Medically reviewed by Dr. Michael Darder OBGYN — Written by Kari Johnson
Published Nov 2nd, 2017
When can you get the most value from wearing compression socks? The short answer is all the time!
Here are some of the best ways you can get the most from your Companions.
During Your Work Day (Sitting or Standing)
Many jobs require you to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time. This makes it hard for blood to circulate to your legs and feet, resulting in fatigue, swelling, and discomfort. Compression socks help keep your legs and feet energized by increasing circulation. Healthcare, retail, service industries, and finance all have you on your feet and active for hours at a time. This provides significant strain on your circulatory system Additionally, many of these jobs require uniforms. Usually, nobody can see your socks, so patterned and colorful compression socks are a way to express yourself and add variety to your wardrobe. Once your workday is done, you’re likely to have less pain than if you hadn’t worn compression socks.
Office jobs that require prolonged sitting or standing can benefit greatly from compression socks. Many office jobs require long periods of sitting, so compression socks can be beneficial. Conservative office attire can be just as boring as wearing a uniform. Have a little fun by wearing unique-looking compression socks. Even if only you know you’re wearing them, they’ll give you a little lift as you put on or take off your sensible shoes.
Some socks are brightly colored and others have stripes or fun patterns. As long as you’re doing something responsible like taking care of your circulation while you earn a paycheck, you might as well have a little fun. Also, while these socks come in a variety of styles, they all provide the medical benefit of compression.
If you feel good at the end of your workday, you’ll have a better quality of life. Rather than needing painkillers and rest, you’ll be able to make the most of your free time. Whether you choose to be active during that time is up to you. Compression socks’ ability to reduce swelling may mean, for instance, that you can switch to a pair of stylish heels in the evening for a fun night out. Perhaps you participate in a recreational hockey league and need to put on ice skates. Comfortable compression socks help stop swelling in the legs. These socks help make your lifestyle happen.
While Traveling on Flights
Long hours on a plane or car are helped by wearing the best compression socks. These socks are recommended for all the sitting that you do while getting to your destination. Once you’re there, you’re probably doing lots of walking from one location to another or just taking in the sights. Your entire trip benefits from circulation socks. You’ll have more fun if you’re comfortable.
The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention recommends wearing flight socks (compression socks) for flights of more than four hours. Having risk factors for deep vein thrombosis makes wearing them even more important. Other good habits include moving around during your flight and staying well-hydrated.
While you shop for your trip, stock up on some extra pairs of comfortable compression socks. The socks that bring you comfort and stability at home will take care of you on your journey. Men's compression socks and ladies circulation socks are a good preventative measure. Pair them with great walking footwear for a comfortable trip. When selecting shoes, go for comfort over style, though it’s possible to find both. Pick shoes you can depend on while you’re distracted, lost, or tired.
Do a little research ahead of time to see what the weather will be like at your destination. You’ll know what to pack and won’t need to buy a whole new wardrobe away from home. Your Companion compression socks will keep you from trying to complain about leg pain in another language. Also, if you’re used to wearing them, they will feel familiar as you explore sites and attractions. Some travel destinations involve a lot of hiking and climbing, so you’ll want the support you currently depend on.
During and After Exercise
There are a great number of medical journals and studies that have shown that wearing compression socks while exercising, specifically running, can greatly reduce the chances of injury and muscle cramping. Compression socks have also shown to improve the speed of recovery for your muscles after exercise due to the increase in freshly oxygenated blood.
During Pregnancy
Foot and ankle swelling during pregnancy is common and usually goes away after delivery. Various factors can contribute to swelling during pregnancy. For starters, your body retains more fluid during pregnancy and your expanding uterus puts pressure on your veins, which impedes the circulation of blood to your heart. Hormonal changes can also play a factor in swelling during pregnancy and even those ugly varicose veins you hear about.
Pregnant women can benefit from wearing Compression socks during pregnancy. They provide extra support and are a proven way to prevent varicose veins during pregnancy.
Preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis and Blood Clots
Maybe you have risk factors that make compression socks a good idea. A doctor may prescribe them because prevention is your friend. Compression socks are one of the many ways to prevent deep vein thrombosis. Your doctor will also advise you to do other preventative things, like exercise, eat well, avoid smoking, and have your blood pressure checked. Since circulation socks are good to wear during exercise, this is a win-win.
You should be cautious of deep vein thrombosis if you’ve ever had a blood clot, or if your family members have. Between five and eight percent of people have genetic risk factors. Being over the age of 40 is also a concern (thankfully, compression socks now come in styles that aren’t considered stodgy.) While you can’t control everything, you can control lifestyle changes.