Have you ever faced an issue like numbness in your lower legs and feet? There could be many reasons related to this issue. The diabetes is one of the main reasons in such cases. The blood circulation is not up to the mark, causing pain, swelling, or numbness in the legs. The veins in the lower legs could not pump blood towards the heart properly. How do we get rid of such issues? Will it be helpful to use compression socks for circulation?
In this article, you will learn about compression socks and their role in keeping the blood flowing in your legs, ankles, and feet.
How Compression Socks Help for Circulation
Have you ever wondered what causes poor circulation in your legs? There could be different answers from different people depending on their conditions. But there is no doubt that poor blood circulation causes numerous issues, leading to pain and a deterioration in your health condition.
If your blood circulation is up to the mark, you will heal faster, your brain will work perfectly well, and your skin will feel fresh and glowy.
Compression socks are vital for patients, athletes, and women, depending on their conditions. They keep the pressure on the legs and maintain a steady blood flow. These socks are not just like normal socks. One of the most important things is the role of compression socks for circulation.
Also, compression socks are often considered medicated, helping different people ranging from young to old.
Fluids and blood around the ankles need to pass through these areas and reach the heart. It can cause swelling, pain, varicose veins, Deep Vein Thrombosis, and other issues if it doesn’t.
The pressure of compression socks helps reduce pain, decrease swelling and offers many benefits like keeping your lymphatic system fit.
Benefits of Wearing Compression Socks for Circulation
There could be numerous issues preventing blood flow in a proper way. The issue could be related to blood vessels, too. Compression socks are worn for different health conditions, including varicose veins, spider veins, DVT, swelling, numbness, venous insufficiency or pain. Most importantly, they improve blood flow and reduce swelling. However, there are few conditions you need to know about.
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Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are a condition in which the walls of the veins get weak or damaged, causing improper blood flow through these veins. In such a case, the blood circulation is impacted, and you feel pain due to pooling in the joints. Even you might observe fragile skin in those areas. Medical-grade compression socks come in handy in this condition and help you in recovery.
Deep Vein Thrombosis
Deep Vein Thrombosis is a condition when a blood clot forms in the veins of your legs or arms. This type of clot can’t cause a heart attack but needs to be addressed on a priority basis. Wearing Compression socks and keep the pressure on in your lower leg veins to prevent that and improve lymphatic drainage. If you have clots, the prescribed compression stockings will also help you get rid of clots.
Muscle Strain
Muscle strain is another issue addressed with the help of compression socks. These compression stockings work and apply gentle pressure on your legs to relax muscles while exercising. You can wear them for long periods.
https://www.physicaltherapistsnyc.com/physical-therapy-services/muscle-strain/
Lightheadedness
Lightheadedness is another issue often experienced when people stand up after sitting for a while. Sometimes, dizziness can be a serious concern, needs proper medication. Wearing compression stockings can help prevent such issues.
Blood Clots
Compression stockings prevent blood clots from forming in your veins when you sit or stand for longer periods of time. This issue has been observed in people above 50 or those with low blood pressure. If you want to improve blood flow in your legs, consult your doctor and consider utilizing compression therapy or wearing graduated compression socks properly.
Source: https://www.verywellhealth.com/overview-blood-clots-1745326
Significance Of Maintaining Good Circulation for Overall Health
If you want to keep fit, you must see how good your blood circulation is. You must see your doctor for advice if it is not up to the standard mark. Your health will start deteriorating, and you might feel pain in different parts of your body. Just like every other part, your legs need to have proper blood circulation as they are the most important parts of your body. Blood circulation prevents swelling and keeps the oxygen delivery right.
Good circulation offers you a guarantee that you are going to stay fit and active throughout your day. Your skin glows and stays younger. Brain functionalities are improved, and you never feel tired. Blood vessels throw the right amount of blood through veins, causing the blood pressure to stay in normal ranges. That’s what proper blood circulation offers.
Source: https://www.thermographycenter.com/how-circulation-affects-your-overall-health/
Choosing the Right Compression Socks for Circulation
There are several materials commonly used to make compression socks, such as nylon, spandex, cotton, and silicone. As a main component of compression socks, Nylon is a smooth, washable, and easy-to-carry material. It is made with a combination of diamine and dicarboxylic acid. Nylon reduces the chances of shrinking in clothes, too. These materials are used to make compression garments and graduated compression stockings. All types of compression socks use these materials to help you use them for long periods.
Spandex, the stretchiest material used in clothing, is used in these compression socks. Since it can’t be used alone in clothing, it is paired with other materials to achieve better results.
Cotton is a material made with the help of cotton plants. It softens the compression socks to make you feel softer and provides a luxurious feel.
Silicon, the last material used in compression stockings, has its own significance. It is used at the edges of the compression socks to prevent them from harm. It binds the socks and maintains the pressure equally at the edges of the socks.
Of course, other fabrics, like Lycra and wool, are also available, each with its unique characteristics. Choose the compression socks for circulation that best suit your needs and preferences.
Compression Levels
Three main compression levels are used: mild, medium, and extra firm. Mild compression levels are better for athletes or a person regularly going to the gym for exercise to provide oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. Firm and extra-firm tightness are prescribed for patients in recovery mode or after surgery.
· Mild compression: 8-15 mmHg
· Medium compression: 15-30 mmHg
· Firm Compression: 30-40 mmHg
You should consult your doctor before wearing compression socks so that he can advise you on the right compression levels for your situation.
How Long to Wear Compression Socks for Circulation
You can wear compression socks according to your doctor’s instructions. Most doctors advise you to wear them during the day and take them off while sleeping. However, if you have undergone some surgery, the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom has advised you to wear them even when sleeping. It’s essential for individuals to follow their doctor’s advice for the optimal use of compression stockings based on their unique circumstances.
So, you can wear these compression stockings for 24 hours. If it doesn’t put a strain on your legs while sleeping, it helps your blood circulation even better when you’re lying down. A speedy recovery is possible while you wear compression stockings. In the case of women, doctors may prescribe compression sleeves or graduated compression stockings. Most compression socks provide the normal range of pressure, and a user does not feel the strain after wearing compression socks.
Tips for Using Compression Socks for Circulation
Compression socks differ from our normal socks, so you must be careful while using or wearing them. The price ranges vary, too. So, you need proper attention and care while using these socks. These compression socks work better when they are used the right way. Here are a few tips for wearing compression socks.
· Pull the compression sock till it covers the ankles.
· Compression socks should cover feet and legs. The upper face should be about knee-high.
· Check the tightness of the compression stocking; it should not make you feel itchy or uncomfortable. They should gently squeeze your legs.
· There should be no wrinkles in them after you put them on to prevent swelling or any other chronic pain. So, professional fitting is acquired so that they can gently squeeze your legs.
· Always keep an extra pair with you.
Common Misconceptions
People have concerns about compression socks, whether they are necessary or not. They might have multiple questions in their minds. Is it safe to wear compression socks while sleeping? What if compression socks put extra tightness on your legs and ankles? Is it only for patients or athletes? Is it Okay for pregnant women? Does skin change color? Does it stop the healing process? Are they different from anti-embolism stockings?
All of these questions could create misconceptions about compression socks. Compression socks are made for your comfort and boost circulation, and they don’t offer any harm to you. Even if you’re a healthy person exercising in the gym and playing on a soccer field without any injury, you can wear them for better blood circulation in your lower legs. It prevents you from diseases like venous ulcers. That’s what anti-embolism stockings do.
You can wear them in your office as you need to sit on the chair for hours. It will diminish the chance of having blood clots and pain in your legs and keep you feeling fresh after hectic sitting hours. Most importantly, choose high-quality and right compression socks.
Conclusion
Proper blood circulation is vital for your overall health. If it doesn’t, you start feeling ill, and nothing goes your way. So, you need help and discuss your issues with a physician or healthcare provider, especially related to your legs. He might advise you on the right compression-level socks for a specific period.
The benefits of compression socks can never be neglected. These socks come in different sizes and compression levels, so you can use them according to your needs and comfort. You can wear them to apply pressure to your legs and ankles. They will prevent stiffness and discomfort in your legs after a heavy workout.
