Choosing the right pair of compression socks for nurses is important in ensuring your comfort and support, particularly if your job requires you to be on your feet for hours. Nurses, for instance, will need quality compression socks that will prevent them from experiencing a range of conditions linked with standing all day such as venous pooling and venous insufficiency. With the help of the best compression socks for nurses, valves located in the veins are protected from the backward flow of the blood that can weaken these veins.

Thus, nurses and other professionals who stand or walk all day at work can benefit from compression socks. By wearing compression socks for nurses, you can avoid clots forming in your veins, as well as fatigue and strain that can limit your mobility over time.

Contents:

• Features of Compression Socks for Nurses
• Benefits of Compression Socks for Nurses
• Types of Compression Socks for Nurses
• Styles of Compression Socks for Nurses
• Guide to Choosing and Wearing Compression Socks for Nurses

Features of Compression Socks for Nurses

Compression socks or stockings come with a snug fit, but these are made of stretchy materials that squeeze or compress your legs to provide relief from pain. In particular, compression socks for nurses have different styles, depending on the purpose they serve. There are those that are loose up the leg, but rather tight around the ankles. These are what you call pressure or graduated compression stockings. As for compression sleeves, these do not support your feet since the design is quite like a tube.

These socks are available online, at drug stores or medical supply shops. You may want to ask for a prescription from a doctor, so the socks are covered by your insurance policy. However, it is also possible to purchase these socks over the counter at your preferred store. The price depends on the kind or style you buy. There are those that cost about $10 per pair or as much as $100 or even more.

Various types of people wear compression socks. For instance, people who need additional support on their legs from the stress of standing for hours can benefit from these socks for maximum comfort. Such individuals include athletes, pregnant women, professionals who stand for hours at work, and people suffering from diabetes, varicose veins, and DVT.

Compression socks for nurses can also benefit people who have serious difficulty in moving their legs. If you have just gotten out of surgery, specifically if the affected area is your leg, then you may find it comfortable to wear compression socks.

Benefits of Compression Socks for Nurses

There are several reasons why it helps to put on a good pair of knee-high compression socks for nurses. The following are among the different benefits that you can get from these socks.

1. Promote good circulation.

The best compression socks for nurses squeeze the legs in a way that facilitates the normal flow of blood in the veins. In addition, blood vessels are compressed through the right amount of pressure on the legs. Over time, the blood vessels tend to have a narrower width, which allows for good circulation of blood through these areas. As a result, blood pooling is prevented, along with potential conditions that may arise with poor blood circulation.

2. Prevent varicose veins from forming.

When there is pooled blood, this can lead to swelling that may add more pressure in your superficial veins. This effect is linked with varicose veins, that is a serious issue among people who spend more time each day on their feet. Although it is impossible to treat varicose veins by simply wearing compression socks, you will find these helpful in relieving pain and minimizing pressure to the veins. Hence, these veins will no longer have to appear rather unsightly with a bulging appearance.

3. Protect yourself from blood clots.

Pooled blood can be caused by clots, which is an alarming issue. In fact, any person who suffers from circulatory issue may be likely to have clots that can be fatal. Due to the fact that circulation is improved with the use of compression socks, nurses and individuals who stand all day can worry less about having clots by wearing this type of socks.

4. Eliminate leg pain and fatigue.

As blood circulation in your veins reduces, so will you become more susceptible to leg pain and fatigue. These are likely to happen when you stand for long hours, which can reduce your mobility and energy level. However, compression socks for nurses can significantly ease these conditions. Thus, these professionals will have greater energy and ease in movement as no more pain can bother them while at work.

5. Spare you from having achy and tired legs.

Stockings offer ample amount of pressure on the legs to facilitate the proper functioning of the blood vessels. This causes blood to flow freely as arteries responsible for supplying your muscles with oxygen-rich blood are able to relax. This improves the condition of your veins as more supply of blood is provided to these areas. Your legs will also feel much better without any hints of aches or pains. If you tend to suffer from swollen ankles and feet, compression socks can prevent spider veins or varicose veins.

Compression socks can benefit a number of people including triathletes, athletes, and runners. As blood flow is improved each time they perform an activity, they are spared from experiencing fatigue and pain on the legs. Even tissue damage is prevented because blood flow is increased, which supplies ample oxygen level to the muscles. Also, recovery becomes much faster since lymph and blood circulation are improved. This is the reason why cramping or soreness can be prevented through compression socks.

If you are prone to suffer from painful legs, or your job and activity require you to be on your feet for several hours a day, then it helps to wear supportive devices to eliminate any pains or fatigue. Compression socks make sure that your legs are properly supported while ensuring good circulation and blood flow all day long. What’s more, you can speed up the recovery process if your legs are feeling tired from being overworked or stressed whether it is due to intense sports or physical activity.

Types of Compression Socks for Nurses

There are different types of compression socks for nurses available in the market. Each type comes with its own unique features and functions, so it is better to determine the right one you need according to your specific condition. You should be able to find different lengths for the sleeves and socks, and these could cover your legs or even the feet.

If you are suffering from conditions impacting circulation such as deep vein thrombosis or DVT, wearing stockings or tights can help reduce symptoms. You will also experience a higher level of mobility without much pain and discomfort.

Here are the types of compression socks for nurses that you can choose from, depending on your needs and preferences.

1. Medical Grade

Before you can purchase this type of compression socks, you will need to have a physician prescribe this to you. There are a few varieties you can find for medical grade compression socks including:

• 20 mmHg
• 30 mmHg
• 40 mmHg

Basically, medical grade compression stockings are designed for treating certain conditions that cannot be addressed fully using the non-medical ones. A doctor should be consulted when it comes to choosing the best one that suits you, as well as the proper usage of these socks. Moreover, the prescription for these socks must be renewed annually, so you can continue purchasing these for your condition.

2. Non-Medical Grade

When it comes to non-medical grade compression socks, you can find different grades available such as:

• 8 mmHg
• 15 mmHg
• 20 mmHg

As the name implies, this type of stockings is not for medical purposes. This means you can use them to achieve a general sense of support and comfort. Even if you are not suffering from a medical condition, you may wear these socks as you wish, particularly if your job is quite intensive. You will find relief from these socks when you have a tendency to experience aches and fatigue on your legs. Whenever you travel or perform sports, and you want optimum support for your legs, these socks should be very helpful to you. What’s more, there is no need to get a prescription from your doctor to buy one of these.

Styles of Compression Socks for Nurses

You can select from different styles of these socks for your particular needs. Depending on what is comfortable to you, styles available include the following:

1. Pantyhose

These stockings are worn up to your waist, which provides maximum support. If you need bilateral leg support, you will find it ideal to wear pantyhose compression stockings. Just be sure to purchase the right size to attain comfort that you need.

2. Knee High Socks

This type of socks offers compression to your lower legs. There are various designs, thickness, and styles available for these socks. In fact, you can find one that has a very thick quality with ample cushion just like a cotton sock, as well as very thin and sheer material. You can also select from colorful compression socks for nurses that will match your outfits. Lastly, the style may be closed or open-toe.

3. Thigh-High

If you do not want to wear compression socks that are up to your knees, or you are not exactly comfortable with pantyhose stockings, then your best bet is the thigh high socks. These are recommended to individuals who want total leg compression whether it is for just one leg or both. As with knee high socks, you can get thigh-high compression socks in either closed or open toe. There are also varied fabric selections and colors available For even better support and fit, you may go for socks with silicone bands as these prevent slippage.

The level of pressure is important to consider when buying compression socks for nurses. In this case, you should check the pressure provided, which is indicated in mmHG. It is important to buy stockings that are snug, yet the tightness does not cause any pain. In case you only want mild compression, then a lower value in mmHG should be considered. This should suffice when you want to maintain comfort and support while you are at work and standing on your feet all day.

For people who are suffering from DVT, a firmer fit is advisable. Check for higher numbers when choosing the kind of fit that the sock offers, so you will be able to attain the level of comfort you need. The same holds true when you have just recovered from surgery, or you are unable to move. However, once you are capable of standing and moving, you should go for graduated compression stockings.

Just the same, the best way to purchase the type or style of compression socks for your needs is by consulting a doctor. If you need the stockings for medical reasons, your doctor will measure your legs and prescribe the right ones for you.

Guide to Choosing and Wearing Compression Socks for Nurses

There are different things to consider when selecting from a range of compression socks offered in stores. The following are some important factors that you should keep in mind.

1. Level of Compression

You can choose from light, moderate, firm and extra firm compression level for these socks. If you just want comfort and prevent poor circulation or pooling, light to moderate compression is for you. However, if you are suffering from varicose veins or edema, firm and extra firm compression is advisable for your condition.

2. Type of Material

There are different materials to choose from, so your options are not limited. These include rubber, lycra and spandex. Obtain professional advice when choosing the material of socks that suits you best.

Once you have purchased your very own pair of compression socks, it is important to know how to wear these properly. This way, you can minimize pain and achieve a high level of comfort and support for your condition.

Here are some tips to wearing your compression socks:

• Eliminate bunching of the socks by smoothing them out and making sure they lie flatly on your skin.
• Never roll the tops of your socks down just to reduce the length. Rolling only makes your socks tighter, thus causing problems with blood flow or circulation.
• Keep your socks on several hours a day if your doctor has advised you to put them on for support. Be sure to ask your doctor how long you need to wear your socks.

Consider these tips when choosing, buying and wearing compression socks for nurses. This way, you can achieve total comfort and support while reducing your chances of getting varicose veins and circulation issues on your legs.

SOURCES:

www.nlm.nih.gov

www.nhs.uk

www.webmd.com