Why use post surgery socks?

Post surgery socks are used to prevent and treat swelling, vein inflammation, and blood clotting in blood vessels in the legs.

DVT is a potentially life-threatening form of blood clot that can travel up into the lungs and heart. They are also used to prevent lymphedema in the legs and for example on long distance flights.

these garments  reduce  the  risk  of  blood  clots (deep  vein  thrombosis, DVT)  in  the  legs  after surgery.

Because surgery may increase the risks on these side effects compression socks are often recommended.

DVT may occur because of being immobile. According to WebMD your DVT risk may continue for several months following surgery.

WebMD: Your risk is greatest right after surgery and about 10 days afterward.

What exactly are post surgery socks and how do they work?

They are elastic garments worn around the foot or more commonly the whole leg. Also referred to as anti embolism garments or more commonly, compression stockings.  They are like a pantyhose and are thick and fit very tightly around your leg. The purpose of this specialized hosiery is to compress the limb.

Because of the increased pressure on the leg and its veins the veins are also tightened. This leads to increased blood flow speed and valve effectiveness.

The main goal of is to keep the blood flowing in your legs.

By compressing the surface veins, arteries and muscles, the circulating blood has to flow through narrower channels. As a result, the pressure of the circulating blood on the arteries is increased, which causes more blood to return to the heart and less blood to pool in the feet.

Compression therapy helps decrease venous pressure, prevents venous stasis and impairments of venous walls, and relieves heavy and aching legs.

Other things you can do to reduce the risk on DVT:

• Keep your feet elevated of your bed.
• Get up and move as quickly as possible after surgery

Which types of post surgery socks are there?

There are two types of compression stockings, gradient and anti-embolism.

According to studies, knee-high stockings, which are similar to flight socks, do little in stroke patients to prevent deep vein thrombosis. Thigh-length stockings are often recommended in stroke patients since the threatening type of blood clot tends to occur in the thigh.

Where can I buy post surgery socks?

offers various post op socks and compression stockings. Other online stores such as Amazon carry just a few of which the Dr Scholl’s Sheer therapeutic compression sock is the most popular.