6 Health Benefits Of Wearing Compression Socks

Let’s play a game. We’ll give you a phrase, and you tell us the first thing that comes to mind. Ready? Okay. Compression socks. So what did you think of? Did you visualize an elderly woman sporting beige, rubbery hose? Maybe you pictured a nurse wearing a white uniform, hair in a bun with compression socks up to her knees. There’s a stigma attached to compression socks, but they’re not just for grandpa anymore! Let’s take a look at exactly what they can do for your health, and why you should stock up on these stockings.

If you’re only familiar with compression socks because your grandma wore them, you may not know what they are. Before you can understand their benefits, you’ll need to know exactly what they do. Compression socks are socks which are tight at the feet and ankles, and gradually become looser toward the top. Not all socks are knee or thigh-high, either. There are many types of compression socks, and all will provide a different benefit to your health.

Of course, there’s a scientific explanation for how compression socks work, but we’ll just keep it simple. Compression socks are made of a strong elastic which puts a lot of pressure on your feet, your ankles and your legs. They push down on the surface veins and arteries, and by doing that, your blood is forced to take the narrower paths.

The long and short of it is that as compression socks change the way your blood moves, more blood will circulate to your heart. This is particularly helpful for people with conditions like edema, varicose veins and for women who are pregnant. But did you know that active and healthy people can benefit from compression socks, too?

Many studies have shown that compression socks can help the most active people stay healthy. They’ll reduce pain, boost recovery time and increase blood circulation through your body. Even if you’re not a runner or an athlete, compression socks will provide benefits to your circulatory health. Ready to learn more? Let’s look at what compression socks can do for healthy and active people. Here are 6 reasons you should stock up on stockings for your circulatory health.

* Compression socks can boost your athletic performance. Studies have shown that athletes wearing compression socks can continue activity for longer before feeling fatigued. The increased blood flow and flush of lactic acid is thought to be the reason for this.

* You’ll recover from workouts more quickly. Athletes who wore compression socks in the 24 hours following activity found reduced instance of muscle soreness, and a quicker recovery time than those who did not wear the socks. Please note that you should not wear compression socks to bed.

* You don’t need a prescription! If you’ve been seeing a doctor for vein trouble or other ailments, it’s possible that you’ve been prescribed compression socks. But did you know that you can purchase compression socks “over the counter?” Some insurance companies will even reimburse you.

* Compression socks come in different levels of firmness. You can find compression socks in different strengths. On the package, you’ll see a number followed by mmHg. 10-15 is the lowest firmness of compression socks, but you can get them in 15-20 mmHg without a prescription, too. Anything over 20 mmHg and you’ll have to talk to your doctor.

* Compression socks just look cool. Remember when we talked about grandma’s compression socks? Well, the style has changed. Compression socks are now sold in attractive styles; in fact, no one even has to know you’re wearing them!

* They’re good for your feet, too. Whether you’re an athlete or you work long hours on your feet, compression socks can help alleviate the pain associated with foot fatigue. Compression socks can help to relieve pain from plantar fasciitis, too.