May 27, 2021 Why Everyone Should be Wearing Compression Socks: Discover the Benefits!

Many of us have heard of compression socks but don’t really know what they are or what they do. Maybe we weren’t curious enough to dig further and discover their many health benefits. Instead we just shrugged it off with an “oh right, my grandma wears those!” But compression socks are not just for the older generation. In fact, grandma was really on to something! Compression socks offer numerous health benefits for people of all ages. They help soothe aches, pains, and soreness after a day at your desk, a day on your feet, or after a workout. They help reduce swelling and improve circulation. They also make a great travel companion for those long flights. So, read on and discover the many benefits of Supporo’s stylish compression socks!

 

What are compression socks?

Compression socks and stockings are designed to apply gentle pressure to your lower legs and ankles. This gentle pressure, known as compression therapy, helps to promote blood flow from your legs to your heart. Basically, the applied pressure is snuggest at the ankle and tapers off toward the top of the sock. This helps blood and fluids circulate with more ease in the legs, prevents swelling, and reduces pain.

 

So how exactly do compression socks work?

In a nutshell, the gentle pressure the compression socks apply to your legs helps your blood vessels work better. This in turn promotes better blood circulation: blood flows more freely and the arteries, which carry oxygen-rich blood to the muscles, can relax. This improved blood circulation means blood flows more easily from the legs toward the heart. And this helps prevent blood from refluxing down toward the feet or clotting.  

Typically, light to moderate compression is recommended for swelling and other minor health issues caused by venous insufficiency, a common circulatory disorder. More serious cases of venous insufficiency may require medical compression socks and a doctor’s prescription. For any health issues, always consult with your physician to see what level of compression is best suited for your symptoms.

 

Why wear compression socks?

Wearing compression socks can benefit many people and improve circulation. Here are some of the most common reasons to wear compression socks.

 

1. You spend the day behind a desk

You’ve probably heard it before: “sitting all day is bad for your health!” But let’s face it, so many of us spend seven to eight hours at our desks. This can lead to numerous health issues including varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis. As mentioned previously, compression socks improve blood flow and help alleviate some of the aches and pains caused by these conditions. Moreover, wearing compression socks can help decrease the feeling of heaviness in the legs, so you can feel more energized after your day of work!  

 

2.  You spend the day on your feet

Did you know that nurses walk on average 4 km during a 12-hour shift? While walking is good for you, jobs where you stand still for long periods can be especially hard on your feet and legs. These include retail and service industry work, warehouse and manufacturing jobs, among others. Compression socks can help alleviate leg fatigue and soreness.  If you are looking for additional tips to soothe your tired feet, read our blog that compiles easy techniques practiced by nurses that can make your feet feel better!

 

3.  You exercise

Are you a jogger or runner? Do you work out regularly? High-impact exercises like running can be hard on the body. Studies have shown that compression socks help the blood flow back to the heart more efficiently. This leads to better oxygenation, which can actually help boost performance. Most of the time, compression socks are worn to help soothe post-workout soreness, and help your body recover after a trying workout.

However, many marathon runners have reported enhanced performance and quicker recovery. This is likely due to improve blood flow, decreased inflammation, and reduced muscle fatigue.

 

4.  You travel

Compression socks make a great travel companion for those long flights. While your travel plans may be on hold right now, many of us can’t wait to get back to our travel adventures. But a long flight can take its toll on your blood circulation. Even though the risk of blood clots is rather low, compression socks help increase circulation. They also reduce swelling, and prevent deep vein thrombosis. Even if you are young and lead an active lifestyle, air travel can still affect you. So why not take this opportunity to try out compression socks for the first time and discover their many benefits? Next time you’re packing your suitcase, don’t forget to add compression socks to your travel check list.  

 

5.  You are diabetic

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, you are more prone to developing venous insufficiency, deep vein thrombosis, and peripheral edema. Diabetes compression socks are specifically designed to apply more pressure on the foot and less on the calves. This helps prevent swelling and maintains blood flow through your legs and to the feet. However, it is very important to consult a doctor and get a prescription for the socks that are right for you. Furthermore, a proper fit is key as people with diabetes are more prone to developing diabetic foot ulcers. As such, you need to ensure socks fit properly and do not wrinkle or bunch up.

 

6. You have spider veins or varicose veins

Approximately 60% of adults will get spider veins or varicose veins as they age, with women being more susceptible. For some of us, these warped vessels are mostly just an eyesore. But for others, the affected area can throb, tingle, burn, or even feel heavy. More severe cases can also cause itchy and swollen ankles. The most common and simplest treatment is to wear compression socks or stockings. As they improve circulation, they can help relieve the pain and discomfort caused by these veins.

 

Compression socks offer many health benefits. In addition to reducing swelling and soreness, they promote blood flow and are the most common treatment for venous insufficiency. Supporo offers a wide range of compression socks for your various needs. Our fashion socks are a stylish addition to your work wardrobe, and our sports socks will help you recover after your workout. We also offer medical socks and stockings and will soon have diabetic socks but these require a prescription and consultation