Postoperative Compression Socks are of great significance in the patient's recovery process. By applying gradient pressure to the legs, they effectively improve blood circulation and significantly reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis. At the same time, they can quickly relieve postoperative swelling and discomfort, and escort the patient's physical recovery.

However, how long to wear Compression Socks after surgery is not fixed. This duration is affected by many factors such as the type of surgery and the individual recovery of the patient.

For example, varicose vein surgery of the lower limbs may require wearing for weeks or even months; while some small superficial surgeries require a relatively short wearing time.

In addition, this article will further explore the specific use specifications of Compression Socks and common problems in wearing Compression Socks after surgery, so as to help patients better use Compression Socks to promote recovery.

What Are Compression Socks?

Compression Socks are special socks that improve blood circulation in the legs by applying pressure to the lower limbs. In the medical field, it is an important auxiliary tool for the prevention and treatment of various diseases. Patients with deep vein thrombosis, edema and varicose veins often use Compression Socks to relieve symptoms.

The principle is to promote venous blood return, reduce venous pressure and reduce the risk of thrombosis through gradient pressure. During the postoperative recovery process, Compression Socks also play a key role, which can effectively help reduce swelling, accelerate blood circulation, promote wound healing, and reduce the probability of complications.

Read more:Do Compression Socks Help With Swelling?

It is worth noting that Compression Socks come in a variety of styles and strengths, and different pressure levels are suitable for different symptoms and needs.

If you're considering buying compression socks, there are a few great options to consider. For those seeking simple comfort, Plus Size Solid Color Open Toe Compression Socks and Solid Color Plus Size Compression Socks are great choices. They are based on ergonomic design and made of soft, skin-friendly fabrics, which provide a cloud-like comfortable touch when worn, while effectively promoting blood circulation and relieving leg fatigue.

If you prefer a more distinctive style and like the unique beauty brought by patterns, then Plus Size Blossom Compression Socks and Plus Size Purple Stripe Compression Socks are not to be missed. The exquisite patterns add highlights to daily wear, combining practicality and fashion.

Why Do You Need to Wear Compression Socks After Surgery?

Compression Socks need to be worn after surgery, mainly for the following purposes:

• Promote venous return: Surgery will cause a certain degree of trauma to the body. After surgery, patients usually need to stay in bed for a long time, which will slow down the return of blood in the lower limb veins. By applying appropriate pressure to the lower limbs, Compression Socks can help venous blood overcome gravity, accelerate the return to the heart, and reduce blood congestion in the lower limb veins.
• Prevent deep vein thrombosis: Postoperative patients are prone to deep vein thrombosis due to traumatic stress, hypercoagulable state of blood, and reduced activity. Compression Socks can increase venous blood flow, reduce blood viscosity, and reduce the risk of thrombosis.
• Reduce lower limb swelling: Surgery may cause increased exudation of lower limb tissue fluid, causing swelling. The pressure of Compression Socks can help promote the absorption of tissue fluid, reduce the degree of swelling in the lower limbs, and relieve the patient's discomfort.
• Improve blood circulation: It can optimize blood circulation in the lower limbs, provide sufficient oxygen and nutrients to the tissues, and facilitate wound healing and physical recovery.

Prevent damage to venous valve function: Long-term bed rest or postoperative stress may affect the normal function of venous valves. Compression Socks help maintain the normal closing function of venous valves, prevent blood from flowing back, and protect venous valves.

Read more:What do Compression Socks Do? Function Applicability

How Long Do I Need to Wear Compression Socks After Surgery?

The length of time to wear Compression Socks after surgery varies depending on the type of surgery and the doctor's advice. Generally speaking, Compression Socks should be worn continuously for at least the first few days after surgery, and then adjusted according to the recovery situation.

For example, knee replacement surgery usually requires wearing for 2-4 weeks, while varicose veins or vascular surgery may require longer, even up to 6-8 weeks or more. The specific duration needs to be strictly followed according to the surgeon's guidance, because they will formulate a plan based on factors such as surgical method, personal recovery progress and risk of thrombosis.

In addition, individual differences will also affect the wearing time. If you have obesity, a history of blood clots, or limited mobility, your doctor may recommend extended use. Make sure your Compression Socks fit comfortably, not too tight or too loose, and watch for any abnormalities such as redness, swelling, or tingling.

Once swelling has subsided and your mobility has returned, your doctor will usually decide whether to stop wearing them. If you experience discomfort, you should consult your healthcare provider to ensure that they are safe and effective to help you recover from surgery.

When Should I Not Wear Compression Socks?

Although Compression Socks are beneficial for many people, there are some situations where they should not be worn. These include:

• Medical conditions: If you have certain medical conditions, such as severe peripheral artery disease, congestive heart failure, or skin infections, wearing Compression Socks may make these conditions worse or cause complications.
• Allergies or sensitivities: Some people may be allergic to the materials used in Compression Socks, or experience skin irritation or discomfort when wearing them due to sensitivities. If you experience an allergic reaction or irritation, it is best to stop using them and consult your healthcare provider.
• Improper sizing: If your Compression Socks are not the right size, they can do more harm than good. Ill-fitting stockings can cause circulation problems, discomfort, and even worsen existing medical conditions. It is important to choose the correct size and level of compression recommended by your healthcare professional.
• Nerve compression or neuropathy: If you have a pinched nerve or neuropathy, Compression Socks may increase pressure on sensitive nerves and may worsen your symptoms. In some cases, compression garments may cause numbness, tingling, or pain if not used with caution.

Before wearing Compression Socks, consult your doctor or surgeon, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or are recovering from surgery. They can advise you whether Compression Socks are right for you and, if so, which level of compression is best.

Read more:Who Should Not Wear Compression Socks?

Is It Okay to Sleep in Compression Socks?

Generally speaking, it is not recommended to sleep in compression socks. This is because the blood circulation of the human body slows down during sleep. The continuous pressure exerted by Compression Socks may affect the natural regulation of blood circulation, resulting in local blood stagnation, which is not conducive to blood return and tissue metabolism in the legs. Long-term use may also cause leg discomfort, swelling and other problems. At the same time, the sense of restraint brought by wearing Compression Socks to sleep will make people feel uncomfortable, affect the state of relaxation during sleep, and thus reduce the quality of sleep.

However, in some special cases, such as doctors explicitly requiring 24-hour wearing of Compression Socks to treat severe lower limb venous diseases, you should follow the doctor's advice. If it is only for daily health care or prevention of mild varicose veins in the lower limbs, Compression Socks are usually worn during daytime activities and taken off at night to allow the legs to fully relax and rest.

Read more:Can You Sleep in Compression Socks?

Can Compression Socks Be Worn for Too Long?

The length of time you should wear Compression Socks after surgery depends on the type of surgery you have and the guidance of your surgeon. Wearing Compression Socks for a long time may cause many problems, including:

• Affecting blood circulation: Although Compression Socks are designed to promote blood circulation, wearing them for a long time may be counterproductive. Especially when sleeping, the human body is in a relaxed state and the blood circulation speed is relatively slow. At this time, wearing Compression Socks may excessively restrict the normal expansion of blood vessels, affect the normal flow of blood, and cause local tissue hypoxia and accumulation of metabolites.
• Skin problems: Wearing Compression Socks for a long time will put the skin in a relatively closed environment, which is easy to sweat and cause the skin to be moist, which provides favorable conditions for the growth of bacteria and fungi, and may cause skin itching, rashes, infections and other problems.

• Muscle function degeneration: The muscles of the human body need to maintain their strength and elasticity through constant contraction and relaxation during normal activities. Wearing Compression Socks for a long time may over-rely on external pressure to promote blood circulation, while reducing the contraction of the muscles themselves. Over time, it may cause the leg muscle function to gradually degenerate and the muscle strength to weaken.
• Affect joint movement: Compression Socks usually have a certain degree of elasticity and tightness. Wearing them for a long time may have a certain restriction on the movement of joints. Especially when doing some exercises that require large-scale joint movement, you may feel uncomfortable, affecting the flexibility and comfort of the exercise, and may even increase the risk of joint injury.

It is generally recommended not to wear Compression Socks for more than 8 hours a day. When you are resting, sleeping, or do not need to stand or sit for a long time, you can take off the Compression Socks to relax and rest your legs. At the same time, pay attention to choosing Compression Socks of the right size and pressure level, and keep the skin of your legs clean and dry.

Read more:How Long Should You Wear Compression Socks?

What Happens if You Stop Wearing Compression Socks Too Early After Surgery?

If you stop wearing Compression Socks too early after surgery, some adverse consequences may occur. These consequences include:

Stopping wearing Compression Socks too soon after surgery may cause the following:

• Increased swelling
• Blood clots
• Delayed healing
• Pain and discomfort

The specific situation varies depending on factors such as the type of surgery, the patient's physical condition, and the recovery situation. Therefore, whether and when to stop wearing Compression Socks after surgery should strictly follow the doctor's advice.

Conclusion

During the postoperative recovery process, Compression Socks are an important tool to help us promote blood circulation and prevent complications. Among the many brands of Compression Socks, Plusock's Plus Size Compression Socks and Plus Size Socks fully take into account the needs of patients of different body shapes. For patients with a fat body or thick legs, ordinary compression socks may have problems with inappropriate size and uneven pressure.

Plusock's plus-size series of products not only provide the right size, ensure that the pressure is evenly distributed on the legs, and effectively promote blood circulation, but also use high-quality breathable materials, so you won't feel stuffy and uncomfortable even if you wear it for a long time.

Whether it is No Show Socks, Ankle Socks, or Quarter Socks, Crew Socks, Knee High Socks, Thigh High Socks and other styles, plusock can provide products that meet the needs of postoperative recovery. When choosing compression socks, patients should choose the right style and brand according to the type of surgery, their own physical condition and the doctor's advice. With its professional design and good quality, plusock has become a trustworthy partner in the postoperative recovery process, helping patients to better recover their health.