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What Are Compression Socks?
Compression socks are specially designed socks of varying lengths and tightness levels that gently squeeze the legs to improve blood flow. They provide more comfort and protection compared to conventional hiking socks.
The compressive material helps improve blood circulation, resulting in less leg fatigue over extended periods. It can also help keep your joints stabilized, which can help prevent injuries. Get ready to become a compression sock expert in this post!
When Not To Wear Compression Socks
Compression socks are safe to wear for most people. However, if you suffer from severe peripheral artery disease, which can cause reduced blood flow in your legs, it is best to avoid wearing compression socks.
You do not sleep while wearing compression socks, as they may be less effective or damage the skin. It is essential to give your legs time to rest and recover, even after wearing compression socks for a few hours.
Taking them off at night is necessary to give your skin a break. However, if you have been prescribed compression stockings for medical purposes, your doctor may advise you to wear them overnight. In such cases, always follow your doctor's instructions when sleeping in compression stockings.
What Are the Benefits of Compression Socks?
Compression socks improve your circulation by keeping oxygen-rich blood flowing. When worn correctly, they can provide many benefits, such as reducing pain and discomfort in your legs, swelling in your legs, feet, and ankles, muscle strain when exercising, and dizziness when standing up. They can also protect against blood clots when you sit or stand for long periods and support your veins to prevent or treat spider and varicose veins.
Tips for First-Time Users
If you are trying compression socks for the first time, you might find them challenging to manage. To make them easier to put on, here are a few tips you should consider.
- Wear the stockings first thing in the morning when your legs are less likely to be swollen.
- Roll the stockings inside out to the ankle. Then slip your feet in and slowly roll them up your legs, smoothing out the fabric to avoid snags.
- Avoid wearing any jewelry that could tear or snag your compression socks when putting them on.
- Avoid applying lotion or oils right before you wear the stockings. Moisture makes it harder to pull socks on.
- Wash new stockings in mild soap before you wear them. It makes the fabric pliable and easier to wear.
- If you can, buy more than one pair for a clean pair while one is dirty.
When you first put them on, compression socks or stockings might feel uncomfortable and make your legs ache or feel sore. This is normal; you should get used to them after a few wears. But if you have extreme pain or your legs or feet become discolored, call your doctor immediately.
Last Thoughts
There are several benefits of wearing compression socks. You can even use them to support joint stability during hiking, and it helps boost blood circulation. To find your perfect pair of compression socks, shop here!
