Why Nurses Should Wear Compression Socks
NURSES ARE THE unsung heroes of the medical industry, spending long hours on their feet to save lives day-in and day-out. For many nurses, shifts of 12-hours or more have become the norm, putting extra stress on the legs and ankles. We all know that desk jobs can be damaging to health, but did you know that careers requiring long periods of standing can also have health consequences?
Wearing compression socks improves circulation, and can help nurses stave off some of the most common leg and ankle problems associated with long shifts spent working in the hospital. Some of the most prevalent of these lower extremity ailments include:
Varicose Veins
Weakened or damaged vein walls and valves are the most common cause of varicose veins. Besides giving the veins an enlarged, bluish appearance, varicose veins also have a variety of other symptoms including swelling, pain, itching in the legs and feet, and leg cramps.
Compression socks help to prevent conditions like varicose veins by preventing backups of blood flow. This keeps veins healthy, even after long periods spent upright. For those already suffering from varicose veins, these socks help reduce the pain and swelling associated with the condition.
- Lasso Medical Compression Socks for Varicose Veins
Plantar Fasciitis
Foot and heel pain are some of the most common complaints from nurses. Because nurses spend the majority of time on their feet, plantar fasciitis is incredibly common for those in this profession. This condition can lead to stabbing heel pain whenever pressure is put on the foot, making for an uncomfortable shift. The plantar fascia is a thick band of ligaments running along the bottom of the foot, and when they’ve been overstretched or worked it can cause micro-tears in this tissue.
Arch support is another key benefit of wearing compression socks. They compress the arches of the feet, minimizing inflammation and providing pain relief. Having good arch support is important for all nurses, but this can especially help those suffering from plantar fasciitis or other types of heel pain.
- Lasso Compression Socks for Plantar Fasciitis
- Blog: What is Plantar Fasciitis and What Can Socks Do About It?
Muscle Fatigue
The life of a nurse is extremely fast-paced leaving no time to deal with tired, achy legs. But after a long shift of running around attending to patients, it’s likely your legs and feet will be fatigued and sore. This can be caused by a number of things, like standing in one place for too long, wearing the wrong shoes, or not taking enough breaks during your shift.
A build-up of lactic acid is often responsible for feelings of muscle fatigue. Not only do compression socks for nurses promote healthy blood flow, but they also increase the circulation of lactic acid. They also work to reduce inflammation, meaning you can stay on your feet longer with less pain.
Edema
Standing for long periods of time can cause swelling, also known as edema. Spending more than 5 hours on your feet at a time has been known to cause poor circulation, making it harder for your heart to pump blood back through the valves properly. When this happens, blood can pool in the legs and ankles, leading to painful and uncomfortable swelling.
Edema affects the ankles, feet, and lower legs. Compression socks gently squeeze these areas to prevent the fluid build-up that is responsible for swelling.
The Importance of Compression Socks for Nurses
A simple, yet effective way for nurses to prevent and manage these common conditions is by grabbing a pair of compression socks before the workday begins. The science behind compression socks for nurses is simple: by providing gradual compression targeted at the ankle, blood circulation is improved, providing a variety of health benefits. Nurses must remember to take care of themselves just as they take care of others, and wearing compression socks is one of the ways to achieve this.
Lasso creates the best compression socks for nurses, coming recommended by both doctors and physical therapists. Our compression socks are soft, easy to put on, yet strong enough to provide all-day support for your demanding job. Featuring StrikePadding™ technology, Lasso’s compression socks provide targeted arch support to relieve foot pain and reduce impact.
Find your pair of Lasso compression socks here.
