Compression socks- WHAT THEY ARE AND WHY YOU NEED THEM?

Many medical conditions can cause swelling and discomfort in the legs and feet. Circulation problems lead to issues with blood flow, and some people are more prone to leg swelling in general. If you’re suffering from foot conditions like plantar fasciitis, compression socks for plantar fasciitis promote circulation for faster healing and provide a bit of additional heel and Achilles support. For those who are at risk of developing leg ulcers or clotting disorders like deep vein thrombosis, compression socks can limit the amount of swelling that occurs, as well as lessen the chance of clotting, preventing the presence of more serious health issues.

Have you ever driven down the street and seen runners wearing bright and colorful knee-high socks? As stylish as these socks may be, these runners aren’t trying to start a new clothing trend. Instead, runners have found that women’s running compression socks and men’s running compression socks can actually help when training for a marathon or race. During long runs, the socks provide extra comfort and help reduce lactate concentration in the legs. After training runs and races, compression socks circulate the blood, reduce the amount of soreness, and help runners recover faster.

Compression socks are oftentimes recommended as a recovery tool after surgery. While some surgical procedures are quick, in and out experiences, other surgeries require you to be off your feet for long periods of time. Doctors recommend compression socks for people who won’t be able to stand and move around freely for days or weeks after surgery because they keep blood flow in the legs going and reduce the risk of blood clots.

You may not think about it, but sitting or lying around for extended periods of time without giving your legs exercise can cause blood clots and weaken the heath of your legs and feet overall. For pilots, flight attendants, and anyone who has to fly frequently, compression socks provide that stimulation and circulation their legs are missing by sitting in a plane day in and day out.

So, what if you’re not a runner, a pilot or flight attendant, and don’t have any medical conditions or surgeries? Do you really need compression socks? The great thing about compression socks is the average person can use them without having a medical or occupational need for them. If you’ve been on your feet all day and your legs are tired and worn out, compression socks are a good way to recover from your long day!