Compression Socks for Edema

Compression Socks for Edema and Everyday Leg Swelling

Edema is fluid building up in the body's tissues, and gravity pulls a lot of it down to the feet, ankles and lower legs. Mild edema is common. A hot day, a long car ride or hours in a desk chair can leave the elastic of your socks pressed into your skin by evening. If you press a thumb into the swollen spot and the dent stays for a few seconds, that's called pitting edema.

Get swelling checked before reaching for compression when it's new, only in one leg, or painful, red or warm, and urgently if it comes with shortness of breath. Edema can also be linked to heart, kidney, liver or vein conditions, or be a side effect of medication, so swelling that keeps coming back is worth raising with your healthcare provider even when it's mild.

Once your provider has looked at it, many people with everyday edema wear graduated compression socks during the day. Ours put 15-20 mmHg of pressure at the ankle and ease off up the calf, supporting circulation in the lower leg. They're over-the-calf, so ankle and calf are covered together, with arch support and a cushioned footbed for all-day wear.

Measure for fit in the morning, before swelling builds, and check your numbers against the sizing guide. Want something plain? The made in the USA Solids come in black or white. Or see every style in our compression socks.

FAQs

Are compression socks good for edema?

Many people with mild leg and ankle edema wear graduated compression socks during the day. They don't deal with whatever is causing the swelling, so edema should be checked by a healthcare provider, especially if it's new or getting worse. Some people, including those with peripheral artery disease or heart failure, may be advised not to wear compression, so ask first.

What is pitting edema?

Pitting edema is swelling that holds a dent for a few seconds after you press on it with a finger. It's a common sign of extra fluid in the tissue. Mention it to your healthcare provider, since how and where it shows up helps them work out the cause.

Should I sleep in compression socks for edema?

Usually not. Leg swelling tends to go down when you're lying flat, and daytime compression socks are designed for when you're upright. Take them off at bedtime unless your healthcare provider tells you otherwise.

How do I size compression socks for swollen legs?

Measure your ankle and calf in the morning, when swelling is usually at its lowest, and compare them against the sizing guide along with your shoe size. Socks sized to your evening measurements can end up too loose to do much the next morning.