Do Compression Socks Help With POTS?
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a condition where a person’s heart rate increases significantly when going from lying or sitting down to standing up. Patients with POTS often suffer from frequent episodes of lightheadedness, fatigue, and feel faint. As there is currently no prescribed cure for POTS, some patients are turning to compression socks for relief.
Benefits of Compression Socks
Compression socks are special types of socks that apply gentle pressure to the legs to help the body circulate blood more effectively. Wearing compression socks can help the body in the following ways:
- Improving Circulation: By improving the return of the venous blood to the heart, compression socks helps reduce swelling and improve leg circulation
- Reducing Swelling: The graduated compression of these socks support accelerating minor fluid retention within the leg.
- Minimizing Leg Fatigue: Graduated compression of compression socks provide support to leg muscles to help reduce leg fatigue.
Compression Socks and POTS
Research has shown that for those living with POTS, compression socks can improve symptoms. Compression socks can help reduce the blood pooling that POTS patients may experience as they help improve venous return from the lower leg, so the heart must work less to overcome gravity. Wearing compression socks also helps reduce symptoms of pain, numbness, and also promote better circulation through the legs.
In conclusion, while compression socks may not be able to cure POTS, they may help reduce the symptoms experienced by patients. To benefit fully from compression socks, it is important to select the right size and firmness as prescribed by a doctor or certified compression sock specialist.
