When we talk about compression socks, we often think about people who frequently travel by plane or those who have circulation-related health issues. You might be surprised to find out, however, that compression socks can be used by anyone at any age, as these versatile accessories have multiple uses. Regardless if you live a physically demanding lifestyle or one where you can slow down and relax from time to time, you’ll likely find compression socks a practical addition to your sock drawer.
How do compression socks work?
To better understand how compression socks work, it’s important to familiarize yourself with how your legs are affected by circulation. While the heart works round the clock to pump blood, there are factors that can cause a reduction in the amount of blood that can reach specific parts of the body. This can be due to underlying health issues like high blood pressure or diabetes or even activities like sitting still for long stretches. Poor circulation is typically marked by numbness or a throbbing sensation, pain, and muscle cramps.
Compression socks help by providing support to the blood vessels, keeping the blood flowing and preventing it from pooling in one area. This is because the fabric creates a “pressure gradient” by fitting snugly around the ankles and getting looser towards the top of the sock. The graduated pressure helps prevent swelling and decreases the amount of fatigue you feel after a long day of work or intense activity.
Now that you have a better understanding of how compression socks work, here are some reasons why they should have a place in your wardrobe:
Find socks with cool and classic designs. Compression socks, which often extend beyond the mid-calf, have plenty of space for interesting and creative designs. They’re a great option if you’ve always wanted to discreetly wear something from your favorite band or show to the office. At the same time, there are brands that offer compression socks in classic designs, like the standing over-the-calf socks sold by Burlix. These provide added comfort and protection without attracting too much attention, meaning you can wear them whenever the occasion calls for over-the-calf socks. Wear them to work or to the gym, or pair them with your favorite suit—they’ll fit right in.
Get support when you need to sit down for long periods of time. While it looks like a comfy activity, sitting all day is far from healthy. Sitting for hours at a time can cause circulation problems. This is where compressions socks come in. These socks exert graduated pressure on your lower extremities, which promote better blood circulation. Wearing compression socks, in addition to living a healthier and more active lifestyle, can help reduce the negative effects of prolonged sitting.
Reduce post-recovery pain from exercise. Athletes and newbies to the exercise scene alike often deal with muscle soreness after an intense workout. Resting after a workout session helps promote a swift recovery, but the pain can sometimes stay with you and prevent you from doing your usual activities for days. Wearing compression socks during and after working out can help reduce muscle pain and promote post-workout recovery.
Support your feet if you need to stand for long periods. Some jobs require you to be on your feet all day. While this looks healthier than sitting in front of a computer, standing for hours can also have detrimental effects on the body and make you feel more tired than usual. Wearing compression socks helps improve blood flow in your calves even while you’re standing still. Because of this, you’ll likely feel less fatigued and more energized.
Be more comfortable while traveling. Modern flights may offer a lot of comforts, but they still subject the body to a lot of strain. Cramped seats and sitting down for hours don’t promote proper blood circulation in your legs, and they make you more prone to suffering from blood clots. Find a bit of relief and stay warm, comfy, and healthy on your next flight by wearing compression socks.
Compression socks not only promote better circulation; wearing them can also be a form of self-care and self-expression. These accessories are the ultimate combination of fashion and function, and they’ll be a great addition to your wardrobe and everyday attire.
