If you are someone who is concerned about their blood circulation, or if you work or study in an environment where you are required to sit in one position for extended periods of time, then compression socks might be for you. Poor blood flow can lead to aches and pains as well as more serious ailments. Luckily, these unique socks promote blood circulation upward from your ankles, all the way to your heart.
The best part about compression socks is that they don’t have to look awkward or unattractive. Sites like https://www.comradsocks.com/ sell compression socks that are both comfortable and stylish – they really just look like any pair of colorful socks.
Read on, and we will tell you everything you need to know about compression socks and whether they’re right for you.
How Do They work?
By using a specialized weave of strong elastic, compression socks are able to create pressure on your muscles in the feet, legs, and ankles. This compression is able to force blood out of the veins in your legs and have it circulate back to your heart. When this occurs, you will experience less discomfort and pain related to any underlying vein diseases. Your legs will also feel lighter.
The “graduated” compression means that they are tighter near the ankle and looser as they run up your leg, thus forcing the blood upwards. Many people now consider them to be their go-to sock of choice.
Medical Benefits of Compression Socks
Compression socks come with a variety of health benefits. One of their biggest positives is that they help prevent blood clots. The graduated compression prevents blood from pooling in your lower limbs while you spend all day working at your desk or sitting on a plane. You also won’t get those pins and needles feelings in your feet when you try to stand up.
Compression socks also help treat and prevent DVT (deep vein thrombosis). For those who have been diagnosed with DVT, compression socks can help treat associated pain and swelling.
But wait, there’s more! These special foot garments can also prevent your body from getting varicose veins. Varicose veins occur when poor circulation inhibits blood from flowing back to your heart. As that immobile fluid collects in your veins, they become enlarged and raised. By keeping the blood flowing, your veins won’t have to swell in order to accommodate the blood.
Varicose veins are usually more of an aesthetic issue than anything else. But with that said, varicose veins can leak and the surrounding tissue can swell. When this happens, a person can experience deep vein thrombosis.
Athletic Benefits
Compression socks are also becoming increasingly popular among athletes. Wearing compression socks while playing sports or performing other recreational activities keeps your legs well oxygenated. They also help keep your legs tight and prevent ailments like shin splints and calf and ankle sprains.
How to Wear Them?
When putting on your compression socks, smooth them out. They should lie flat against your skin. Make sure that they don’t bunch up.
They also should not be too long. The shocks should be extended fully. If you roll or fold down the top, they may become too tight. If this happens then you could end up cutting off circulation.
If you are wearing them due to a suggestion from your doctor, then you should consider wearing them for most of the day, taking them off to bathe or shower. Some people wear them while sleeping because they only work when they are being worn. Compression socks can be worn with pretty much any type of shoe.
Speak with your doctor to go over the specifics for wearing your compression socks. And remember, there’s pretty much no downside to them!
