Do Compression Stockings Help With Restless Leg Syndrome?

Do Compression Socks Help Restless Legs?

Wearing compression stockings will increase blood flow to your lower limbs, therefore benefiting those who suffer with restless leg syndrome. If you suffer from restless leg syndrome you probably have issues falling asleep at night and even staying asleep because of. the uncomfortable sensation on your legs or perhaps an annoying leg twitching. Today we’ll go over restless leg syndrome symptom reduction through compression stockings therapy, and hopefully you’ll be able to experience more hours and a better quality of sleep. 

Restless Leg Syndrome & Its Symptoms

Restless leg syndrome (commonly known as RLS) is has been linked with neurological conditions that trigger strange, uncomfortable and repetitive leg movements at night. Here’s how it’s described:

• An itching, pulling or twitching sensation deep within the legs.
• The sensations typically happen while sitting, lying down or sleeping.
• Some relief is achieved by rubbing, stretching or kicking the legs.
• These compulsive leg movements are unpleasant and prevent you from sleeping or staying asleep for long periods of time.

Symptoms of the symptoms mentioned above can range from really severed to mild, and the frequency in which they occur can also vary from every night to a few nights a month. Restless Leg Syndrome is more commonly found in older adults, women, and in about 40% of pregnant women. 

How Do Compression Stockings Help With Restless Leg Syndrome?

Stimulating and increasing the blood flow is the main benefits of wearing compression stockings to treat restless leg syndrome. A compression level of 20-30mmHg usually found in medical grade compression stockings can provide relief and benefit to those suffering with restless leg syndrome. 

In addition to relaxing leg muscles with gentle and graduated pressure, compression stockings will also decrease leg swelling and improve the circulation of blood throughout the lower body. This particularly benefits people whose goal is to experience a better quality of sleep due the stockings preventing the polling of blood in the legs. Please note, it’s important you do not wear your stockings for more than 12 hours, unless otherwise instructed by a physician. You should assess the length to which you wear your compression stockings based in your condition.  

Consider compression socks designed to apply 20-30 mmHg of graduated pressure. The improved blood circulation will help your legs feel relaxed, with the added benefit of preventing blood clots. Combining compression therapy with a gentle massage to your legs on a regular basis will have you sleeping soundly in no time!

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