You might already be familiar with compression socks. They come in a variety of lengths, either ankle-height, calf-length, or knee-length, and they provide gradual compression that starts at your foot and goes all the way to the top of the sock. Compression socks look like normal socks and can come in fun designs and patterns.
These socks are typically worn by people with medical conditions, like diabetes and poor circulation, but they can also benefit other people. If you’ve never tried wearing compression socks, here are all the best reasons to try them out.
You sit or stand all day at work
Sitting all day at work can put you at risk for health issues, including blood clots and stagnant lymph if you have an existing problem. Although a lot of people have switched to standing desks, it’s not any better to stand all day. Both sitting and standing for prolonged periods of time can have a detrimental impact on your health. By wearing compression socks, you’ll reduce your risk of developing certain health problems.
You’re recovering from surgery
Compression is a common post-surgical support strategy, and if you’ve had surgery on your foot or leg, your doctor may recommend compression socks. If that’s the case, don’t put it off because applying compression after surgery can make a big difference.
Compression socks encourage circulation
Circulation is crucial for health and wellbeing, and compression socks can improve circulation, even when you aren’t aware of any problems. For example, many athletes wear compression socks while they engage in their sport or intense workouts, and report better performance and a faster recovery time.
If you’re an athlete, or if you engage in physical activity, try wearing some compression socks while you engage in your activities. When circulation improves, oxygen circulates through your body even better, providing you with more energy to perform and recover. According to the research, high-pressure socks support recovery, while low-pressure socks provide more comfort, so it’s important to wear socks with the right amount of compression.
Compression socks can relieve heel pain
Whether it’s plantar fasciitis or just a sore heel, compression socks can help immensely. The compression can reduce inflammation and increase circulation, which naturally provides relief. These socks also support the muscles and tissues in your foot, which provides stability. If you’re used to wearing shoes that typically hurt your feet, compression socks can reduce fatigue and prevent swelling.
Many people have used compression socks for plantar fasciitis because it forces blood back to the heart, which tends to reduce the aches and pain associated with this condition.
Compression socks can prevent blood clots
Many people experience a condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT), where a blood clot forms in a large vein, usually in a leg. When this blood clot travels to the lungs, it can cause a pulmonary embolism, which can be deadly. Since sitting on a long flight can make some people susceptible to blood clots, some people choose to wear compression socks as a preventive measure. Although, studies have shown that it’s rare for people to develop blood clots on long flights. Still, people with genetic mutations that make them more susceptible to blood clots, or those with a history of blood clots benefit from this preventive measure.
Compression socks can support the lymphatic system
Your lymphatic system is essential to maintaining health and wellness; it plays a major role in immune defense. You may not actually know if your lymphatic system needs some help. The lymphatic system has no automatic pump, and relies on bodily movement to move through the body. However, when lymph nodes become blocked, it can cause lymph to stagnate. This can show up as swelling in the feet, legs, arms, and hands, and other areas of the body.
By wearing compression socks, you can stimulate lymph flow to get things moving. Although there are many other recommended treatments for stagnant lymph, they don’t always work. For example, some medical professionals recommend lymph brushing, but a lot of people say this has never worked for them. However, when they wear compression socks, the swelling subsides and they feel better.
Compression socks can provide neurological support
If you’re someone who needs to feel the pressure from tight clothing to calm your nervous system, then compression socks can be a game-changer for you. If you get socks with light compression designed for everyday wear, that will be enough. If you don’t like the pressure on your toes, there are compression socks that come with open toes.
Try them out – you might be surprised
Compression socks are a game-changer for many, so give them a try and experience the benefits for yourself.
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