Support Socks

Why support socks? Benefits and features

There are many benefits to wearing support socks. We have designed our range of support socks at Sportsmart to help everyone find what suits them perfectly, covering as many areas of use as possible. Below you will find the most common benefits and reasons why our customers buy support socks.

Improved blood circulation

The biggest advantage of support socks is that they help improve blood circulation. Whether you are stationary all day, for example if you have a job that requires long hours of standing or sitting, or if your legs are more or less in constant motion, it is common for blood to collect in the lower legs and feet. The compression provided by the stockings helps to restart circulation, which counteracts both swelling and fatigue.

Prevents tiredness and swelling

Many people have problems with swollen feet and legs, especially after long working days, which is something that support socks help to counteract as they improve blood circulation. This improvement also has a psychological effect, as the return flow after fluid accumulation in the legs reduces the feeling of heaviness and fatigue, making you feel better and giving you higher energy levels.

Support and comfort throughout the day

This is especially important for anyone who works in areas where they have to be on their feet all day. Pain, aching, swelling and tiredness in the legs can make it difficult to concentrate and also have a negative impact on your general well-being. By reducing swelling and stimulating blood flow, you get the right support to comfortably manage your everyday life.

Recovery

If compression socks are the best choice during physical activity, support socks are the best choice afterwards. Support socks speed up recovery in muscles and joints by improving oxygen flow. This means less muscle fatigue the next day, which is especially good if you enjoy more intense workouts.

Wide range of uses

But it's not just those with sedentary or standing jobs, athletes or those suffering from varicose veins or chronic venous insufficiency who benefit from a pair of soft support socks – it's most of us. You can actually use support stockings if you just want a little support around your legs in everyday life, or to prevent blood clots, sores and symptoms of fatigue in your legs.

Our range of support stockings

Our range of support socks is designed to help everyone, no matter who you are or what you need, find something that suits you perfectly. You will find our socks in different colours and styles, whether you want something colourful or simple, as well as different materials such as bamboo, nylon, wool or cotton. Support socks may be designed to have a medical function, but that does not mean they have to be boring or ordinary.

What is the difference between compression socks and support socks?

The difference between compression socks and support socks lies in the pressure distribution. Compression socks offer varying pressure that is highest at the ankle and then decreases up the leg, while support socks offer even and stable pressure. Compression stockings are therefore better for physical activities such as exercise and sports, while support stockings are better for everyday use.

How do compression levels work?

The compression level of support socks and compression socks is crucial when it comes to the type of support they offer and in which cases they should be used. Compression is measured in mmHg (mm = millimetres, Hg = mercury), where higher mmHg indicates stronger pressure. The compression level is usually divided into four classes, where class 1 (10 - 21 mmHg) - which is the class of all our support stockings - and class 2 (23 - 32 mmHg) are used commercially, and class 3 and class 4 are used medically. Class 1, which is the most common, is recommended for milder venous problems, such as varicose veins, but also works well on tired and swollen legs.

When should you not use support socks?

The compression provided by these socks can be both an advantage and a disadvantage – and they should therefore not be used by everyone. As a rule of thumb, you should not use support socks if you suffer from peripheral vascular disease, arteriosclerosis or serious circulation problems. The same applies if you suffer from a skin infection or have leg ulcers in the area covered by the stockings, as these often require air circulation to promote the healing process.

If you are unsure whether support socks are right for you, we recommend that you contact your doctor before ordering for further advice.

Can you sleep with support socks on?

As a rule of thumb, you should not sleep with support socks on. This is mainly because blood pressure decreases when lying down, which means that the compression provided by the stockings becomes unnecessary. It can also be difficult to notice discomfort while sleeping, which can lead to pain when you wake up. It may be okay to sleep with your support stockings on, but you should consult a doctor before doing so.