Do Compression Socks Help with Foot Pain?
Compression socks were created to apply gentle pressure to your legs and ankles. Because of long periods spent sitting down, be it at home, in a hospital bed, or on an airplane, compression socks reduce the risk of blood pooling, promoting blood flow back to the heart.
Legs and feet are amongst the most neglected body parts – despite being essential for mobility. When there's pain, we tend to ignore it so long as we can continue with our day. Some have asked, "do compression socks help with foot pain". Through compression, it's suggested that socks reduce pain and swelling in your ankles and legs.
Below, we'll answer "do compressions socks help with foot pain" and explain the kind of compression sock you need for maximum effect.
What is a compression sock?
Compression socks (or compression stockings) are a type of sock designed to squeeze the lower leg and ankle. They promote better blood circulation by pressuring the limb, reducing the risk of deep vein thrombosis.
Most older patients wear compression socks during their hospital stay. And it's not uncommon to see chair-bound patients wearing such socks at home. However, despite the benefits, compression stockings are underutilized for other causes – including pain reduction.
Do compression socks help with foot pain?
At Foot & Ankle Centers of Southern NJ, we get asked this every single day by teachers, nurses, runners, and patients with diabetes or arthritis. The short answer: yes, they often help a lot — but only when you pick the right strength and fit. Choose wrong and they can actually make foot pain worse.
They work especially well for:
Plantar fasciitis and heel pain (less morning stiffness)
Standing-all-day jobs (nursing, teaching, retail)
Diabetic neuropathy and poor circulation
Post-injury or post-surgery swelling
They usually don’t help (or can worsen) top-of-foot pain from tight shoes, nerve pinching (neuroma), or arthritis in the small toe joints.
Studies from the Cleveland Clinic show compression socks can reduce foot pain and swelling by improving circulation and preventing blood pooling.
What are neuropathy socks?
Not all painful foot conditions can be treated with a compression sock. While the sock will reduce the pain from swelling and venous buildup, compression socks won't necessarily work on a twisted ankle or peripheral neuropathy.
Peripheral neuropathy occurs due to damage to the nerve cells, reducing sensation in the body's periphery, e.g., the feet. Compression socks are used as a primary treatment to manage the pain and discomfort, e.g., pins and needles associated with neuropathy.
Moreover, because people with peripheral neuropathy may not feel the base of their feet, padding for the forefoot can reduce the risk of cuts and bruises. The socks are also designed to draw moisture from the skin – preventing foot ulcers and infections.
Why do compression socks hurt my feet?
Why do compression socks hurt my feet? Pain from compression socks is not normal and almost always means one of two things:
Too tight or wrong pressure level – most people only need 15–20 mmHg. Going 20–30 or higher without guidance is the #1 reason feet hurt more.
Poor fit – cramped toes, tight ankle band, or knee-high style on thick calves digs in.
Quick fixes that solve 95% of complaints we see:
Drop down 5–10 mmHg
Switch to open-toe or wide-calf versions
Try a foot-sleeve instead of a full sock
If your toes tingle, turn purple/blue, or go numb within 30 minutes, take them off immediately — that’s a red flag.
Types of compression stockings
Types of compression stockings There are three primary types of compression socks:
Gradated compression socks – strongest at the ankle, gradually lighter up the leg. These are the true medical-grade ones and what we fit most often in the office.
Anti-embolism socks – designed for bed-bound patients to prevent DVT; usually only worn in hospital settings.
Non-medical support hosiery – the light “running” or “travel” socks you see in stores. Great for tired legs, but not strong enough for significant swelling or neuropathy.
Quick real-world guide we give patients every day:
8–15 mmHg → tired, achy feet from standing
15–20 mmHg → plantar fasciitis, mild swelling, long shifts (this is what 80% of our patients end up wearing)
20–30 mmHg → significant swelling or doctor-directed only
30+ mmHg → prescription only
Gradated compression socks
Gradated compression socks alter the level of compression throughout the foot: strongest at the ankle and decreasing towards the top. Such socks are designed to maximize mobility and require a professional fitting.
These types of socks are chosen primarily for fluid buildup in the lower leg. Variations include a stocking extending to the thigh or waist to reduce blood pooling further.
Anti-embolisms socks
Shorter than gradated compression socks, anti-embolism socks are optimized to reduce deep vein thrombosis. The compression is also gradated, from the ankle to the top. However, the level of compressions differs in comparison. Anti-embolism socks are used by people who aren't mobile.
Non-medical support hosiery
Non-medical support hosiery applies more pressure than your standard sock but isn't considered medical grade. You'll often see these worn by runners and for other fitness activities. By applying gentle pressure, these socks can improve leg circulation and prevent shin splints.
Unlike the other types of stockings, nonmedical hosiery typically exerts uniform pressure, less intense than prescription compression stockings.
Can you wear compression socks all the time?
Compression socks are often associated with immobility. However, compression socks are highly versatile, being a useful treatment for various conditions. Despite concerns, there's little risk of "cutting off circulation" when people wear compression socks continuously.
While a small minority of patients who have severe heart problems or peripheral arterial disease may see difficulties, most wearers won't see any negative effects.
Nevertheless, you don't need to wear them all the time. You can remove them for short periods – just ensure they're doing their job most of the time.
Compression socks help treat foot pain
Compression socks help treat foot pain, Yes, when the strength and fit are right, they’re one of the simplest, drug-free ways to cut daily foot and leg pain. Most people do fine with over-the-counter 15–20 mmHg and see results in a few days.
If you’re anywhere in South Jersey and want to know exactly what pair (and pressure) is best for your feet, stop by our Haddon Heights or Turnersville office.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Yes — 15–20 mmHg reduces overnight swelling so most patients feel less morning heel stiffness within a week.
-
Almost always because they’re too tight or the pressure level is too high. Drop 5–10 mmHg or go open-toe.
-
Yes — mild 15–20 mmHg improves circulation and reduces numbness. Choose seamless, padded styles to protect the skin.
-
Only if the fit or level is wrong. Tingling, numbness, or purple toes = take them off immediately.
-
Most people wear 15–20 mmHg from morning till bedtime with zero issues. Higher strengths usually need an evening break.
