If your doctor or athletic trainer has suggested you start wearing compression socks, you are probably picturing the old, heavy, ribbed, white socks your grandma used to wear to bed. Compression socks have come a long way since then in both the fashion sense and how well they work. While grandma probably wore them to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT), you will find they are good for many other things as well. Here are just a few reasons you should consider picking up a pair or two.

Health

Compression socks are still good for preventing DVT. They are also good for circulation if you are diabetic or are at risk of blood clots because they cause an increase in blood flow. The good news is that these socks are now available in different designs and you can get dress compression socks. This means you can wear them all day and with almost anything. You will not have to worry about anyone seeing your "granny socks" if you are going to be on your feet all day and want to minimize leg fatigue.

Sports

The increased circulation caused by compression socks provides more oxygen to the muscles of your legs and feet. This will help keep your legs and feet from tiring while performing sports. It will also help to keep lactic acid from forming in the muscles and causing cramps or pain. In addition, due to the tightness of the socks, your leg muscles will not move from side to side, reducing the chance of injuries.Any type of aerobic exercise can be enhanced by wearing these socks. Not only will you perform better and have more stamina, your recovery time will be reduced. This can be very beneficial when you need to compete frequently.

When you are ready to buy compression socks, you will need to be properly fitted for them. While they should be snug to actually compress the area, you do not want them to be too tight and restrict blood flow. Places that sell these socks will know how to take accurate measurements so you receive the most benefits from your socks. Once you have pair that you can wear to work or a sporting event you may find yourself wanting to wear them all the time. Talk with your doctor or trainer to find out how often you should be wearing them and follow their directions. Places like SmoothToe can help you with the socks that you need.