Often known as compression stockings, compression socks can extend from the foot to the knee; some might even reach up to the thigh. In general, it’s a great circulation promoter. Solid elastic pulls on the muscles and veins of the hip, arm and foot, producing a pressure gradient that enables blood to flow back to the heart more quickly.
Pressure on the nerves and movement of the calf muscles tends to push blood out of the legs. Graduated tension functions better whether you’re seated or standing on your feet all day. The best results are usually seen when socks are worn on a daily basis. They can be removed most of the time while sleeping. Compression pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg), typically between 8 and 40 mmHg (moderate compression is approximately 15 to 20 mmHg), while compression wear must be properly fitted on the ankle, calf and thigh circumference of the wearer, as well as the length of the legs.
Also with more basic features than regular socks, the right compression socks are available in various colors and designs. These may also be tailored to match the style and taste of the user. Here are some reasons to wear compression socks.
Long flights are made comfortable:
We ‘re all familiar with the discomfort of sitting in a cramped aircraft seat. But those hours you spend at high altitude, not moving your feet a lot, can also lead to something a lot more frightening than the sore muscles.
When the aircraft ascends, the cabin lacks oxygen, which, in effect, will thicken the blood. Which could put plane passengers, particularly those who do not get out of their seats, at risk of developing deep vein thrombosis ( DVT), a life-threatening blood clot.
Physicians regularly recommend that patients wear compression socks on aircraft to combat this in-flight risk. Not only do socks encourage blood movement, they have also been found to avoid painful in-flight swelling.
Support during pregnancy.
Pregnancy poses all sorts of physical difficulties, but the added weight of a rising infant may be especially rough on the hands and thighs. In addition, pregnant women experience periods of decreased blood flow, as infants are known to exert pressure on their veins, and physical activity usually decreases during this time.
Luckily, compression socks work great to fight the swollen legs of pregnancy. Time to link them to your child’s list!
Improve Blood Flow
The circulatory system pumps blood through the veins from your heart into other organs. Blood recirculates back towards the core while the muscles contract. If you have a venous disorder, this process may be disrupted, resulting in poor circulation. Compression socks mimic the ability of your muscles to pump blood back to the heart from the lower legs, improving blood flow throughout your body. Deep vein thrombosis ( DVT) happens as blood clots develop in veins deep within the body, most often in the legs. DVT can lead to serious complications, including pulmonary embolism ( PE), a blood clot that travels to the lungs and blocks the artery.
