8 Reasons Why You Need to Wear Compression Socks
For people that mostly spend their days, they are at high risks of getting certain illnesses like edema, varicose veins or thrombosis. These illnesses can arise due to the accumulation of blood in the feet due to the gravitational effect of the earth.
After numerous tests and research to figure out a means to curb this, medical practitioners came up with compression socks. These are hosiery, and they offer leg support and promote efficient blood flow in the body by applying pressure on the feet and lower part of the leg. The socks provide gradual compression to the legs. They are tighter around the ankles and get less tight as you move up the leg.
The socks produced in different sizes and varying pressure, but they always look small when unworn. When worn by anyone they stretch out to accommodate the foot despite its size while also applying mild pressure on the foot to increase circulation. The force applied reduces the size of veins and arteries in the leg. Thus, there is less space for blood to pass through and end up pooling in the feet as an effect of gravity. Discussed below are the reasons why one should put on the compression stockings.
They provide support for the leg. This can add up as an advantage to one in case of a leg sprain or a twisted ankle. At this time, the sock will be acting as a crepe bandage for the leg offering support to the affected bones. They can be used to treat various circulation issues that develop due to the continuous accumulation of blood in the feet. An example of these conditions is spider veins.
They can help ensure one’s comfort while undertaking his/her work which requires him/her to be on feet most of the time. They counteract the effect of gravity, which places extra weight and pressure on the feet. This counteractive function can also work for overweight people who experience regular leg cramps due to the load placed on the feet.
Wearing the socks can also be used to reduce leg swelling. The main cure that doctors use that helps reduce and even get rid of leg swelling is by using compression. For severe cases of swelling, one can use the medical Unna boot and then switch to the stockings after a while. The squeeze offered by these compression products helps reduce and prevent fluid accumulation in the concerned region.
They are also recommended by surgeons to patients who have undergone surgery that will affect their mobility after the procedure. The stockings will thus prevent the formation of blood clots in the leg. The stockings can also be used by people who want to increase their athletic performance. Most athletes often use this aspect of the socks since they make the legs feel less fatigued.
The socks also help improve venous blood flow in the body. With the restriction of blood flow to the legs, thus avoiding accumulation of the blood in the feet, blood can now freely flow to the rest of the body parts. Compression socks are also used by pregnant women who tend to sit and stand for long periods of time to counteract the effects that pregnancy has on the venous system of the pregnant woman.
Before acquiring compression stockings, you should first consult for a doctor to realize if the socks are suitable for you and if they will deliver the effect you intend for them to work on your body. After getting the approval and prescription from a doctor, you can visit any chemist or medical products shop to buy your socks. Their prices vary from low budget to high budget socks. Thus, anyone can be able to purchase them without undergoing any financial constraints.