This is not medical advice, please see your doctor for an individualized plan.
Living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), especially the hypermobile type, can feel like a constant battle against pain, fatigue, and joint instability.
One simple, effective solution that has gained attention is EDS compression clothing. These garments provide support, improve balance, and help you feel more in control of your body.
If you're looking for a way to manage daily challenges, compression clothing might just be what you need. Also, feel free to read our list of the 15 best gifts for someone with EDS, curated by people with EDS.
How Does Compression Clothing Help EDS?
Compression clothing is an effective tool for people with EDS, particularly hypermobile EDS (hEDS), as it provides multiple benefits for daily management of symptoms.
By applying gentle, consistent pressure to targeted areas of the body, compression garments help improve proprioception—your body’s awareness of its position in space—which can be impaired in those with EDS.
This leads to improved balance, posture, and joint stability, significantly reducing the risk of painful misalignments, dislocations, or subluxations.
Additionally, compression clothing supports muscles and joints, reducing excessive movement that often leads to fatigue and discomfort.
Many people have reported reduced muscle soreness, improved circulation, and better control over pain levels when wearing compression garments.
The added stability and support allow for increased confidence during physical activities, making compression clothing a practical, low-effort solution for managing EDS symptoms.
Compression Clothing for Different EDS Types
While compression clothing is often associated with hypermobile EDS (hEDS), it can also offer benefits for other types of EDS, such as classical EDS (cEDS) and vascular EDS (vEDS).
For someone with cEDS, who often experiences fragile skin and joint instability, compression garments can provide additional joint support without adding excessive strain on the skin. Gentle compression levels are ideal to prevent discomfort or bruising.
In vascular EDS (vEDS), where blood vessel fragility is a key concern, compression clothing can improve circulation and reduce swelling, particularly in the legs and feet.
However, it's essential for someone with vEDS to consult a healthcare professional before using compression garments, as overly tight compression could be counterproductive.
Understanding the unique needs of each EDS type ensures that compression garments provide maximum benefit while keeping comfort and safety in mind.
Types of Compression Clothing
Compression clothing comes in a variety of styles, each designed to target specific symptoms or areas of the body. Knowing your options helps you choose garments that best fit your needs:
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Compression Leggings: These are ideal for providing lower body support, reducing leg fatigue, and improving circulation. Leggings can also help stabilize knee and hip joints, which are commonly affected in EDS.
- Compression Socks or Stockings: Perfect for managing swelling, improving blood flow, and reducing discomfort in the calves, ankles, and feet. These are particularly helpful for orthostatic intolerance or blood pooling issues.
- Compression Sleeves: Arm sleeves provide targeted support for the elbows, forearms, and wrists. They can reduce muscle fatigue and help prevent joint instability in the upper body.
- Compression Tops and Bodysuits: These garments offer full-body or upper-body support, improving posture and reducing strain on the shoulders, back, and core. Bodysuits are particularly beneficial for someone who needs consistent compression across multiple joints.
Choosing the right type of compression clothing depends on your symptoms, activity level, and personal comfort preferences. Start with the area where you need the most support and build your wardrobe from there.
How to Incorporate Compression Clothing Into Your Routine
If you’re new to compression clothing, start by incorporating it gradually into your daily life:
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Wear Compression Garments During High-Activity Times
Use compression leggings, tops, or bras when you know you’ll be active or on your feet for extended periods. This can help reduce fatigue and provide additional support. -
Use Compression for Recovery
After exercise or a long day, wear compression clothing to help alleviate muscle soreness and swelling, promoting faster recovery. -
Layer Compression Clothing Under Everyday Outfits
Many compression garments are designed to be sleek and discreet, making it easy to wear them under regular clothing for consistent support throughout the day. -
Listen to Your Body
Compression should feel supportive, not restrictive. If you experience discomfort, adjust the fit or try a garment with a different compression level.
A Comfortable Option for Mobility Support
While not compression-specific, the Springrose Easy On Mobility Bra is a fantastic option for women with EDS who need an adaptive design. Its innovative front-opening Velcro system makes it easy to put on, even with limited mobility or pain.
The bra provides soft, gentle support without digging into the skin, and its adjustable fit ensures comfort throughout the day. If you're looking for an option that prioritizes ease of use, the Springrose bra is a great addition to your wardrobe.