Compression socks can be worn by a wide range of people, for several different reasons. Whether you’re a medical professional or manual worker who spends all day on their feet, an office worker stuck behind a desk, or even expecting a child, there are plenty of positives to be had. In this article, we’re going to explore the benefits that wearing compression socks or support stockings can bring, and the types of jobs that can reap the rewards.
What are the benefits of compression socks for men and women?
Compression socks offer a variety of benefits for leg health. Here are some of the key advantages:
- Improved Circulation: Compression socks squeeze your legs gently, which helps blood flow more efficiently back to your heart. This brings fresh, oxygenated blood to the legs and is especially beneficial for people who sit or stand for long periods, as well as those who are pregnant or overweight.
- Reduced Swelling: Compression socks can help reduce swelling in the legs and ankles, which can be caused by a number of factors, including pregnancy, lymphedema, and standing for long periods.
- Less Pain and Discomfort: If you suffer from aches or pains in your legs, compression socks can help. The compression can help to reduce inflammation and improve blood flow, which can lead to less pain and improved comfort.
- Faster Exercise Recovery: Some studies have shown that compression socks can help athletes recover faster from exercise by reducing muscle soreness and fatigue.
- Reduced Risk of Blood Clots: Sitting for long periods of time can increase your risk of developing blood clots in your legs. Compression socks can help to prevent this by improving blood flow, helping reduce the chances of DVT and varicose veins.
So with that in mind, let’s explore some of the jobs, professions and situations that would benefit from compression garments such as socks and support stockings.
Medical Professionals
Doctors, nurses and other people working in a medical setting, from porters to cleaners, and paramedics to reception staff often spend a lot of time on their feet. Whether it’s moving from bed to bed, transporting patients or working in a busy office, this can take its toll on the legs and feet. As we’ve seen, wearing compression socks can help to reduce swelling, pain and discomfort throughout the day, allowing you to focus on the job at hand. In the long term, standing for long periods is a risk factor for developing varicose veins, which can be painful and unsightly.
Frequent Flyers & Long-Distance Drivers
At the other end of the spectrum, frequent flyers, or long-distance drivers can spend significant periods of time sitting down and in a cramped space. Unable to move your legs as much as you’d like and being sat in a potentially uncomfortable position can lead to swelling, discomfort, and potentially a heightened risk of developing Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). Because DVT socks (another name from compression socks) can help improve circulation, they can mitigate these risks.
Desk Workers
Desk workers can be at risk from many of the same issues as frequent flyers. Although it’s much easier to get up and move around, this is counteracted by the fact that some people can spend 30-40 years of their life in the same career. This can lead to longer term conditions, as well as general pain and discomfort that can affect their quality of life. Wearing compression socks or support stockings can help prevent this happening.
Medical Recovery & Injury
Some medical procedures and injuries may require medical-grade compression stockings to be worn as part of the recovery. Unlike everyday compression socks, these garments are often much tighter fitting and are designed for a specific purpose. Examples of who may need these include people recovering from surgery, those with mobility issues, or people with certain conditions like varicose veins, lymphedema, or chronic venous insufficiency. Due to the higher compression levels, it’s vital that you take guidance from a medical practitioner to ensure you wear the right garment for your needs.
Athletes
Athletes, whether professional or amateur, can all benefit from wearing compression socks. Whether you’re a keen cyclist, long distance runner or a weight lifter, you’re sure to have experienced the dreaded post-workout DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness). Athletic performance can cause microscopic tears in the muscles which become sore and inflamed. A wide range of sports compression socks for men and women is available, and because they can improve circulation, they help to reduce muscle soreness and fatigue. Wearing sports compression socks both during and after exercise is often recommended.
The Elderly or Less Mobile
Much like those recovering from injury or surgery, the elderly and people with mobility issues can be at risk of developing issues like DVT, varicose veins, leg ulcers. Consequently, many care practitioners will recommend that those with less mobility should wear compression socks. Even if there is no specific condition present, the increased blood circulation can help reduce pain and discomfort, leading to a better quality of life. Some compression socks also have grippy soles for extra security while moving around.
However, it’s important that a medical professional is consulted, especially if the elderly patient suffers from circulation issues or high blood pressure. It’s also vital to consider whether the recipient can put them on and take them off safely by themselves.
Pregnant Women
Pregnant women can benefit significantly from wearing compression socks, especially during the latter stages of their pregnancy. Pregnant women can suffer from many of the risks and conditions we’ve already outlined in this article. Consequently, they can also benefit from wearing pregnancy compression socks to reduce swelling, aches, pains and general discomfort. They can also help mitigate the longer-term risks of developing DVT and varicose veins.
At Fitlegs, we stock a wide range of compression socks for men and women that are ideal for a whole host of uses and situations. Whether you’re a nurse, an avid runner or simply want to help improve your circulation, head over to our Shop to browse the range.