11 Best Compression Socks for Women to Relieve Swelling and Pain, According to Experts and Testing
These comfy, supportive socks help promote better blood flow and reduce inflammation.
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Whether you spend a lot of time on your feet for your job or you regularly engage in intense workouts, it’s likely that you’ve experienced sore, aching legs and swollen feet at some point or another. If you’re looking for relief, there’s good news: The best compression socks for women help reduce swelling and pain, allowing your legs and feet to stay more comfortable.
Studies suggest that compression socks can help reduce muscle damage and inflammation, especially after a big physical feat, like a marathon. But how exactly do they work?
“Compression socks place constant pressure on the legs to prevent the accumulation of fluid; the compression is thought to help the blood circulate better which allows more oxygen to get to the tissues,” says Priya Parthasarathy, D.P.M., a podiatrist in Silver Springs, MD and spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). “Many of my runner patients swear by them, stating that they reduce muscle fatigue and soreness, which in turn produces a faster recovery.”
Meet the Experts: Priya Parthasarathy, D.P.M., a podiatrist in Silver Springs, MD; Anne Sharkey, D.P.M., a podiatrist at North Austin Foot & Ankle Institute in Austin.
But compression socks aren’t just great for post-workout recovery—they can also provide relief when you’re traveling on a long flight or just anytime when you’re on your feet for long periods of time. Moreover, women who are pregnant and people with certain health conditions, like those who have type 2 diabetes or those who have suffered from deep vein thrombosis (DVT), can also benefit from wearing compression socks to help reduce their risk of developing blood clots and swelling in the feet and legs. (You can also check out the best compression leggings!)
As a podiatric surgeon who’s on her feet all day, Parthasarathy herself likes to wear compression socks underneath her scrubs. “I also wore them daily when I was pregnant to prevent varicose and spider veins. They definitely make my feet and legs feel much less tired,” she adds. However, she doesn’t recommend compression socks for people with certain heart conditions, like congestive heart failure and arterial disease.
Our top picks
Ahead, we rounded up the best compression socks for women that can help relieve swelling and pain. Shop our picks, and see why customers love them, below.
Mallory Creveling, an ACE-certified personal trainer and RRCA-certified run coach, joined the Runner's World and Bicycling team in August 2021. She has more than a decade of experience covering fitness, health, and nutrition. As a freelance writer, her work appeared in Women's Health, Self, Men's Journal, Reader's Digest, and more. She has also held staff editorial positions at Family Circle and Shape magazines, as well as DailyBurn.com. A former New Yorker/Brooklynite, she's now based in Easton, PA.
Ardenis Perez is a New York City-based writer, editor, and blogger who is super passionate about the beauty space. Before going freelance, Ardenis worked as an associate editor at Family Circle where she wrote about pets, teens, family, and beauty.
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