10 Dumb Myths About Compression Socks You Won’t Believe

Do compression socks help you with certain health issues?

Of course. The science supports them.

However, there are also things that the science doesn’t support.

These are myths or claims by some manufacturers who have no factual evidence to support promises like “improved agility” or increase your “vertical reach”.

While we can’t cover all the misinformation available out there, we can cover 10 myths about compression socks.

10 Amusing Myths About Compression Socks

1. Compression socks or clothing help you to lose weight

Unfortunately, many people fall victim to this claim and marketers know that so they target them. However, this is one of the more obvious myths about compression clothing that doesn’t require massive research or scientific evidence. The only way you will lose weight is by establishing a diet and exercise program tailored to your needs. So next time you see an infomercial or advertisement promising to help you shed a few pounds, just laugh and know that its complete BS. And if you still don’t trust us, buy a compression product, wear it for a month without any form of diet or exercise and hit us up with your results.

2. You need a prescription for compression socks

Unless you need compression beyond 20 mmHg, you don’t need a prescription to buy them. Anything beyond 20 mmHg should only be used if your doctor recommends it, in which case he then writes a prescription. Most pharmacies will require the prescription before selling heavier compression socks or clothing. You are of course free to buy lower level compression products if you want. And if you really don’t care for a doctor’s assessment, there are many manufacturers that allow you to purchase heavy compression socks or clothing. Doing this is not advisable.

3. Compression socks are hard to put on or take off

For the first time user, compression socks can take some getting used to. However, once you learn and get accustomed to using them, they stop being a hassle. Check out this video to learn how to put on various compression socks and clothing. If your compression sock or clothing is extremely tight or hard to get on after following these tips, then you may need to get a larger size. Keep in mind, a larger size does not mean higher-level compression. So if you buy a 10-15 mmHg sock in a size ‘S’, you may need to get a size ‘M’ instead.

4. Compression socks will help you get rid of cellulite

Do you already have compression products? If you bought them for this reason chances are you still have the cellulite issue. This is another false claim by some manufacturers and it’s another lie. There are no magic materials in the world that will achieve this impossible task, so don’t buy into it. This is just another myth busted.

5. Heavier grade compression is better than a lower grade

People that require a heavier grade of compression usually suffer from a chronic issue. Their products are usually doctor recommended. Heavy compression socks or clothing would therefore be too much for someone who is active such as a runner or strength trainer. As a result, lower grade compression products are best suited for work, travel, exercise and recovery.

6. Compression socks will reverse varicose veins

Lose weight, remove cellulite, get rid of varicose veins, what are these awesome products and why isn’t the world using them? Simple, these are all ridiculous claims. Varicose veins are caused by deficiencies in the body and are a health issue for many people (read more about it here). The only way compression socks or clothing would benefit someone with this issue is that it would alleviate some of the pain and help to improve blood circulation. Any product claiming to remove varicose veins altogether needs to be left on the shelf.

7: Only medical patients wear compression socks

Are Stephen Curry and Cam Newton medical patients? No. What about the many people you see in the gym or in marathons wearing compression socks or clothing? This is a myth that stems from someone who is misinformed or doesn’t know enough about compression products. Of course medical patients use compression for many different reasons. However, it’s not limited to them alone as you too can buy them as long as they aren’t higher grade, in which case you should consult your doctor first.

8. Compression socks will heal your injuries

Compression socks, sleeves or knee braces all help to support you in some way but they don’t “heal” you. For instance compression socks and sleeves provide protection against future injuries or lower the risk of damage; knee braces provide support for any previous injuries you may have from further trauma. So these products do help in ways that ensure stability, recovery and prevention of certain body parts.

9. The risks of wearing compression socks exceed the benefits

As long as you are using the correct compression products that fit you properly, you should not be exposed to any risks. This is why it is recommended that you take your leg measurements to ensure you find the correct sizing. We suggest doing it after your body has been in a state of long-term rest i.e. whenever you wake up from your daily sleep. You shouldn’t wear compression socks or clothing if you suffer from an acute vascular disease, only your doctor can diagnose this problem.

10. You will run faster, jump higher or lift more weights with compression socks

Ah, the good old ability enhancer. Researchers, athletes and regular users of compression have found no such claim to be true (although a few people think otherwise). Beyond having an impact on your recovery periods or helping your body expel lactic waste, you won’t shave 10 minutes off your next run just by putting on compression socks.

Final Thoughts

Now that we’ve busted some of the more common myths about compression socks, you should have an idea of what’s true or not. Many people will tell you all sorts of things to convince you that these socks will probably make you invincible. Don’t buy into any sort of nonsense beyond the basic facts.