Keep your feet happy at work and play. 

Wearing compression socks has many benefits. By easing blood flow, compression socks improve your overall health.

But many people have apprehensions about wearing compression socks for day-to-day use.

Compression socks can, in fact, be used for day-to-day activities. Read on to know the situations in which wearing compressions socks is safe.

Introduction

Wearing compression socks provides a subtle squeeze to the legs and they are often used at the recommendation of a medical practitioner. Due to its design, doctors recommend wearing compression socks to people who are:

  • Recuperating from surgery

  • Diabetic

  • In a wheelchair

  • Athletes

  • Diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Read our blog 'What are compression socks, and should you use them?' to know more.

The benefit of wearing compression socks is that it provides a reduction in swelling and boosts blood flow. These properties, among others, are making it an increasingly popular choice in socks.

For example, people who need to stand for long hours use compression socks to provide support and reduce the chances of swelling.

Everyday situations to wear compression socks

Some of the major problems that occur during or after hiking are:

  • Workouts: Some compression socks are specially designed for long runs while others help in speeding post operation recovery. Using compression socks during workouts increases muscle temperature and reduces muscle pain and inflammation.

    Compression socks for runners provide relief for soreness and foot pain. They also keep legs warm during winters and protect them from cramps and bruises.

    The maximum benefit of wearing compression socks is noted after the activity. Note that the main benefit of wearing compression socks is faster recovery.

  • Working from home: Sitting for prolonged hours while working from home disrupts blood flow.

    Wearing compression socks while sitting works relaxes the arteries and adds a gentle pressure to the legs, thus easing blood flow and reducing swelling, fatigue, and discomfort. It also reduces the chance of developing blood clots.

    Apart from the above, compression socks help in reducing the effects of the following:

  • Varicose veins: Sedentary lifestyle can negate the advantage of exercising or gymming. Instead, wearing compression socks keeps the circulatory system in check and reduces inflammation.

  • Preserve workout gains: Blood pooling is a common problem of sedentary lifestyle. Compression socks help in alleviating the pain and assist in consistent blood flow and relieve symptoms of varicose veins.

  • Dizziness upon standing: Feeling lightheaded when standing up is most commonly due to circulatory issues. As compression socks keep the circulation consistent, the blood doesn't get pooled and prevents dizziness.

Pregnancy: Pregnant women experience discomfort due to fluctuating hormones, weight gain, etc in the later stages of the pregnancy. The uterus puts the weight hindering in the blood flow. This makes them prone to common problems like swelling of the feet or leg cramps.

Pregnant women also become susceptible to blood clots and chances of developing varicose veins. Compression socks are the best solution. They help in:

  • Reducing the pain

  • Reduces the chances of pooling of blood

  • Reduces swelling of the feet

  • Improves the blood flow

Traveling: If the travel includes long hours of sitting, one may want to grip on the compression socks. Without moving calf muscles, prolonged sitting can result in DVT. Compression socks can help reduce fatigue by increasing blood circulation in the legs.

Things to remember when wearing compression socks

Reduces bswelling

A little bit of comfort along the way. 

Always remember the following while using compression socks, no matter what.

  • Improper fitting: Compression socks, if worn out, will provide no benefits. Wear properly fitted socks that aren't too loose or too tight on the legs.

  • Discomfort: If the compression socks are uncomfortable to wear, don't wear them. Just like other socks, compression socks should not hurt the feet.

    Select the size and the pressure as per the requirements. Compression sock gives a little squeeze on the legs, but they shouldn't hurt.

  • Bunching: The socks should lay flat on the legs. If they bunch up, they don't match the requirements. Choose another size!

  • Sleeping: Compression socks are meant for active and alert times. Until advised by a medical practitioner, don't wear compression socks while sleeping.

  • Irregular use: Using compression socks regularly provides optimum benefits.

  • Rolling: Rolling the socks while wearing or taking off will compression strength of the socks.

  • Chlorine bleach: Using chlorine bleach or other harsh chemical can destroy the socks.

  • Keeping them dirty: Hand-wash your compression socks regularly with mild soap or detergent. Remember to use cold water to use while washing.

  • Using oils or moisturizer: Using oils or moisturizers before wearing compression socks can damage the fabric of the socks. Use them once the socks are removed.

Conclusion

Most compression socks used for day-to-day activities apply low to medium pressure on the feet. But if you are diabetic, just out of surgery, or have DVT, consult your doctor before wearing compression socks.

Compression socks made from the bamboo fiber are the best available resource. For workout sessions or traveling, it provides you with the benefit of going odorless due to bamboo's antibacterial properties. It is also thermoregulatory; it allows your feet to breathe and doesn't trap sweat with its fabric.

Start your journey of compression bamboo fiber here. They are perfect for workouts, traveling and working from home.