Why Every Nurse Should Wear Compression Socks
It is no secret that all of us at Rocca Sock love nurses! Their endless dedication to promote wellness and save lives are truly admirable, but by always putting the patient first, many nurses neglect their own well-being.
Studies suggest that nurses are more likely to develop work-related musculoskeletal disorders than other groups in the workforce, and to tell the truth, it really doesn’t surprise me. Nurses spend endless hours on their feet each shift and often don’t get a chance to rest until after the marathon of standing, walking, and sometimes running comes to an end.
Although compression socks won’t eliminate all the negative consequences of being on your feet for most of a shift, they can help with several commonly known problems.
YOUR MAIN SQUEEZE
Let’s face it, nurses are under a lot of pressure at work and the many hours of constant going takes its toll, not only the feet and legs, but on the body altogether.
According to a study “Evidence of Health Risks Associated with Prolonged Standing at Work and Intervention Effectiveness” showed that nurses wearing knee high compression socks during work experienced reduced lower body edema, significant lower leg pain/discomfort, decreased discomfort from neck, shoulder, and lower back.
Compression socks, like Rocca Sock, help promote blood circulation by applying a gentle squeeze to foot and calf muscles, which in return compresses the vein walls and reduces their diameter. Just like squeezing the end of a hose nozzle will increase the pressure of water out of a garden hose, by squeezing the veins, blood is forced to flow faster.
By making your feet and legs a priority, you will support the rest of your body too.
If you’re still wondering what the big deal about compression socks is, then keep on reading. Below are four reasons why all nurses should consider wearing compression socks.
COMPRESSION SOCKS REDUCE SWELLING
Have you ever noticed that your shoes don’t fit as well in the later part of a shift as they did when you first came to work? Being on your feet for twelve or more hours often leads to buildup of fluids causing your feet or legs to swell. This pooling of fluids can be very painful or at least uncomfortable and may affect how well you execute your job.
Compression socks are designed to improve the circulation of blood within the legs. The boost in blood flow allows for an increased level of oxygen and other much needed nutrients. This gives your legs the energy they need throughout the day, so you can stay comfortable while at work and stay comfortable afterwards.
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SOCKS MINIMIZE LEG PAIN & DISCOMFORT
Compression socks are clinically proven to reduce the level of heaviness, fatigue, and leg pain nurses often encounter during work. In addition, this will improve the general well-being of the user.
By improving the blood circulation when wearing compression socks, pain, cramps, throbbing, tingling, and numbness in your legs are greatly improved. It is recommended that you keep wearing the compression socks after you get home to boost muscle recovery. Your feet and legs still need care even after your long shift is completed.
SOCKS MINIMIZE LEG PAIN & DISCOMFORT
Being on your feet for several hours a day, for years, you are more likely to develop varicose and spider veins. Varicose veins develop when blood collects in your legs and create enough pressure for the leg veins to become enlarged and twisted. Varicose veins can be very uncomfortable and painful. Compression socks are an excellent treatment option for relieving symptoms of varicose veins.
You may have briefly thought about wearing compression socks, but never really committed. The best time to start is now, before those purple discolorations start to appear.
SOCKS MINIMIZE LEG PAIN & DISCOMFORT
Today many hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, etc. have a uniform policy that the employees must follow, but luckily, I have not yet encountered any rules when it comes to the colors or patterns of compression socks.
The compressions socks of today are fun, trendy, and comes in a variety of bold colors and fancy prints. Spice up your uniform with a pair of compression socks that fits your mood and enjoy the many health benefits along with looking fabulous.
Article credit: Tina Wilson
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