silly question: compression socks?

I just did a google search for compression socks, and it came back with mostly athletic socks... which, I'm assuming, is not what people here mean when they talk about compression socks during or after surgery.  Or is it?

What are they, and what is the benefit of using them? 

Usually near the pharmacy near the diabetic stuff you may have seen socks and said huh? Those are compression socks they help prevent blood clots and help with water retention on the legs

Oh, ok!  Thanks! :)

Sometimes they are called t.e.d.s

Still aren't familiar, but that gives me a different term to search for them... thanks so much :)

My surgeon had inflatable leg bags that filled periodically to push the blood round my legs. Kinda cool.

 Exactly what Allie A said. They are used at the hospital, put on prior to surgery , and alternately  expand(loosen) and contract (tighten) . I'm not diabetic so I've never searched for them in a surgical supply store , so I'm not sure if you can purchase them. They are more like cuffs, thety are not regular socks at all, and I had to wear mine from before surgery to the day I was discharged- they had to be disconnected to allow me to take my required walks around the hospital . They are used to help prevent blood from pooling in your legs and clotting. I also received Heparin shots about 4 times daily to prevent clots too. Hope this helps. (sleeved 2/14/12 -Valentines Day)

This is exactly how it was for me too. They put them on before surgery and I had to have them until was discharged. To me they looked more like an arm brace you would wear if you hurt your wrist, but on your calves instead.  

teds is one brand name... idk about cost of any of them but u may get a better result from teds or if u want more price options try compression stockings

 Google " Jobst compression stockings".  They come in sock length & full leg.  Usually worn if you have
varicose veins or at risky for DVT & blood clots as prevention.