Frequently Asked Questions

In practice, “support socks” is a popular term often used to refer to compression socks, particularly by people who are not familiar with medical terminology. Although the terms are frequently used interchangeably, not all socks marketed as support socks necessarily have the same characteristics or levels of compression. Therefore, more important than the name is checking the type of compression they provide and the purpose for which they were designed.

Compression socks are specially made socks that fit tighter than normal so they put a specific level of pressure on your legs. Graduated compression socks are tightest around your ankle, and the pressure eases as the socks go up your leg. This forces the blood to move upward where there is more space, helping push blood back up towards the heart. Wearing them helps improve your blood flow and prevents congestion and fluid buildup, which minimizes pain and swelling in your legs. 

By increasing and improving circulation and blood flow to your legs and reducing congestion and fluid buildup, wearing compression socks helps to:

• Decrease swelling in your legs, feet and ankles
• Prevent blood from pooling in your veins
• Prevent varicose veins
• Prevent blood clots
• Improve lymphatic drainage
• Reduce pain, inflammation and discomfort
• Better flow of oxygen-rich blood to your muscles
• Feel less tired and more energized 

Doctors prescribe them to patients that have chronic venous insufficiency or are at risk for deep vein thrombosis, but compression socks can be beneficial for many common situations:

• Standing or sitting all day - The lack of movement and the effect of gravity lead to the pooling of blood in your legs. Compression socks improve blood and oxygen flow and reduce fatigue, pain, heaviness and swelling.
• Travelling - Trips that involve sitting for a long time (by plane, train or car) lead to stagnant blood flow, which besides swelling also increases the risk of blood clots. Compression socks reduce this risk and will make you feel more energized when you arrive at your destination.  
• Sports - Wearing compression socks while exercising improves circulation and delivery of oxygen-rich blood to your muscles, prevents lactic acid buildup and also protects muscles, ligaments and tendons. This means improved performance and faster post-workout recovery. 
• Pregnancy - Pregnant women have a normal increase of blood volume and fluid which makes them prone to swelling in the legs, ankles and feet. Wearing compression socks reduces the risk of severe swelling, especially if you put them on in the morning as a preventative measure.
• Lipedema - Lipedema is a chronic condition that can cause pain, a feeling of heaviness, and disproportionate accumulation of fatty tissue, particularly in the legs. Compression can help relieve discomfort, feelings of heaviness, and associated swelling, and may be used as a complement to leg care.

It depends on each person’s needs and the purpose for which they are being used. We generally recommend wearing them for no more than 12 consecutive hours. For everyday use, we recommend putting them on in the morning and wearing them during periods when you spend a lot of time standing or sitting, taking them off before going to bed.

The socks should fit snugly without causing pain, tingling or numbness. If you experience any of these symptoms, adjust them or take them off.

As a general rule, no. Preventive compression socks, such as Maly, are primarily designed to be worn during the day, when we spend many hours standing or sitting. Ideally, you should take them off before going to bed, unless a healthcare professional specifically recommends wearing compression overnight for a medical condition that requires it.

Compression socks can be helpful, but the right choice depends on each person's situation. People who only have small spider veins may choose preventive compression socks, such as Maly, to incorporate this type of care into their daily routine.

However, if the varicose veins are more prominent and enlarged, or if symptoms such as pain, persistent swelling or signs of chronic venous insufficiency are present, it is important to consult a vascular surgeon. After assessing the situation, the specialist can recommend the appropriate treatment and determine whether therapeutic compression socks are needed, with a specific pressure level and, when indicated, custom-made to measure.

Compression socks are safe for most people to wear, however they are not recommend in patients who suffer from peripheral arterial disease, peripheral neuropathy and/or heart failure. When in doubt, always consult your doctor before using compression socks.

Compression socks and stockings come in different lengths (knee-high, thigh-high or waist-length) and pressures (mmHg). You’ll generally find two main types - graduated and anti-embolism stockings:

• Graduated compression socks are the most common. They are tighter around your ankles and get looser the higher they go up your leg. Non-medical grade socks have lower grades of compression and their pressure is within a certain range, you can acquire them over-the-counter or online. Medical grade stockings have to be prescribed by a doctor and you can only get them at pharmacies, where your measures will be taken to create the specific level of pressure and gradient your doctor recommended.  
• Anti-embolism stockings are more specific in purpose. They are specifically designed to help maintain your circulation, thus preventing blood clots, when you need to stay confined to a bed for a prolonged period of time, for example after surgery.

Regarding pressure, there are 4 grades of compression. Grades 1 (10-20mmHg) and 2 (20-30mmHg) are ideal for people who want to prevent swelling, heaviness and varicose veins or who already have small spider veins. Grades 3 (30-40mmHg) and 4 (>40mmHg) are recommended for patients with chronic venous and/or lymphatic insufficiency, who already have varicose veins or lymphedema, and should be prescribed by a doctor and made to order in pharmacies.