Compression socks with zippers Why we don’t recommend them.
Compression socks with zippers Why we don't recommend them.
Compression Socks with Zippers: Why We Don’t Recommend Them
Have you seen those TV commercials where someone effortlessly puts on their compression socks with the help of a magical zipper? It seems too good to be true, and that’s because it is.
Compression socks are notoriously difficult to put on due to the medical pressure they apply to your legs. If these zipper socks truly had the correct amount of compression, pulling the zipper up would be incredibly challenging.
Think about trying to zip up a tight dress or a pair of snug jeans. Often, you need someone else to help pull the fabric together to zip it up. With compression socks, you can’t suck in your calves, and you likely don’t have an extra set of hands to assist. Additionally, these socks need to be made from strong fabric to withstand the pulling and compression with the zipper.
What you’re getting from these TV ads is certainly not medical-grade compression if the zipper just slides right up.
Why Are These Ads Popular?
Compression socks are indeed hard to get on! However, we have a better alternative: Velcro compression wraps.
Velcro Compression Wraps: A Better Solution
Velcro compression wraps provide the medical compression you need without the struggle of pulling a sock or stocking over your foot. You simply wrap the straps around your leg and set the compression.
Who Can Benefit from Compression Wraps?
Compression wraps are ideal for anyone with:
- Swelling in the leg
- Venous insufficiency
- Leg ulcers
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Lymphedema
These wraps are great for those who struggle to get compression stockings on or have limited hand strength. They’re also beneficial if you have skin irritation where pulling fabric over it could cause further issues. Compression wraps can be worn 24 hours a day, making them suitable for overnight wear if your swelling doesn’t subside.
What Do Compression Wraps Include?
Most wraps come with:
- A liner: Worn underneath the wrap for added comfort and to extend the life of your wrap. Change the liner daily and wash the wrap weekly. Most liners have compression in the foot.
- A tool to set compression levels: Different manufacturers have different methods, but all include a way to adjust the compression level.
- One wrap: If you need compression on both legs, you’ll need to buy two wraps. This is useful if your legs are different sizes.
Cost of Compression Wraps
Prices range from $70 to $150, depending on the fabric and the severity of the medical condition they’re designed to address.
Full-Leg Compression Wraps
Yes, you can buy wraps for the full leg, but they are usually sold separately. Depending on the brand, you may need to purchase a calf, knee, and thigh piece.
Recommended Brands
Our most popular wraps are made by Circaid and Sigvaris.
Customer Reviews:
- “The Circaid Juxtalite Lower Leg System is ‘just what the doctor ordered’, keeping the swelling down and very easy to apply and wear all day.” – Don
- “Best features: easy to put on; it compresses exactly where her swelling is (top of foot & ankle); it is adjustable, so should retain its firm fit over time.” – Shirley
For more information and reviews, read more [here].
