A Complete Guide on Compression Socks for Nurses

Nurses have hard work to do. They have to stand a lot, and that can do a lot of damage in the long run, especially to their blood flow and their mobility. Using compression socks for them is a no brainer. They protect their legs, and they can keep them healthy for a long time. The task of choosing the right one has to do with the number of options available in the market as well as choosing a pair that has the right fit to their anatomy.

Every search on this regard should have a few things in consideration, such as the size. These days we have socks that can cover the full length of the legs, to the thighs, or as low as the knee. The choice of material for the best compression socks for nurses is also essential since we can choose from many options such as lycra, spandex, or rubber. The level of compression of good socks is probably the most important feature we need to notice since given the time of their shifts they might need firm compression, moderate or light ones.

Are Compression Socks Good for Nurses?

The short answer is yes, and it all has to do with the blood flow that nurses need to have on their legs. As we already mentioned, most of their work is done while they stand, and they have to remain in that position for a lot of hours at times.

Think for a moment how blood flow works. It goes through their legs, and it has to go to their hearts at some point to be pumped and get back down. If the blood is hindered during this process for any given reason, there will likely be blood pooling down there. There are ways to prevent this.

Standing around in the same position for too long will make the veins in your legs weaker. This will bring a lot of problems when it comes to circulation. The best compression socks for nurses solve this problem by putting pressure in the leg tissue and helping the veins pump blood upwards more efficiently.

Knowing why they are good doesn’t mean they should be worn all the time. Compression socks are meant to be useful, not a fashion statement. With that being said, there are a lot of models that go out their way to look great and do what they have to when it comes to helping blood circulate properly on the legs.

What are the Benefits of Compression Socks for Nurses?

The main benefits of the best compression socks for nurses is to prevent several illnesses related to the circulation of blood in the legs of the person wearing them. While most medical professionals will recommend them after a problem has presented in that regard, they can also be used to prevent some of the most common ailments that affect nurses such as:

• • How do compression socks help with swelling?

Nurses are affected continuously by swollen legs. They are a direct consequence of standing for a long time. This issue has the potential to be really dangerous and lead to more complicated matters in the long run if it’s not appropriately attended and at time. Compression socks can prevent swelling by helping the legs keep steady blood flow. This will help the legs of the nurses to remain healthy.

• • How do compression socks help with fatigue?

Nurses have to work very long hours. Their regular shifts have an average of 8 hours, and most of them usually go beyond that mark. As it happens in overworked places, a lot of nurses will have to cover two shifts in a row. This will inevitably cause fatigue on their legs, especially if they don’t take a proper break to rest. By using compression socks, they can manage for the duration of their working hours, forget about their discomfort, and focus on their work.

• • How do compression socks help with varicose veins?

This is probably one of the most noticeable problems that many nurses have to endure. The long hours standing usually leave a trail of varicose veins when circulation is not happening as it should. Varicose veins occur when veins get enlarged by having to deal with irregular blow flow. The final result is often excruciating for these professionals, and the compression socks can help a great deal to prevent them or to deal with the pain to make it a little bit more bearable.

Do Compression Socks for Nurses Work?

Yes. Every medical professional will recommend them at some point even to people outside the medical profession who have jobs that require them to stand in place for extended times periods, such as kitchen workers or technical operators in some industries. Most of them will hammer the point that compression socks to work they have to be worn correctly, meaning no wrinkles and adequately sized to the anatomy of the person wearing them.

How to Choose Compression Socks for Nurses?

There is a lot to unpack in this regard. The best compression socks for nurses are not a fit-for-one solution that anyone can wear as they like. There is a lot to be considered when the choice for the right compression sock is about to be made. Let’s take a look at the features that need to be considered before buying a pair:

The Fit or the Right Compression Level

According to the international standards, the compression levels of these socks is measured by Millimeters of Mercury (abbreviated: mmHg). If you are feeling unfamiliar with the terminology, you could easily remember as the unit of measure used in most blood pressure measuring devices. There are a lot of compression levels out there, but the standardized ones are the following:

• 15 to 20 mmHg

This one is regarded as the lower compression level. These socks can be used as daily wear. They can help to improve circulation without being a tight fit. They are easy to manufacture, and there are a lot of models out there created using different materials and imaginative designs.

• 20 to 30 mmHg

The socks at this compression level are best regarded as the ones used to treat varicose veins and help alleviate swollen legs. They are also the number one post-surgery recovery accessory. , but they are often recommended to prevent many of the illnesses we just mentioned.

• 30 to 40 mmHg

These socks are the tightest of the bunch. Their fit is preferred for people that are already suffering from a blood flow condition or has shown evidence of symptoms related to it, such as blood clots, lymphedema, severe varicose veins, and edemas.

The Model Available – Socks and Stockings

As expected from a product that needs to have a proper fit given the condition of the person using it, most compression socks are presented in many sizes and models. The most popular ones offered in the market are knee-high models, thigh-high models, and pantyhose. The choice is not up to those who will wear them alone. Medical professionals have the final word on the type of compression sock you should use in accordance with the ailment you have. This is how the popular models of sock work depending on their fit:

• Knee High Socks

This model of the sock is easily identifiable for going up as far below your knee. Getting it past there will cause discomfort. They really stand out, and they are the middle ground of both ends of the issues it can help prevent or treat.

• Thigh High Socks

This particular model of sock goes past the knee and stops at the highest reach of your thigh, right under the buttocks. They can enhance blood circulation in all the veins of the leg.

• Pantyhose

These are also known as waist high stockings. The set usually connects both legs through the waist. They resemblance the structure of pants, and they are also very fashionable on their own. They can help you deal with swelling and ailments that go as far as the hips. Out of all the models available, this one has more options given the size of the person wearing it.

The Choice of Materials and Styles

As we mentioned earlier, compression socks are manufactured using a lot of diverse materials that have an impact on the way they look and how well they can perform the job they are supposed to do. Many people believe these changes to be merely aesthetic, but they certainly do have an impact on their performance as well. The following are some of the most popular materials and styles used because of their popular demand.

• Sports Materials

Compression socks made using sports materials are some of the most durable products available in the market. They are manufactured using high-quality materials such as wool or cotton, and they are known for being very durable and practical. These are also able to withstand the effects of moisture wicking, something that is necessary to be able to wear these for extended periods.

• Opaque

Opaque is the standard style issue of compression socks, they are suitable for men and women alike, and they are the model of sock you will see on most nurses and medical professionals in any ER room around the world. They are known for being as reliable as they are comfortable, as well as being some of the most durable socks out there in the market.

• Sheer

We are listing this option for the purpose of general knowledge, but these socks are not the best when it comes to compression purposes. They are recognizable for being very light and translucent. They are mostly intended as a fashion statement since they are susceptible and they can be easily damaged

The Best Compression Socks For Nurses Available on the Market

SB Sox

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Advantages

• Very Comfortable
• They don’t roll down
• They don’t limit the movement of toes
• Moderate thickness is moderate, breathable fabric

Disadvantages

• It can be a bit too tight in the upper calf

SB SOX is one of the best compression socks available for people who need a good looking and functional compression sock for everyday use. It features a compression level of 20 to 30 mmHg, making them not so tight, but not loose either. The socks are knee-high which and meat to help people with problems in the low parts of their legs. They are manufactured using nylon and spandex in an opaque style, which makes them suitable for men and women. They have been reinforced at the toe and heel sections to add an exceptional level of comfort to whoever uses them.

Crucial Compression Socks

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Advantages

• Very soft and comfortable fabric
• They are easy to put on
• Simple design

Disadvantages

• The material of choice feels too synthetic to the touch

Many internet reviews regard this model as some of the most breathable, light, and comfortable compression socks available out there. The basic model is presented as knee-high socks with a compression level of 20 to 30 mmHg. They are the best recommendation for nurses with no medical conditions to help them alleviate fatigue and swelling relief. They are offered with an opaque design, but they are offered in other colors as well. They are probably the most elegant option out of the list.

Cooperjoint Performance Compression Socks

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Advantages

• It has a well-distributed compression to offer support in the right areas
• It helps to improve the performance of athletes by increasing their blood flow
• It can be helpful to deal with varicose veins
• It doesn’t retain odors, and it’s built to last

Disadvantages

• No diverse sizes due to universal fit

CopperJoint is offering a truly functional product for athletes, travelers, people with diabetes, people with active lifestyles. They are manufactured using very sturdy fabrics, but that doesn’t make them uncomfortable at all. They can withstand heavy training and be worn for long periods. They are suited to help anyone with circulation issues wherever they need to stand for too long because of work or for people who must remain sited too long when they travel. These socks are designed to alleviate any pain from varicose veins, and they are odor resistant as well.

Bluemaple Compression Socks

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Advantages

• They can be worn casually
• Simple, design
• They stay in place

Disadvantages

• They are manufactured with fragile fabric
• These socks barely top their reach point

Bluemaple stands out as the option that is best suited for casual wear on the list. They have probably the lowest compression level out of all the options available with 15 to 20 mmHg. This is the best fit for taking preventing measures.  Their fit is often described as the most balanced of the bunch since they never feel too tight or too loose. They also stay in place at all times which makes them an excellent fit for any occasion, even if they are not high enough (they are offered as knee-high socks, and they reach the spot, just barely.)

CompressinZ Casual Compression Socks

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Advantages

• They can assist joint and muscle recovery
• They can take away pain related to arthritis
• They increase blood circulation and stimulate the flow of oxygen

Disadvantages

• They are not as lasting as other options in the list

CompressionZ stands out all of the other offers in the list for being the most fun and colorful brand with compression socks that can help your health and well-being and make you stand out of the crowd. These socks are easily recognizable for offering a lot of fun patterns. They a compression level of 20 to 30 mmHg, and they are odor-resistant as well. Their fit is good enough to prevent blood veins and to stimulate oxygen flow through the muscles of it. 

Blitzu Compression Socks

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Advantages

• They are truly comfortable to the feet
• They stay in place
• They have an evenly distributed compression

Disadvantages

• They feel thin to the touch, and they have to be washed by hand

The offering by Blitzu is probably one of the most neatly-designed compression socks available in the list. They are a great unisex fit with a compression level of 20 to 30 mmHg, a middle category. Their circular knit structure is the best to offer comfort and an evenly distributed pressure around the leg of whoever ears them. Their strong selling point is the cushioned compartments in the toe and heel sections, and the blend of fabrics used to make them very breathable but also very delicate to wash machines.

TMF Compression Socks for Men & Women

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Advantages

• They are best suited to treat ankle swellings, achy legs, varicose veins, mild edema, and blisters.
• You can wear them on any occasion, not just work.
• They have very intricate designs

Disadvantages

• They barely reach the knee

These high-knee socks barely reach the point offered in their build, but they are some of the best medical grade compression socks available in the market. These FDA approved puppies can provide instant pain relief and effective recovery restless and swollen legs. Each pair can offer compression strength of 15 to 20 mmHg with a unique palette of colors as well as the opaque spectrum.

A-Swift Compression Socks

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Advantages

• There are many designs to choose from
• They are comfortable
• They are moisture wicking

Disadvantages

• Foot to calf ratio might not be suitable for some
• Loose stitching around the ankle

One of the best recommendations when it comes to socks used for preventive purposes; their build is perfect for promoting blood circulation and reducing fatigue. Their compression range is of 20 to 30 mmHg. Their strongest compression points are the lower regions of the leg, these socks are a knee-high fit, but they have a few issues with the foot to calf size ratio. They are offered with a nearly infinite number of designs.