Compression Support Stockings: 5 Pros Who Should Wear Them

Today, most practitioners are expected to sit or stand in one position for long periods of time, which can lead to tired, achy, swollen legs, or more serious problems such as edema or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). . Usually people think of compression support stockings as a remedy for painful conditions, but professionals are starting to use compression stockings to relieve fatigue and general leg pain and for preventative leg health.

What are compression socks?

Compression support stockings are specially designed stockings or socks made with extra strong elastic fibers. The fibers get blood pumping by squeezing around the ankle, causing muscles and veins to return deoxygenated blood back to the heart. Compression support stockings apply graduated compression, which means that the compression is applied fully at the ankle and decreases further up the leg.

Anyone who must sit or stand for long hours will benefit from wearing compression socks, especially:

1. Cooks and Chefs

A chef’s job is exhausting; they spend their days in a busy kitchen, mostly standing or walking on hard surfaces. After a full day of work, the most comfortable shoes can’t help with the aches and fatigue that develop. Over time, the veins weaken and have difficulty returning blood to the heart and lungs. As a result, blood can pool in the lower leg, increasing fatigue and swelling. When chefs wear compression socks, they help improve blood flow, relieve pressure on irritated veins, prevent further vein damage, and relieve pain.

2. Food servers

Just like chefs, servers are always on the go, carrying heavy trays. Tired, achy legs can be a big problem, but compression support stockings can provide relief. Full-length compression support stockings apply graduated pressure from the ankle to the thigh to keep blood circulating, relieving pain and fatigue from a long shift. Knee-high compression socks are also popular because they prevent ankle swelling, go with any uniform, and are more convenient.

3. Health professionals

Nurses and other healthcare workers also spend long hours on their feet and often experience leg swelling, fatigue, or varicose veins. Compression socks can increase circulation and relieve these problems. In a recent study, 31 nurses were given knee-high compression socks and instructed to keep a record of any leg swelling or other symptoms they experienced during their shift. About 84% of nurses reported an improvement in their symptoms after wearing compression stockings, and 74% noted a decrease in swelling.

4. Airline attendants

Confined movement on an airplane also decreases circulation to the legs, increasing the risk of DVT, or blood clots that can cause a pulmonary embolism. Compression support stockings can help both travelers and flight attendants who spend long hours in the air by reducing leg fatigue, pain and swelling. Sometimes flight attendants may get your insurance to pay for your compression support stockings.

5. Computer programmers

Prolonged periods of sitting are just as bad for the legs as standing, which particularly increases the risk of DVT. After sitting all day, many programmers and other computer users find that their Legacies are just as sore as if they had been on their feet. By wearing compression stockings at work, programmers will improve their circulation so that when they finally get up and walk, their legs will feel energized and ready to go.