Compression socks can be an effective non-pharmacological tool for managing dizziness, but only when the dizziness is caused by poor circulation or conditions affecting blood pressure regulation. These specialized elastic garments apply external pressure to the lower legs, supporting the circulatory system against the pull of gravity. They offer a tangible benefit for individuals experiencing symptoms related to blood flow instability.
Understanding Dizziness Caused by Poor Circulation
A common cause of dizziness addressed by compression wear is Orthostatic Hypotension (OH), a temporary drop in blood pressure when moving from a sitting or lying position to standing. This lightheadedness occurs because gravity causes blood to shift downward into the veins of the lower extremities and abdomen. This rapid movement is called venous pooling and is a key factor in symptom onset.
When blood pools in the legs, less blood returns to the heart, momentarily reducing the amount pumped toward the brain. This temporary reduction in oxygenated blood flow leads to symptoms like dizziness, blurred vision, or fainting. This circulatory lag is common in conditions like OH and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), where the body’s natural reflexes to stabilize blood pressure are impaired.
The Mechanism of Compression in Stabilizing Blood Pressure
Compression socks work by applying mechanical force to the outside of the leg, which counteracts the tendency of blood to pool in the lower limbs. The pressure squeezes the veins, preventing them from expanding and holding excess blood volume. This external support reduces venous pooling, ensuring more blood remains in circulation.
The socks utilize graduated pressure, meaning the compression is tightest at the ankle and gradually lessens up the leg. This gradient pressure is fundamental to their function, physically pushing blood upward against gravity. This increased pressure promotes a greater volume of blood return to the heart, a process known as venous return.
Improved venous return directly supports cardiac output, ensuring the heart pumps a sufficient volume of blood to the upper body and brain. By stabilizing the blood volume available to the core circulation, the socks help maintain systemic blood pressure upon standing. This physical intervention stabilizes the rapid blood pressure drops that cause lightheadedness and dizziness.
Practical Guidance on Selecting and Using Compression Wear
Compression levels are quantified using millimeters of mercury (mmHg), the same unit used for measuring blood pressure. For mild circulatory issues, such as occasional lightheadedness, a lower compression level of 15–20 mmHg is often recommended and can be purchased over the counter. This range provides noticeable support without being overly restrictive.
If dizziness is frequent, severe, or linked to a diagnosed condition like Orthostatic Hypotension, a physician may prescribe higher levels, such as 20–30 mmHg or 30–40 mmHg. Higher compression levels require a medical consultation to ensure they are appropriate and to rule out other non-circulatory causes of dizziness. Proper fit is paramount to the socks’ effectiveness and safety.
The socks must be sized correctly based on specific measurements of the ankle and calf circumference to ensure accurate graduated pressure. The garment should fit smoothly, without wrinkles or bunching, as these can create pressure points that impede circulation. Compression socks should typically be put on first thing in the morning before swelling occurs and removed before going to bed. Always consult a healthcare provider for a professional diagnosis if experiencing persistent dizziness, as compression wear is a management tool within a larger treatment plan.