Compression socks are made out of stronger elastics than typically found in an average pair of socks, and these stronger elastics create and maintain more pressure against the legs and feet than normal socks.

This increased pressure prevents circulating blood from pooling in the veins, arteries, and muscles in the wearer’s legs and feet. Because of this feature, compression socks are very popular with people who suffer from circulatory problems, particularly those caused by pooling of the blood in their legs and feet.

People with circulatory problems are not the only ones who enjoy the benefits of compression socks, however. Many athletes wear compression socks while running, jumping, and training in order to provide additional support to their leg muscles. Individuals who spend much time walking or standing during the days also benefit from the support provided by compression socks.

Although compression socks typically extend from the foot all the way to above the knee, providing support to the entire lower leg, they can also be purchased in other sizes, such as styles that go only as high as the wearer’s calf.

An important thing to keep in mind is the amount of compression that is applied by a particular pair of socks; different pairs provide different levels of pressure and, while the pressure is an indispensible part of the socks, too much pressure can have negative effects.

Compression socks are easily located on the Internet as many different retailers sell them. Running stores, large sporting goods stores, department stores, and discount retailers like Target and Wal-Mart all carry compression socks as well, if not in all of their stores then certainly on their websites. In some stores, like Target, compression socks may be found in the health care aisles, as opposed to the general sock department.