CompressionGuides
Home » Knowledge Guides » Compression Socks For Gout – How Effective Are They?

Compression Socks For Gout – How Effective Are They?

Gout is a painful disease that can make your feet feel like they are on fire. 

The best thing you can do for yourself if you have gout is to wear compression socks. These stockings help to relieve the pain and swelling caused by this condition.

There are many different types of compression socks, so it’s important that you choose the right ones for your specific needs. These days, there are many varieties of compression stockings available online or in stores near you. 

To help guide your search, we’ve described in this article how compression socks can heal gout:

Compression Socks For Gout


Gout is a painful condition

Gout is a painful condition that causes inflammation of the joints and other tissues. It’s caused by a build-up of uric acid crystals in the joints, which can trigger attacks when it reacts with moisture.

human anatomy of gout
human anatomy of gout

Gout is most common among men between the ages of 40 and 60 years old, but it can happen at any age. The exact cause is unknown, but people who have had gout may be more likely to develop diabetes or high blood pressure later in life.

There are two types: hyperuricemia (high levels) and hypouricemia (low levels). Hyperuricemia is more common than hypouricemia in those who drink alcohol regularly or eat red meats on a regular basis (like beef).


Are Compression socks Good For Gout?

Yes! Compression socks are a must-have for gout patients. They should be worn at all times and they should be worn loosely around the ankle, so that the sock can compress your foot and lower leg. They help reduce swelling and pain, boost circulation and improve oxygen delivery. Compression socks with medium compression (20-30mmHg) are beneficial for individuals who suffer from gout.

The main reason why is because they help to reduce swelling in your legs and feet by keeping pressure off them. If you’ve been suffering from gout for a while now, this could really help!

They’re not expensive, they’re easy to use, you can wear them with any shoe (even flip-flops!) and they can be worn by anyone who thinks their feet might benefit from compression sleeves or socks.

They help reduce swelling and pain

Compression stockings can also help reduce swelling, which is a common problem for gout sufferers. Swelling can cause pain and make it difficult to move around. They are worn in the same way that you wear regular socks, but they have a built-in compression system that helps reduce swelling in your legs, ankles, and feet.

They boost circulation

Compression socks are a great way to boost circulation, which helps reduce swelling and inflammation. They also help the body heal faster by reducing the number of toxins in your system.

If you have gout, compression stockings can help you get rid of that painful flare-up quicker by reducing swelling around your joints or extremities (such as hands). 

These types of socks also prevent fluid buildup in those areas over time because they keep air circulating around them to prevent swelling from building up there again later on down the line when more pain sets in again due to lack of proper circulation throughout your body’s tissues.

This means less inflammation and therefore less pain!

They improve oxygen delivery

Compression socks help to increase the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream by trapping excess moisture and heat. This can help bring down high blood pressure and lower your chances of having a stroke, which are both commonly associated with gout.

The increased level of oxygen delivered via compression socks is also beneficial because it increases circulation throughout the body, including those areas that are most affected by gout.

Ankles/feet (which are often swollen), legs (where pain may be felt), and even more areas can be healed, so if you have peripheral neuropathy—a condition where nerves become damaged due to inflammation or infection—the area around those injuries will suffer as well.


Factors to Note Before Using Compression Socks for Gout

The fabric of the sock

You’ll want to choose a sock made of cotton or nylon. Cotton is more breathable and comfortable, while nylon is less likely to shrink or pill. 

If you’re going on long hikes or other strenuous activity, you may prefer the durability of the stronger material in case your feet swell during exertion.

Read: Best Compression Socks For Hiking

You should also consider how absorbent your stockings are—this will help determine which type of fabric they’re made from! 

The best option for people with gout would be one that wicks away moisture well (which means it won’t retain moisture), stays soft against skin (so as not to cause irritation), dries quickly after use (to avoid bacterial growth), and doesn’t irritate skin when worn over long periods of time.”

Size of the sock

It is important to choose the correct size of compression sock

The sock should be tight enough to provide compression, but not too tight. If you have a big foot or ankle, it’s better to go with a larger size. You can also use your shoe size as a guideline for choosing the right compression level for you.

If your shoe size is between 10 and 11 then go with a medium-sized compression sock that will be tight enough but comfortable enough for daily wear during gout treatment (no need for heavy duty ones).

Compression level

The compression level of compression socks can vary widely depending on how tightly you want to keep pressure on your joints, but high-compression levels are recommended for gout patients who need extra support for their ankles or feet.

The best way to choose between different brands is to look at reviews from other users who have purchased them before you do so that you know what type of product will work best for your needs.

If you’re interested in purchasing a pair of compression socks but don’t know where to start—and if you’d like some guidance on how to wear your new gear—check out our blog post about how to wear them.


Are compression socks or compression sleeves better for gout?

Both compression socks and compression sleeves are popular remedies for discomfort and swelling from gout. But they are slightly different from each other:

Compression Socks

Compression socks can be worn at night, while sleeping. They’re made of tight-fitting fabric that wraps around your leg, squeezing out any excess water or fluid so it can exit your body while you sleep.

While they may help reduce the pain associated with gout, they don’t actually prevent it—so if you still have gout symptoms during the day, you’ll need to wear them as well.

Compression sleeves

Compression sleeves are much like compression socks but don’t wrap around your leg; instead, they rest on top of your wrist or elbow area.

The tight fabric pulls excess fluids back into your bloodstream rather than allowing them to drain out onto the floor. This can also help reduce pain from gout but will not eliminate it entirely.

Being a bit clear, a compression sleeve can help your gout by decreasing the swelling in your joints and reducing inflammation, which helps reduce the pain you’re experiencing. It’s not a magic wand that’s going to make you instantly feel better, but it can help.

However, for those who are in urgent need of any remedy that can cure gout, compression socks are a best choice. They cover the toes more manageably and transfer more relief than compression sleeves!

Read: Compression Socks vs Compression Sleeves

If you are still unsure and looking for a detailed information about choosing, read our Ultimate Guide.

Also Read Our Reviews:


When can compression socks be irritative?

Compression socks can be irritating when they’re too tight, especially if you don’t know that they’re too tight.

It’s normal to feel discomfort when wearing them. The first thing to do is to go a size up from what you normally wear.

If you’re still feeling discomfort after going up one size, try going two sizes up from the original size.


Conclusion

Compression socks are good for people with gout, arthritis, and other conditions that cause swelling. They’re also great for those who suffer from diabetes or varicose veins.

In fact, studies show that wearing them improve circulation and reduce inflammation in the legs.

All in all, these stockings have many benefits for sufferers who want relief from their symptoms without sacrificing comfort or quality of life!


Avatar photo

Alexa Roy

Alexa Roy is a dedicated medical student who knows compression socks well. Despite not being a doctor, her passion for non-invasive well-being has made her a trusted source. Alexa's articles are backed by her medical knowledge, providing valuable insights into the world of compression wear.