Blue Sky Scrubs - What are Compression Socks and Why Should You Use Them?
Compression socks, also known as compression stockings, have incredible benefits. Simply put them on and relish pain relief as well as a variety of other health advantages. From runners to expecting mothers, those recovering from surgery, those with diabetes, and even healthcare workers who work long shifts, there are a myriad of people from all walks of life that can benefit from the wonders of compression socks.
They can help relieve muscle fatigue, discomfort or soreness from a long day at the office, a day on your feet in your clinic or hospital, or after a workout. Although most people are aware of compression stockings and socks, many individuals are still confused about what they are, what they do, and who should wear them.
To help clear up the confusion and make it simple to understand the benefits of wearing compression socks, we’ll talk a little bit about how they can be used and who can benefit from wearing them in their daily routine.
The Functions of Compression Socks
Compression socks aren't the same as regular ankle or knee-high socks. Instead, they are tight around the ankles and gradually loosen as they approach the knee. The purpose of compression socks is to increase the blood flow in your feet and legs. However, how does this function effectively? In a nutshell, the delicate pressure that compression socks are applying to your legs improves the function of your blood vessels, which contributes to better blood circulation.
Blood can pool due to poor circulation or other medical conditions, resulting in fatigue, pain, foot and leg swelling, and varicose veins, among other things. Compression socks help alleviate these problems by squeezing the foot and leg tissues sufficiently to help enhance the blood supply to the heart and reduce tissue soreness. Due to their ease of use and benefits, compression socks are versatile and helpful in almost any situation.
Who Uses Compression Socks?
For plenty of people, compression socks are a great way to aid blood flow and help ease the pain in the legs. People suffering from conditions such as varicose veins, diabetes, deep vein thrombosis, and circulation issues use compression socks to assist in managing their symptoms and the progression of their circumstances.
Aside from that, people whose occupations demand long hours of standing or walking use them to add comfort and reduce strain on their feet and legs. Medical professionals, athletes, construction workers, cashiers, and flight attendants are just a few examples. Those recovering from surgery and pregnant women also benefit from using compression socks to increase blood flow and alleviate swelling and discomfort.
Compression Stockings: 3 Primary Types
If you want to purchase compression socks to go with your scrub sets, you should be aware of the three main types of compression stockings, and their different benefits:
- Non-medical Support Hose. They are a popular option among air travelers. However, they are incapable of treating vein damage, so they are best to use when your legs are simply tired or sore.
- Graduated Compression Stockings. These types are the tightest close to your ankle and foot, and they loosen up gradually toward their opening. Although graduated compression socks demand a fitting, they are excellent in managing chronic venous problems.
- Anti-embolism compression stockings. Anti-embolism compression stockings also use graduated compression. However, their purpose is specifically for individuals who are non-ambulatory and bedridden.
The Health Advantages of Compression Socks
Helps Prevent Varicose Veins
Blood begins to build up in your legs when you overwork your legs and feet, potentially creating the leg veins to twist and enlarge. This can result in the development of varicose veins, which are not only potentially visually unappealing, but also cause discomfort. Compression socks can minimize varicose veins by controlling the pressure on your legs. Because these socks deliver excellent compression to the ankles, blood does not pool in your legs and feet, reducing the appearance of varicose veins and helping to prevent their formation.
Lessened Leg Fatigue
As mentioned earlier, compression socks help enhance blood circulation. This also helps alleviate the heavy feeling and leg fatigue that come with standing or walking for long periods.
Reduced Foot Pain
When you work full time, your feet are more prone to pain, particularly if you work in the medical field and rarely get the opportunity to sit down and reduce the pressure on your legs. Therefore, using compression socks aid in reducing foot pain and the prevention of distress throughout long shifts.
Assist in Muscle Recovery
Standing on your feet for long periods can be physically demanding on your muscles, especially if you are a healthcare worker. Compression socks support muscle recovery by alleviating pain and swelling, increasing blood flow, and reducing leg exhaustion, allowing you to give your muscles the proper recovery they need from a long day on your feet.
Increase Your Day-to-Day Comfort
In the short term, comfort is possibly the most critical reason healthcare workers should consider compression socks. Simply put, all of the advantages of choosing compression socks will make you feel less uncomfortable throughout the day.
Selecting the Perfect Compression Stocking for You At Blue Sky Scrubs
The ideal compression socks for you will vary depending on your specific needs, but there are plenty of options available to get the right fit for your needs.
Although it may seem like hard work to find the perfect scrubs and accessories that will see you through your demanding shifts, we at Blue Sky Scrubs have got you covered. We specialize in modern scrubwear that will make you stand out from the crowd and provide you with comfort all day long, while looking sharp and professional.
Our flattering and stylish designs are extremely popular with health professionals and we have become a favorite go-to scrubwear retailer for many. Who said scrubs have to be boring?
We receive a lot of compliments for our lines of scrubwear and we are confident that you will fall in love with them too. To check out our scrubs ranges or to enquire about any of our products, stop by our online store today and find the right fit for you!