Compression Socks

Compression socks are generally considered medical equipment that needs to be worn only when a doctor prescribes them to people who have specific health problems. However, they are now available in a wide array of options ranging from nurse compression socks to increase their comfort during their busy shift or you can see different models of compression socks for running to support their legs and feet during exercise. 

What are Compression Socks?

Gravity not only keeps everything in its place in the world but also has a grave influence on the blood circulation of all living creatures including humans. Your heart works constantly to circulate the blood all through your body despite this effect of gravity but a sedentary lifestyle, sitting for long hours, and chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) cause underperforming veins and insufficient blood circulation, resulting in pooling blood in your veins and swollen feet.

And here compression socks come into the stage as the game changer. Compression socks are special clothing accessories that are designed to provide a simple but efficient solution to improve the blood circulation of your feet and legs which may otherwise cause aforementioned vein problems and feet swelling. 

How Do Compression Socks Work?

Both medical and athletic compression socks feature a stretchable construction to apply pressure on the foot, ankles, and calves to improve blood circulation by facilitating the flow of blood up to the heart. Hence, athletic and nursing compression socks prevent the blood pooling in leg and foot veins, and eliminate swelling and clots, thereby soothing the discomfort in your body.

How Long Should You Wear Compression Socks?

Regardless of your preference for compression running socks or compression socks for travel, the decisive factor on how long you should wear them is your distinct conditions. Primarily designed to address a common problem of our age, compression socks should be worn particularly during the activity from which your discomfort results. Hence, wearing compression socks just after waking up before your feet swell and keeping them on while working or running is in fact the best method to make the most benefit out of these socks. 

Should you wear compression socks at night?

Even though it is beneficial to wear compression socks all day long, you are recommended to take them off before going to bed. Because these are designed to minimize the effects of gravity on our foot and leg blood circulation, you should not wear them while lying down since they will cause sweating and clotting by preventing the return of blood by squeezing the veins further than needed.

Additionally, particularly the compression running socks require you to wash them after every use to maintain hygiene since they incur sweat and outer contaminants that may cause bacterial growth. Hence, you should take them off every night (unless prescribed otherwise by your doctor) both to relieve your feet and wash all types of socks, especially running compression socks.

Who Needs to Wear Compression Socks?

While compression socks are essential for people with a high risk of insufficient blood circulation because of health problems like DVT, varicose veins, or diabetes, the people counted below are also recommended to wear these socks:

• Pregnant women,
• Athletes,
• People who have to stand up or sit for long hours while working,
• People who travel frequently
• People who have to spend much of their time in bed because of health problems or surgery.

Available Compression Sock Types

The primary condition that determines the suitability of compression socks to your needs is their compression level. Based on the pressure applied by the sock, compression levels are calculated by millimeters of mercury and expressed with “mmHg”.

Low Pressure: Being ideal for everyday use, these refer to the 8-15 mmhg compression socks which can help reduce fatigue, and swelling and increase foot comfort and can be worn during physical activities, pregnancy, and work. 

Medium Pressure: Comprising 15-20 mmhg compression socks, medium pressure socks are suitable for diminishing mild symptoms of DVT and varicose. They are also called compression socks for nurses since they are ideal for wearing while at work. Additionally, these socks also help relieve the aching and swelling before and after surgery.

High Pressure: Compression socks over 20-30 mmhg pressure are also called athletic compression socks and are ideal for training, hiking or other physical activities as well as pregnancy.

Apart from these types, compression socks are also offered in various lengths for fashion needs and medical requirements. Over the knee compression socks are classified as medical-grade socks and they should be worn after advice from your doctor. Knee high compression socks completely cover your calf, lower leg, and ankles to improve blood circulation therefore, these are suitable for everyday use.

GoWith retains a variety of compression socks (knee high) with various styles, patterns and colors to address everyday needs. You can make a selection between 8-15, 20-30 and 15-20 mmhg compression socks depending on your needs and the level of blood circulation problems. Both compression socks for women and compression socks for men are crafted from bamboo and merino wool to ensure comfortable wear with soft texture and moisture wicking. In addition, you can prefer polyamide models particularly for training and physical activities with its flexible but durable construction.