How long should you wear compression socks after surgery?
What are compression socks?
Compression socks are specially designed medical socks that help improve blood flow, reduce discomfort and help patients heal after surgeries.
How long to wear compression socks after surgery?
Usually, compression socks are worn for about 2-8 weeks after the surgery. They should be worn at any time except showering and bathing.
This is very different from the recommended time of wearing compression socks because of other issues such as varicose veins.
The amount of time is also something that depends on the surgery and your situation. Here are two of the most common surgeries that use compression socks as post-surgery treatment.
How long should you wear compression socks after knee surgery?
Doctors recommend wearing compression socks for about two weeks after being released from the hospital. There is an excellent probability you will experience some swelling around the ankles, so compression socks can help reduce the swelling and stimulate the healing process.
How long to wear compression socks after hip surgery?
Hip surgery requires a longer healing process, so the recommended period for wearing compression socks after hip surgery is a minimum of 4 weeks. You will, however, have frequent check-ups with your doctor/surgeon, so they will advise whether you should wear it longer than four weeks.
The purpose of compression socks after surgery
Quicker healing
By keeping the skin and the body in their places, you are creating a safer healing environment. Compression garments are similar to bandages because they stay fixated once you put them on. So, if you have a cut from the surgery, it will heal quicker.
Better blood flow
Also, compression socks encourage healthy blood flow, and good blood flow means restorative healing. It can help you reduce the numbness of some areas after surgery and get blood back to those areas.
Swelling reduction
After the surgery, the body sends thousands of cells and a lot of fluid to help heal the area. This leads to swelling. Especially if the body part is lower extremity, edema or swelling is a body's normal response to an injury or surgery. Compression socks are one of the best treatments for edema.
Lower chances of infections
Compression garments also act like bandages. When you put on a band-aid, you do it to stop the bleeding and protect the wound from getting dirty. Compression garments fit tightly around the body, restricting environmental factors from getting to it. They are also usually made from moisture-wicking cooling materials, so they don't let sweat build up.
Smoother and finer scars
Keeping the skin in one place and not letting it stretch out, compression socks and garments can help tone down the scar and help it heal better.
Prevention of DVTs
Deep Vein Thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in a vein deep inside your body. A blood clot is a clump of blood that thickens into a solid mass, making blood circulation slower. Deep vein blood clots usually form in the lower part of the legs, the calf, or thigh. Surgery of the leg, hip, or abdomen is a DVT risk factor.
What are the best compression socks after surgery?
Compression socks come in many levels of compression. Many factors are in the question when you are choosing the level you need. Most commonly, your doctor will suggest or prescribe a certain level of compression. It all depends on the type of surgery and the area of the surgery. It also depends on your overall health previous to the surgery and post-surgery.
Level of compression socks:
Here is a quick guide to different levels of compression. But be sure to talk to your doctor about it.
What else are compression socks used to treat?
The benefits of compression socks are numerous, and their use is widely spread. Here are some benefits of compression socks:
- They can be helpful for people that are working long hours sitting or standing
- They can help improve slow circulation and reduce cold feet
- They are suitable for treating swelling caused by edema or lymphedema
- They can help fight muscle cramps
- They help the elderly maintain a healthy level of mobility
- They are the number one treatment for vein problems
- They are a usual side treatment for patients recovering from a surgery
Compression socks after surgery & SKINEEZ
Michelle Moran founded SKINEEZ compression garments in 2007. Michelle developed a unique idea after her own experiencewith a post-surgery compression garment recommended to her by her doctor. Michelle felt uncomfortable and experienced pain while wearing the garment, making her realize a need to solve this problem. She then introduced microencapsulation technology to compression garments and combined skincare, comfort, and compression.
Through clinical studies with SKINEEZ® Skincarewear®, she was able to show an increase of 19% in the skin's elasticity and create true comfort while wearing the garments.
In 2021, Skineez is still the only brand that combines these two areas of the health industry. Michelle's idea helped many men and women have a more comfortable post-surgical recovery and feel better in their skin.
Skineez's garments are all designed with the help of medical professionals and surgeons. Check out Skineez SKincarewear compression.