Compression socks exert a gentle pressure one the legs, reducing the diameter of distended veins, and causing an increase in blood flow throughout the body- Unlike traditional dress or athletic socks, compression socks use stronger elastics to create pressure on the legs, ankles and feet By compressing the surface veins, arteries and muscles, the circulating blood is forced through narrower circulatory channels As a result, the arterial pressure is increased, which causes more blood to return to the heart and less blood to pool in the feet.