Lots of people live with chronic illness, but that doesn’t stop them from living their lives as fully as possible. 

People without chronic illness might hear the phrase and imagine folks who are barely able to make themselves a cup of tea. Nonsense. There are a range of chronic illnesses, and the vast majority of those who live with those illnesses do so with a vitality, drive, and passion equal to or greater than that of those without any illness. 

Compressing chronic illness discomfort 

Chronic illnesses like POTS, EDS, and varicose veins can be a major source of pain and irritation, but people experiencing these symptoms have simple, easily accessible options that can both relieve symptoms and prevent a given illness from worsening. 

One of the keys to living a fulfilled life with chronic illness is minimizing discomfort, a task that knee-high compression socks can help with. Compression socks can help with a wide range of illnesses, and making use of them is as easy as slipping on a pair of socks. 

How compression socks ease chronic illness discomfort 

Symptoms of chronic illness can make certain tasks more taxing, and that reality is something that treatment can address. We’re not here to tell you that donning a pair of compression socks is a cure-all. Socks with the right amount of compression do, however, enhance your comfort so that you can extend the time you spend doing the things you love, whether that’s travelling the world, tearing up the dance floor, or cozying up with a book. 

Note: You should always consult with a doctor regarding any condition you may have, and compression socks are not a substitute for medical treatment.

Chronic illness can be less of a trying, tiring experience with the right tools. As for how cute Main Squeeze’s particular compression socks are? Well, that’s just a bonus. From varicose veins to POTS to EDS to swollen feet and ankles, compression socks should be the first port of call for anyone looking for a simple, cost-effective way to improve their level of daily comfort. 

Compression socks as preventative treatment 

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. That adage may hold true in a lot of areas, but it’s most relevant when it comes to health. We’ve all got one body. Treating it right now will pay dividends down the line. Compression socks can act as a valuable first-line method of treatment. 

While wearing compression socks won’t bust up a blood clot or remove varicose veins, it might prevent a clot from forming or keep a varicose vein from getting worse. Prevention in this case means less swelling and irritation for longer. 

Compression socks can help ease symptoms of the following chronic illnesses: 

• Varicose veins 
• Postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS)
• Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)
• Blood clots
• Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) 
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Lymphedema 

Another compression sock use case: Pregnancy is the opposite of an illness, but compression socks are an excellent way to improve circulation and reduce the swelling in the legs that often accompanies the latter stages of pregnancy.

Compression socks for varicose veins 

Varicose veins can be a painful and tiring nightmare to deal with, particularly during long stretches of travel. Something as simple as your choice of socks can significantly improve your degree of comfort while you travel, tramp about town, or just relax at home. 

Compression socks have proven to be such an effective preventative, first-line approach to treatment that many insurance companies require patients to use them as an initial treatment before signing off on any other treatments. 

What else compression socks help with 

Compression socks can also help with the following conditions that can cause significant discomfort but don’t technically qualify as chronic illnesses: 

• Poor circulation 
• Sore legs
• Cold feet

Sick of eternally cold feet? Compression socks can boost blood flow and warm your feet up without needing to stick them into thick, woollen socks (although who doesn’t love a pair of socks suitable for a fireside cup of tea?). 

Compression socks for on-the-go professionals  

People who have jobs that require them to be on their feet all day can benefit from wearing compression socks to soothe tired legs and boost blood flow to keep themselves fresh during their shifts.

We scoured the corners of the internet and found a heap of nurses, construction workers, teachers, and retail workers who swear by wearing compression socks to stay healthy and happy during long shifts on their feet. Without getting too new-age about it, your feet are the main connection between you and the ground. Any movement you do starts with the feet, even if they’re grounded for the duration of that movement. 

What better investment than a pair of compression socks to keep those feet feeling strong and ready to carry you throughout your day? 

FAQs 

Are compression socks good for varicose veins? 

Compression socks help improve circulation, reduce swelling and fatigue, and can help ease pain related to varicose veins 

How long should you wear compression socks for varicose veins?

You should wear compression socks all day for them to be as effective as possible in treating discomfort from varicose veins

How do compression socks help with chronic illness? 

Compression socks can improve blood flow and circulation, improving discomfort related to chronic illnesses

When to put on compression socks for the best effect? 

It’s generally recommended to put on compression socks first thing in the morning, when swelling and pain are at their lowest and it’s easiest to pull them on