Article Last Updated: December 1, 2024
Searching for the best compression socks for ankle swelling that’ll help reduce your suffering?
Whether your ankle swelling is due to pregnancy, standing for extended periods, some sort of foot injury, or any other medical condition, the fact remains that having foot edema is a major inconvenience to your daily routine and a downright pain to live with.
One effective way you can ease your discomfort and control all the blotching is by wearing compression socks.
Today, we’ll be presenting you with a detailed buying guide and reviews of the top 5 compression socks for ankle swelling on the market, so you can make a better-informed decision.
Made with Stretchy Ultra Light Fabric to provide fast comfortable relief from plantar fasciitis pain.
Provides Tight Fit Comfort Around Tendons and Muscles to Improve Blood Circulation and Reduce Inflammation.
Breathable, comfort protection. You may even forget you’re wearing them – but your ankles won’t.
5 Best Compression Socks for Ankle Swelling
1. Thirty48 Compression Socks for Ankle Support
PROS
- Thin and breathable
- Easy to wear
- lightweight
- Great for everyday use
CONS
- The sizing tends to run a bit small
Kicking off our list with a crowd-pleaser, the Thirty48 Compression Socks are developed using years of research to give you comfort that you can depend on.
These socks are made of 75% Nylon and 25% Spandex, providing excellent elasticity so you can wear them during various activities, such as exercise or work, without feeling too restricted.
They also offer impressive breathability and moisture-wicking to support you through the day while keeping your feet dry and healthy.
The Thirty48 Compression Socks offer graduated 20-30 mmHg of pressure which tightly wraps around your foot to promote circulation, ease swelling, as well as prevent twists and sprains by reinforcing ankle protection.
These socks are pretty easy to slip on and they come in 4 different colors to give you some style choices. With a decent price range and sizes going from Small to X-Large, the Thirty48 Compression Socks are a solid option for any shopper.
Features
- Graduated 20-30 mmHg compression
- 75% Nylon, 25% Spandex
- Stabilizing foot position
- Moisture-wicking
2. TechWare Pro Ankle Brace
PROS
- Premium quality materials
- Durable
- Impressive support
- Comfortable to wear with shoes
- Many colors
CONS
- Sizing is tricky since there are 3 options only
Showing off thousands of positive reviews, the TechWare Pro Ankle Brace Compression Sleeve is engineered using premium quality materials and cutting-edge technologies to deliver long-lasting comfort.
Made of 80% Nylon and 20% Spandex rather than only Neoprene, these compression socks offer superior support with remarkable flexibility to give you a glove-like fit around your feet and ankles that enhances the movement of blood and helps reduce inflammation.
The fabric is also treated to be moisture-wicking, keeping your feet clean and fresh.
The TechWare Compression Socks provide 18 to 23 mmHg pressure, ideal for moderate cases of ankle swelling and extended single-position activities such as sitting through long flights.
You’ll find the length of these compression socks to be pretty convenient since they reach high enough to minimize slips without being too long that they get in your way.
The TechWare Compression Socks are available in 7 vibrant colors, but they come in 3 sizes only, which may be a bit tricky when trying to pick a size.
Features
- 18-21 mmHg compression level
- 80% Nylon and 20% Spandex
- Moisture-wicking properties
3. Crucial Compression Ankle Compression Socks
PROS
- Affordable
- Targets support at the ankles
- Interchangeable socks
- Long-lasting service
- Great customer service
CONS
- Needs bigger sizes
- The band can be too tight
The Ankle Compression Socks from Crucial Compression is another outstanding contender on our list, with thousands of satisfied users swearing by its reliable quality and consistent support.
Sporting a carefully-thought design, the Crucial Compression Ankle Compression Socks utilizes high-quality Lycra fabric (80% Nylon and 20% Spandex) to provide decent arch support as well as adequate shock absorption at the heel and ankle to relieve inflammation and minimize complications of injuries.
This is done without the socks being too bulky or restrictive, so you can move freely and forget they’re even there.
The lightweight and breathable performance is courtesy of the ComfortFlex design adopting top-notch stitching.
Although not specified by the manufacturer, the Crucial Compression Socks deliver light to medium level of compression (20 mmHg) which is great for casual everyday work and gym routines.
This affordable model comes in 4 color choices, with 3 sizes to pick from after referencing the included chart.
Thanks to their 100% Perfect Fit Guarantee, you can simply replace your size or get a refund if you’re not happy.
Features
- Moderate 20 mmHg compression
- Lycra (80% Nylon and 20% Spandex)
- Power Support technology
- ComfortFlex design
- Moisture-wicking fabric
4. Charmking Ankle Compression Socks
PROS
- Amazing value for money
- Breathe fabric
- Stylish colors
- Easy to wear
- Not too tight at the toes
CONS
- Size runs big
Next up is a widely popular product known for its effective support and superb protection, the CHARMKING Ankle Compression Socks are an excellent budget-friendly option for shoppers seeking good performance with lots of value.
These socks are made of a synthetic blend fabric, treated to acquire moisture-wicking properties that’ll help prevent your feet from drenching in sweat while giving you the extra support needed for your sore ankles.
The reinforced toe reduces the formation of blisters while the reinforced heel offers comfortable cushioning.
The CHARMKING Compression Socks apply moderate pressure measuring at 15-20 mmHg, which is plenty of compression strength if you’re looking for something that’s not too tight to alleviate minor ankle swelling.
These socks are backed up by a 100% Money Back Guarantee in case you’re not totally satisfied. Also, the CHARMKING Compression Socks come in several colors and pattern options that are stylish enough for outdoor activities.
Features
- Synthetic fabric
- 15-20 mmHg compression
- Reinforced toe
- Cushioned heel
- Moisture-wicking properties
5. Dowelife Ankle Compression Sleeves
PROS
- Truly snug fit
- High-quality fabric
- Great support for weak ankles
- Good length above the ankle
- Versatile use
CONS
- Sizing is a bit off
- Can be more durable
Last but not least, the innovative design of the Dowelife Ankle Compression Support Sleeves has managed to land a lot of positive feedback thanks to its impressive quality and fantastic protection.
Made of 75% Polyamide and 25% Spandex, the unique 4-way stretch flexible fiber of the Dowelife Compression Socks does a wonderful job providing your entire foot with thorough compression and enhanced stability during all sorts of indoor and outdoor activities.
The FDA-grade fabric is also breathable and moisture-wicking, preventing the formation of foul odors and keeping your feet fresh and dry.
It puts a great deal of focus on supporting the ankles, adopting 3D Geo-tech design which aims to deliver maximum support and stability for weak ankles to avoid sustaining injuries and sprains, all the while reducing ankle pain and swelling.
These socks are 20-30 mmHg pressure level, offering medical-grade compression for the ankle and arch.
The ultra-density 400 knitting stitches boosts the supportive effects of the socks.
The Dowelife Ankle Compression Socks are available in 3 different colors, with 4 sizes to help you pick a suitable fit.
Features
- 20-30 mmHg compression
- 75% Polyamide and 25% Spandex
- 4-way elastic FDA level fiber
- 3D stabilizing Geo-tech design
- Ultra-density 490 knitting stitches
What are Compression Socks?
Before we dive into our considerations and reviews of the best compression socks for ankle swelling, let’s take a step back to explain what compression socks exactly are and how do they work to our advantage.
Swelling, or edema as it’s medically known, is a condition where you begin to notice certain parts of your body get bigger than their usual size.
This is typically a result of poor circulation in these areas which, in turn, causes the body to retain excessive amounts of fluids inside the tissues. The more fluid your body holds in, the more swollen it gets.
The most common sites to suffer from edema are the ankles, heels, entire feet, and lower legs reaching up to your knees. Using compression socks, you can decrease the build-up of fluids in your ankles by promoting better blood circulation.
Compression socks, sometimes known as compression sleeves, are articles of clothing that resemble regular socks, except they are made of special materials that wrap snugly around your feet and legs to provide continuous pressure at varying degrees with a focus on critical points such as ankles and heels.
Generally, you can easily buy compression socks as an over the counter product, however, if your doctor prescribes them for you after a physical examination, then you can probably have your medical insurance cover the cost.
How do Compression Socks Work for Ankle Swelling?
We keep mentioning how compression socks apply pressure on your feet and ankles, but what exactly does this pressure do to alleviate swelling and pain?
If you suffer from swollen ankles, compression socks can help increase the volume and speed of blood flowing through your major veins by reducing their diameter via application of pressure. These socks can also encourage a better flow of blood up towards your heart.
Additionally, compression socks work to prevent blood from traveling back down to your feet and ankles or into lateral superficial veins, further aiding in controlling edema.
The pressure produced by compression socks can be a great way to decrease pain and discomfort for pregnant women, people suffering from or prone to circulation issues such as varicose veins, athletes, and those who stand up during long work hours.
When and for how Long Should you Wear Compression Socks?
The ideal time for you to put on your compression socks should be right after waking up in the morning. This is because the swelling is usually at its lowest severity in the morning, which makes your mission of putting on the socks much easier.
However, if your ankles get highly swollen on mornings to the point that you have a hard time sliding your compression socks on, you should first try to reduce the swelling by raising your legs above the level of your head before you attempt to get your socks on.
As for how long you should keep them on, most cases wear compression socks throughout the whole day and take them off before going to sleep.
What to Consider Before Buying Compression Socks for Ankle Swelling?
When shopping for the best compression socks for ankle swelling, there are a few aspects you should take into account so you can make the right decision. Here are the most important ones:
Compression Level
The single most important feature you should think about when you’re choosing compression socks is the level of compression they can deliver. Different levels of pressure correspond to varying degrees of swelling reduction and pain relief.
So according to your personal condition, you should choose a candidate as suitable as possible for the job. Compression socks can be divided into 3 main categories in terms of mmHg (millimeters of mercury; the unit used to measure socks’ compression):
Less than 14 mmHg: this is the lowest level of compression you can find on socks for swelling. Such socks are usually enough for people with fatigued legs and feet as well as pregnant women.
Between 15 and 20 mmHg: offering moderate compression, this level is typically used to relieve minor ankle swelling resulting from situations where you need to be sitting or standing for long periods of time.
More than 21 mmHg: these deliver high levels of pressure and can be viewed as medical-grade compression socks. They’re used for multiple purposes including moderate to severe edema, recovery from injuries, and varicose veins.
Material
The materials used in manufacturing compression socks should be very thin and lightweight to avoid adding extra weight to the foot.
They should be durable yet breathable, with moisture-wicking properties to keep your feet dry and fresh. Not to mention, this will prevent the formation of unpleasant smells caused by bacterial growth, as well as the appearance of painful blisters.
Synthetic materials such as polyester, nylon, and spandex are the most common fabrics you can find on compression socks. Sometimes cotton is blended with these materials to add softness and boost comfort.
Length
Compression socks come in several lengths to target different parts of the leg and foot. Some types stop right above the ankle so they’re more focused on the heels, while others extend a few inches beyond the ankle to give it the required pressure and prevent slipping.
There are long socks that go all the way up to the knees or even above, but these aren’t particularly concerned with the ankles.
Wrap Up
Choosing the best compression socks for ankle edema can surely get confusing, however, after factoring in our considerations, we’re confident that one of the products on our top 5 list will make your cut!
That being said, if you’re looking for reliable compression socks providing moderate compression suitable for everyday use, then the TechWare Pro Ankle Brace Compression Sleeve should be right up your alley.
But if you need something more on the affordable side but still offering effective support, be sure to check out the CHARMKING Ankle Compression Socks
