Compression socks can be an incredible accessory for improving circulation and speeding up your recovery time. Additionally, they help provide a wide range of benefits that include less fatigue, more comfort, lower levels of swelling, and support conditions like edema, varicose veins, and deep vein thrombosis to name a few. But the key question many individuals ask is how long should you wear them?

How Long to Wear Compression Socks

Fortunately, the answer is quite simple. Whether you're an athlete or someone who's on your feet all day, athletic compression socks are designed to be worn daily and throughout the day. However, once you've completed your day, you do not need to wear them while you sleep. Anything more than 12 hours after you aren't standing or moving can be considered excessive. The time when you're sleeping is essential for giving your legs a break.

Another key question related to this topic that many people ask is: Do compression socks help with recovery if I wear them for longer? Different durations may be more beneficial depending on what you are experiencing. For example, suppose you're hoping to reduce soreness and fatigue after going for a run or doing an intense workout. In that case, the length of time to wear (or keep wearing) your recovery compression socks may only vary between four hours and the entire time you spend on your feet on that particular day. This timeframe tends to fluctuate from person to person and the severity of their symptoms. However, when you wear compression socks during your performance and after that, you'll likely notice reduced muscle pain, damage, and inflammation.

However, if you're interested in reducing swelling, it may be more beneficial to wear them all day, especially if you're on your feet most of the time. The condition of swelling is also known as edema. This condition can occur when too much fluid begins to reside in particular areas of body tissue. It usually happens via an injury or when there is a lack of circulation in your lower legs. Additionally, worsened swelling can lead to other health complications, like diabetes, extreme cases of varicose veins, and even blood clots if it's not treated early enough.

Compression socks help reverse these symptoms from happening or further developing because of their ability to improve circulation. Their advanced compression properties keep blood moving back toward your heart so that it doesn't become obsolete after sitting in one place for too long. As a result, you would experience little to no swelling since the blood is no longer resting in your lower legs. Since they can be worn daily for most of the hours you spend on your feet, you'll likely see results quickly if you experience edema or symptoms like it.

To ensure that your compression socks work to their full potential, it's essential to get the right fit. If they're too tight, symptoms like discomfort, irritation, joint pain, and tingling feet can start to occur. Additionally, wearing compression socks that are too small could inhibit circulation and make it more difficult for blood to flow back toward the heart. For best results, it's beneficial to put them on after waking up in the morning because it's more likely that your legs will be less swollen at that hour. Furthermore, this will make it much easier for you to put them on.

Compression socks have potential to cure a wide range of leg related injuries, reduce swelling, and provide better circulation. Even if you don’t currently experience these symptoms, wearing them can help prevent these scenarios from occurring in the future.

Feel free to visit our Size Chart if you’re wondering what size works best for you and how to find the perfect fit. We also offer different compression sock heights (No-Show, Ankle, Crew, and Mid-Calf) depending on where you’re experiencing swelling or pain in your legs and feet.

Which Compression Sock is Right for You?

The Joule: These ankle compression socks are the perfect support solution when you want a barefoot feel. They offer targeted compression where you need it most while helping to facilitate a quicker recovery. 

The Amp No-Show: From barre classes to everyday errands, the AMP no-show compression sock offers high-quality compression properties that are achieved through targeted zones. These zones are designed to help you experience a stronger recovery, better circulation, and reduced inflammation.

The Performance Crew: These crew compression socks comfortably wrap your foot and lower calf. This sock's knit padding is strategically positioned in the heel and the ball of the foot for improved energy absorption.

The Infinite: Designed for running, recovery, and everything in between, the Infinite mid-calf compression sock will make your feet feel like they're stepping on clouds. This mid-calf sock wraps your lower legs with a snug feel and helps relieve the pain you might experience from shin splints and calf aches.