foot or ankle and less pressure as the stockings go up higher. This helps the blood to circulate and travel back up to the heart. They are available in different strengths and types, depending on what is recommended by a healthcare professional.

Compression stockings are used to treat a variety of ailments that affect the circulatory system. Varicose veins, edema, thrombosis and phlebitis are a few that are successfully managed by such hosiery. The type of medical concern being addressed determines the type and strength of stocking to be used. Gradient compression is used to treat patients who have a tendency to develop blood clots, edema or pooling of the blood in the lower extremities and are typically ambulatory. Anti-embolism stockings are used by patients who require help with keeping the blood and bodily fluids flowing through the circulatory system, and are non-ambulatory or limited in mobility.

While some patients only have to wear the specialized socks temporarily, it is common to wear them long term. Hospital doctors may require they be worn after surgery while a patient is unable to walk around to prevent blood clots from forming. Some conditions, such as varicose veins, may require the sufferer to wear them for life.

Putting the support material on is a challenge for some, because they are so tight at the ankles and hand strength may be limited. One remedy is to avoid any lotions or topical medications that will make the socks stick to the skin. It is helpful to use those at night after removing the stockings. Use a little powder or cornstarch on the legs and feet to help them slip on. Wearing gloves is recommended for those with long fingernails or large rings on their fingers so the hosiery does not become snagged. One reliable method is to reach one hand in the stocking and grab the heel. The sock is pulled down with the other hand until the ankle part of the material is exposed. Let go of the heel and pull the hand out. There is now less material to get over the feet. Pull the sock over the foot until the ankle is covered, then pull up the rest of the material. When taking them off, the wearer should start at the top and pull all the way down, taking extra care around the tightest part.