Best compression socks for long drives10/12/2023 ![]() ![]() And in compression socks, this is classified by the pressure applied at the level of the ankle.Īccording to Derrick, medical-grade compression socks rate as 20-40 mmHg whereas a standard pair - or what an athlete would likely be using - is 15-20 mmHg. This number is used to measure the pressure in the blood vessels. A unit of pressure, mmHg is the reading that a blood pressure cuff gives on its gauge. Compression socks are graded in mmHg, or millimeters of mercury. A 2020 systematic review on compression socks and exercise performance noted that studies suggested compression socks lower muscle fatigue when worn after exercise.Ĭompression socks can either be medical grade (often recommended by a doctor) or standard. YS Robert Kim, M.D., F.A.C.S., and a vascular surgeon at Northwest Vein & Aesthetic Center, said that compression socks support vein health, prevent swelling and improve circulation. When worn for recovery after a workout, compression socks can help fatigued legs by getting blood to the foot faster. “It is going to hasten - or give it a boost - up to the heart so you have a return of that blood to be reoxygenated in the lungs more swiftly and pumped back out to the muscles.” “If you wear the compression sock when exercising, you are going to reduce the work,” Derrick said. She likened the circulatory system to an elevator, which is working harder when having to work against gravity to return blood from the foot up to the heart. While arteries deliver oxygenated blood to the muscles, veins are responsible for returning that blood to the heart to be recirculated throughout the body. ![]() This positive effect was also suggested in the results of a small-scale study on male basketball players, published in a 2020 issue of the Journal of Sport and Health Science, which concluded that markers of “muscle blood flow, and muscle oxygenation are increased with sports compression garments.”ĭerrick said that in order to understand these benefits, it’s important to know that veins and arteries are different. When worn during exercise, compression socks can improve the flow of oxygenated blood throughout the body, which can result in more muscular energy and stamina, Derrick said. Though, in order for compression socks to provide physiological benefits, the sock must extend from the ball of your foot to mid-calf (covering the foot and ankle), said Ellen Derrick, M.D., MP.H., F.A.C.S., F.S.V.S., a vascular surgeon and founder of BoxBar Vascular. With so many compression socks out there, it's hard to choose the best pair for you, so we rounded up the best ones according to reviews from real nurses.From an athletic standpoint, these special sleeves or socks can be worn to increase blood flow in the arms, legs or knees while running. Stretchy, moisture-wicking fabrics like nylon and Spandex can also help keep your feet dry for hours. Nurses need comfortable, slip-resistant pairs so you can move quickly and freely when there's a code blue. "I usually recommend a lighter compression, like 10 to 15 or 15 to 20, to begin with, and for more moderate to severe swelling, we start to go up in numbers, such as 20 to 30 or 30 to 40, which should be a custom fit and prescribed by a doctor," Priya Parthasarathy, D.P.M., a podiatrist based in Silver Spring, MD, and spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), said in a previous interview with Prevention. It's best to consult your doctor to figure out the best pressure rating for you, but generally, going lighter is the best way to start. ![]() On the other hand, a firm compression rating has a range of 20 to 30 mmHg. A light pressure rating is anything between 10 and 20 mmHg, while a mild pressure rating is 15 to 20 mmHg. Compression socks have a pressure rating of light, mild, and heavy. In case you're not familiar with how compression socks are designed, the pressure in them is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). How to shop for the best compression socks for nurses But nurses, waiters, mail carriers, and other workers who stand for long shifts can develop pain in their calves and heels from being on their feet all day, so wearing compression socks can help with recovery. Athletes, pregnant women, and people who travel a lot can benefit from using compression socks because they help pump oxygen to damaged muscle tissues, helping them repair faster. If tired muscles and swollen feet are cramping your style, compression socks work to reduce fluid build-up and fatigue in your legs by promoting better blood flow in the veins of the calves and feet.
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