The Modern Rules of How and When to Wear Compression Socks
Whether you're traveling around the world by airplane or working a night shift, you can wear compression socks for a longer period of time without any hassle. Just be sure to remove them when you’re going to bed.
Compression socks designed for both men and women serve a wide range of functions including - providing extra comfort and support, assisting in recovery, and preventing medical symptoms. With plenty of their different uses, people usually ask this question how to wear compression socks, when to wear and how long to wear them.
How To Wear Compression Socks?
In order to get the right pair of compression socks, speak to your doctor about what compression level would go with you. Here are a few steps that you need to follow to wear the compression socks properly:
- Ankle Measurement: Measure the circumference of your ankle by placing the tape around the smallest part of your ankle.
- Calf Measurement: Measure the circumference of your calf by placing the tape around the widest part of your calf. And, finally, take the measurement of the length of your calf. Sit on the chair and keep your leg at a 90-degree angle and record the measurement from the bend of your knee to the floor.
- Measure you Thigh and Leg Length: Now you need to measure the widest part of your thigh and also the leg length by measuring the distance between the floor and bottom of your hips.
- Compare the Measurements: Compare the measurements to the sizing chart displayed on the manufacturer’s website and you can size up if you’re between sizes.
- Put on Compression Socks: Grab the toe of your compression sock and then use your hands to turn the upper half of the sock inside out.
- Slide your Foot in the Socks: Gently place your foot in the toe of the sock and then slide the sock up your heel. Be sure the top of the sock remains inside out.
- Use Rubber Gloves: You can wear a pair of rubber gloves if you face any difficulty in sliding the compression sock up and down your leg.
- Take off your Socks by Folding it Down: Fold your sock down gently until it reaches the top of your ankle. Use your thumb or finger to remove the stocking off your heel and then slide the rest of the stocking off your feet.
When you wake up in the morning, put on a compression sock first and then get out of your bed. Wear your socks the entire day but do not forget to remove them before going to bed. In addition, replace your compression socks every 3-6 months. And if possible hand wash the socks in cold water regularly and allow them to air dry.
When to Wear Graduated Compression Stockings?
There are several times when you can wear compression socks. Let’s cast a glance at the below-mentioned points and understand its unique features:
1. For Medical Purpose
Common medical reasons for which you may need to wear compression socks include - edema, pregnancy, sports injuries, deep vein thrombosis, diabetes, and surgery. Patients who suffer from these diseases usually face poor blood circulation, painful swelling, and inflammation.
So, when you wear compression socks for these medical conditions, you’re all ready to fight the negative consequences of these major illnesses.
2. For Immobility
Non-use of legs for a long period of time can result in serious issues. Sitting on a chair for a prolonged period can cause decreased blood circulation to the lower limbs. The lack of nutrient-dense blood to the lower limb of your body can cause body tissues and muscles to result in swelling and pain. In such scenarios, it totally makes sense to wear compression socks to keep your legs stay fresh no matter how long you sit or stand.
3. During and After a Workout
When you are physically active, it’s the perfect time to wear compression socks. If you wear them while exercising, you can experience more blood flow throughout your body. In fact, the added compression adds extra support for the limbs and keeps them protected against overstraining.
Usually, after training, many athletes put on compression socks so their muscles and joints can recover quickly.
Now that you know how to wear compression socks and the right times when you can wear them, it’s time you try a pair yourself and see how it works out for you. Again, consulting with a physician is the way to find the ideal balance between how long to wear compression socks and when to wear them actually along with what compression level would suit you.
So, why wait? Scroll through our collection of compression socks designed for both men and women and pick the one that fits your needs and get ready to experience the amazing use of compression socks.