As a nurse, you work restlessly for long hours. You are constantly on your feet, leading many nurses to suffer from lower leg pain, fatigue, edema, and varicose veins.
The same compression socks which you prescribe to your patients can help care for your legs as well. Through gradient compression, compression socks help reduce lower leg pain and discomfort, help prevent unwanted venous conditions, and combat fatigue and leg pain.
In this article, we’ve compared several models of compression socks for nurses so you can find the best compression socks available for your needs.
Our 5 Top Recommended Compression Socks for Nurses
|
Name |
Type |
Rating |
Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vitalsox Performance Socks | Compression Socks |  | $ |
| Sockwell Circulator Socks | Compression Socks | | $ |
| CompressionZ Socks | Compression Socks | | $ |
| Fytto Compression Pantyhose | Compression Stockings |  | $ |
| Besta Sports Compression Sleeve | Compression Sleeve |  | $ |
Things to Consider When Buying Compression Socks
Compression socks tightness is measured in mmHg and studies have found that 10 mmHg do not have a high efficiency of decreasing lower extremity fatigue. Most professionals say that c
Compression socks tightness is measured in mmHg, and studies have found that ten mmHg do not have a high efficiency of decreasing lower extremity fatigue.
Most professionals say that compression pressure between 15-20 mmHg is best. The size will also matter when purchasing a pair. Therefore, measure the circumference of your ankle, calf, thigh, and leg length depending on the type of sock you wish to buy.
Compression Socks for Nurses Reviews
Vitalsox has been making compression socks for almost two decades, and their product is one of the most popular and low-cost products on the market. These are your typical knee-high compression socks with graduated compression between 12-20mmHg.
The foot aspect of this sock had some padding for extra comfort and midfoot compression that supports the arches and heel. The Vitalsox technical Silver Drystat material stops the growth of bacteria and fungus while also wicking moisture away from your skin. On the plus, this compression sock comes in different sizes and many different colors.
These compression socks are known for being very comfortable! They include an ultra-light cushioned sole as well as arch support for the foot. The compression level is set between 15-20mmHg, so they are recommended for all-day daily wear.
With their unique Accu-fit technology, these socks will stay in place all day. You will not constantly be pulling them up and adjusting them. They also come in some great vibrant colors.
If you are looking for some funky compression socks, CompressionZ is an excellent brand. They have a variety of colors and patterns and still provide graduated compression for faster muscle recovery.
Compression levels are more potent in these socks, between 20-30mmHg, but reviews still promote comfort and decrease fatigue and leg cramps.
- These compression stockings are best for someone who is looking for something a little more versatile.
- These can be worn under your scrubs or as formal tights on a night out. Compression is set at normal levels of 15-20mmHg for optimal benefits.
- Moreover, the features include a non-binding waist to prevent irritation during longer wear time and added cushioning on the sole of your feet.
- If you prefer a compression sleeve over the whole sock, this is a great pair to purchase. This compression sleeve provides comfortable, lightweight calf compression to help increase your stamina and strength and easing muscle fatigue and pain.
- Made with nylon, this sleeve is comfortable and maintains its shape all day and full elasticity for months. The material has a moisture-wicking feature and does not itch or irritate your skin.
What are Compression Socks?
Compression socks come in many different shapes, sizes, lengths, and tightness. They are used by many other groups of people, including the elderly, those suffering from venous disorders, athletes, bedridden patients, and long working professionals.
Most compression socks use gradient compression. This means that the compression starts tightest at the ankle and then slowly decreases the amount of pressure as you work up the leg.
Compression socks often come up to the knee and are the most popular type. Some also go all the way up to the thigh.
Compression Stocking and Sleeves
Compression stockings are similar to hosiery in that they cover the entire leg and come up to the waist. A compression sleeve covers the lower leg but does not include the foot. The type of compression sock/stocking you want to but will be determined by your comfort level.
Compression socks were first used to combat deep vein thrombosis and the formation of blood clots, but many people are finding compression socks beneficial in their daily lives.
How Compression Socks Work
There are two main ways that compression socks work to provide relief.
Reduced Swelling
- Compression socks increase the amount of pressure being placed on the tissue in your lower legs. By putting pressure on the tissues under the skin, it can help reduce swelling.
- Compression socks do this by pushing excess fluids like lactic acid that would cause swelling and cramps back into the venous system capillaries to be later cleared out.
- Clearing out unwanted fluids will help decrease recovery time, prevent cramps and minimize fatigue.
Preventing Blood Pooling
- The second benefit compression socks provide preventing the tiny superficial blood veins from filling with blood. This blood is there for flowing back into the main veins of the circulatory system and being circulated back throughout the body.
- When there is more circulation, more oxygen delivers to the tissues in your body that are working and in need of it.
- It also means that the blood is not flowing backward and pooling in the superficial veins.
- Blood pooling can be the cause of leg complaints, cramps, and skin changes.
Benefits of Compression Stockings:
- Lessened fatigue
- Decreased aches and pains
- Decreased swelling
- Relief from spider veins and varicose veins
- Prevention of dizziness
- Lessened blood clots
- Prevention of venous disorders
Takeaway
Here, we’ve compared several models of compression socks for nurses so you can find the best fitting to your needs. Nurses work for long hours where they are constantly on their feet. Hence, that causes swelling, pain, inflammation, and blood pooling.
Therefore, we recommend the best compression socks for nurses to prevent suffering from lower leg pain, fatigue, edema, and varicose veins. Read our related posts for more product reviews.
