The idea of wearing compression socks for different medical aspects is relatively new, and today there are a collection of compression garments to enhance athletic performance and recovery.
Table of Contents
1.Medical Uses
One initially used the compression garments for medical purposes, such as improving blood circulation throughout the body, adding support after an injury, treating venous deficiencies, post-surgery wear, and managing chronic illnesses.
One primary use of compression socks and other garments have been created to perform compression therapy. They apply gentle pressure to the lower portion of your feet, stimulating blood flow in an upward direction from your legs to your heart and throughout the body.
Compression socks have a bundle of health benefits. Let us go through them :
- Compression socks help to reduce pain and swell in the legs and ankles.
- They boost blood circulation in the lower portion of your body.
- They support veins to be healthy.
- Prevents deadly blood clots in your legs.
- Lessens orthostatic hypotension
- Prevents venous ulcers
- Blocks development of DVT in legs.
- Soothes pains caused by varicose veins.
- Improves lymphatic drainage
Types of Compression Socks
The three primary types of compression socks are:
- graduated compression socks.
- Anti-embolism socks.
- nonmedical support compression socks
Companies have produced a variety of compression socks for women and men. They come in different sizes and lengths. Compression socks come with different strengths depending on your medical issue. Circulation is the primary aspect of everyones. If you work in such industry which requires you to stand for long hours such as nursing, then compression garments are a must in your life.
Compression socks for women and men come in many varieties of colours, sizes, lengths and styles. It is advised to know your size and pressure requirements beforehand buying any compression garment because choosing wrong compression socks won’t be helpful. A selection of strength and size of the compression socks depend upon your physician’s advise, the style and patterns are totally up to your taste.
Other Compression Garments
The compression garments are classified into two categories. The first category is based on the amount of pressure to be exerted on the legs, and the other is based on its general use. Let us go through the available compression socks for women and men in the market as well as the other compression garments :
1.Calf Compression Sleeves
These are also known as compression knee socks. Elite athletes primarily use them for arm support. From professional athletes to weekend warriors, everyone embraces the usefulness of compression— both during and post-workout.
Wearing calf compression sleeves enables blood flow and lessens lactic acid build-up, preventing the onset of muscle soreness.
2.A Belly Band Compression Garment
They are also known as abdominal binder or wrap, is a compression garment which looks like a tube top that is worn over the abdomen area of pregnant women. Bellybands are also commonly worn post-child-birth to provide support to the abdominal and back area to make it easier to execute day to day chores and help new mothers with their posture.
3.Shorts and Tights
Compression shorts and tights are usually worn by sportsperson. They are form-fitting garments and cover the athlete’s waist to lower thigh; similar goes for the cycling shorts.
Maintenance of Compression Socks
It is advised to wash your hosiery every evening after taking them off so that odour and bacteria get no place to accumulate in the fabric. Washing and drying of the socks help to regain their original elasticity and material remains effective.
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Washing by Machine
You may wash your compression hosiery separately or with other garments of a similar colour in the washing machine, maintain a temperature of 30- 40 degrees. Use a gentle wash cycle for washing them. Use a good detergent without brighteners. Avoid using fabric softeners. Spin your hose at a maximum of 1,200 revolutions/minute.
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Washing by Hands
If you wish to wash your compression socks by hand, choose a mild and gentle product that can clean gently and maintain the medical compression socks’ colour.
Tumble-Dry Compression Socks
Medical compression socks are suitable for tumble-drying. Use only a gentle rotation or low setting. You may let your socks to air-dry. Do not leave your socks directly in the sun to dry, strictly avoid using a radiator or heater.
Conclusion
In conclusion, compression socks are rapidly making their place in today’s market. Their usefulness is not only limited to the medical field but also in day to day social aspects of our life.
Maintaining a healthy being is crucial in the present time and how One can achieve that without a proper blood circulation in our body. Compression socks have proved to be boon for human existence.
