Hospital socks and compression socks are distinct garments designed for entirely different purposes in a medical setting. The socks provided to patients upon hospital admission focus primarily on safety, while true compression garments are therapeutic devices intended for circulatory support. While both cover the foot and ankle, one is a low-cost measure for fall prevention, and the other is a precisely engineered medical tool used to manage blood flow.
The Primary Role of Standard Hospital Gripper Socks
Standard hospital socks, often recognizable by their bright colors and loose fit, are primarily a fall prevention measure. Their defining feature is a series of heavy silicone or rubberized treads, or “grippers,” affixed to the sole. These grippers enhance traction, which is crucial for patients moving on smooth hospital floors, especially those with limited mobility or impaired balance.
The socks are intentionally made with a loose, non-binding knit to avoid restricting circulation. This design prioritizes comfort and easy application over therapeutic pressure. Because patient falls are a leading cause of injury, these inexpensive socks serve an important safety role by providing a stable interface between the foot and the floor. Some facilities utilize color-coding, such as yellow or red, to signal that a patient is at a high risk of falling.
Understanding Medical Compression Garments
Medical compression garments, often called anti-embolism stockings or TED hose, function as external support for the circulatory system. Their primary mechanism is the application of graduated pressure, meaning the sock is tightest at the ankle and the pressure systematically decreases as it moves up the leg. This gradient helps push deoxygenated blood and fluids, like lymph, back toward the heart, assisting venous return.
The pressure exerted by these garments is precisely measured and rated in millimeters of mercury (mmHg), with common therapeutic levels ranging from 15–20 mmHg up to 40 mmHg or higher. This specific pressure prevents the pooling of blood in the lower extremities, which is a major risk factor for Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), or blood clots. For immobile or post-operative patients, graduated compression stockings are a standard part of thromboprophylaxis protocols.
Design and Function Differences
The contrast between the two types of socks lies in their core design features, which dictate their different medical outcomes. Hospital gripper socks feature a loose-fitting material with a non-slip sole, offering zero measurable compression and focusing entirely on preventing physical injury from slips. Conversely, compression garments are made from highly elastic, reinforced fibers that apply a specific, therapeutic amount of pressure to the limb.
The fit is another defining factor, as hospital safety socks are typically one-size-fits-most for convenience. In contrast, medical compression stockings require accurate leg measurements to ensure the pressure gradient is applied correctly and effectively. An improperly sized compression sock may bunch up, creating a tourniquet-like effect that can restrict circulation. The purpose of the hospital sock is safety during ambulation, while the graduated compression sock’s function is continuous, measured circulatory support.