Over the years, I've received a lot of questions about the difference between various categories of compression socks. Whether you’re looking for relief from sore legs, preventing swelling on long flights, or addressing a medical condition, it’s important to know which type of compression socks to choose. Today, I’ll explain the differences between two main categories of compression socks: soft compression and medical-grade compression, and where Ruby compression socks fit within the broader landscape.
Soft Compression
Compression socks in the "soft" category are generally designed to offer mild to moderate compression. These socks are made from stretchy, flexible materials such as spandex, Lycra, or nylon, which provide a gentle squeeze around your legs and feet. The level of compression in these socks typically falls within the range of 8-20 mmHg (millimeters of mercury).
Uses and Benefits: Soft compression socks are mainly intended for general comfort and support during everyday activities. Some of the most common uses include:
- Travel: They are frequently recommended for long flights or car rides, where they can help prevent swelling and improve circulation in your legs due to prolonged sitting or inactivity.
- Exercise and Recovery: Soft compression can offer muscle support during exercise, reducing muscle fatigue, and providing relief post-workout by improving blood flow and reducing muscle soreness.
- General Leg Comfort: People who stand for long periods or those with mild leg fatigue may also benefit from soft compression to reduce discomfort and prevent swelling throughout the day.
Availability and Accessibility: One of the advantages of soft compression socks is that they are widely available over-the-counter. You can find them in most pharmacies, retail stores, or online, and they do not require a prescription. This makes them an easy and accessible option for people who want some light compression support without needing a doctor’s recommendation.
While soft compression is a great option for general comfort, it is not typically used to address serious medical conditions, which require a higher level of compression.
Medical-Grade Compression
On the other hand, medical-grade compression socks are specifically designed to provide stronger, more targeted compression. These socks are often made from firmer, less elastic materials like nylon or elastic fibers, which allow for a higher degree of pressure on the legs and feet. The compression in medical-grade socks usually ranges from 15 mmHg to over 50 mmHg, depending on the specific therapeutic need.
Uses and Benefits: Medical-grade compression socks are not only designed for general comfort but are prescribed for a variety of medical conditions. These socks play an essential role in promoting healing and reducing symptoms for individuals with more severe issues. Some conditions treated with medical-grade compression include:
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Compression helps reduce the risk of blood clots forming in the veins of the legs, a condition that can be serious or even life-threatening.
- Lymphedema: Medical-grade compression socks help manage the buildup of lymph fluid, reducing swelling and improving circulation in affected limbs.
- Venous Insufficiency: Individuals with poor blood circulation in the legs often need stronger compression to improve blood flow and reduce the risk of further complications.
- Post-Surgery Recovery: After surgeries, especially those involving the legs, compression socks help reduce swelling and encourage quicker recovery by promoting circulation.
Custom Fitting and Prescription: One of the most important aspects of medical-grade compression socks is that they are often custom-fitted to ensure they provide the correct amount of compression. A healthcare provider will assess your condition and determine the appropriate level of compression, and in many cases, these socks will need to be fitted to your specific measurements to ensure proper pressure is applied to the right areas of your legs.
Additionally, medical-grade compression socks are usually sold through medical supply stores or directly by prescription, as they are often needed to treat specific health conditions.
Which Category Does Ruby Compression Socks Fall Into?
So, where do Ruby compression socks fit in? Ruby compression socks are designed to fall within the soft compression category. When I first started developing the Ruby line, I wanted to make sure the compression level was suitable for people seeking everyday comfort and mild support. After testing many different compression socks and reading countless reviews from people who used them, I found that a compression level of 15-20 mmHg (the range Ruby socks offer) was the sweet spot. This compression level is not only the most commonly recommended for general use, but it also provided the best combination of comfort and effectiveness.
Comfort and Effectiveness: The 15-20 mmHg range offers many of the benefits of compression—such as improved circulation, reduced swelling, and muscle support—without causing the discomfort often associated with stronger compression socks (like rolling, pinching, or excessive tightness). Based on feedback, this compression level also minimizes complaints people had about traditional compression socks, like discomfort and irritation.
Ruby Socks in Practice: While Ruby socks may not be designed to treat serious medical conditions, they still offer therapeutic benefits for general wear. Whether you're using them for travel, post-workout recovery, or just to relieve fatigue from standing or walking all day, Ruby compression socks provide just the right balance of compression for most people. And as we’ve discussed (and will continue discussing in future blog posts…SEO is a fun game), they offer plenty of perks without the need for a prescription or custom fitting.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Compression Socks for You
To sum it up, the key difference between soft compression and medical-grade compression lies in the level of compression and intended use:
- Soft compression is perfect for those seeking mild support and general comfort during daily activities, travel, or exercise, and is widely available over-the-counter.
- Medical-grade compression is prescribed for individuals with specific medical conditions, offering higher levels of compression tailored to therapeutic needs.
As always, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional if you’re dealing with a medical condition that may require higher compression levels or custom-fitted garments. For most everyday needs, soft compression like Ruby socks offers the right amount of support and comfort.
