Compression Socks..... No Longer Just for Grandma.

As nurses, no one needs to tell you that being on your feet all day can wreak havoc on your legs. You experience the symptoms daily - fatigue, swelling, itching, burning, and leg cramps. Wearing compression socks is a must.

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Compression Socks..... No Longer Just for Grandma.

Compression socks.....no longer just for grandma. Although compression socks look different from the grandma socks of the past, they still perform the same functions, only in a more stylish way.

Let's refresh your memories as to why you should wear compression socks and give you great explanations to tell your spouse, significant other etc. why they cost more than a regular pair of socks. If the sight of your edematous feet and ankles and multiplying purple and blue varicose veins are not enough, hopefully, this explanation will help.

You already know that oxygenated blood flows to the extremities including the muscles of your overworked legs and feet. Once the oxygen is delivered, the blood carries the lactic acid and other waste products that have built up in your muscles from all the walking you do and attempts to carry it back to the heart and lungs. Ideally, this should be a smooth process, but this is an uphill battle as the blood struggles to flow against gravity through tired veins and venous valves. This is when things can start to back-up and the fatigue, pain, and swelling begins as the lactic acid and fluid continues to build up in your feet and leg muscles. It's important to keep this process moving along effectively. This is where compression socks come to the rescue.

Compression socks are designed to provide graduated compression, higher compression at the foot and ankle and decreased compression moving up the leg. This type of constant graduated compression works to assist the unoxygenated blood flow up the leg against the force of gravity and back to the heart.

Compression socks come in different grades, depending on the degree of compression (in mmHg) at the narrowest point of the ankle. It is usually recommended to select the highest grad sock you are able to tolerate. Grades include Light Support (12-14 mmHg), Moderate Support (20-30 mmHg), and Therapy Support (30-40 mmHg).

At the recent Emergency Nurses Association Conference in St. Louis, we had the pleasure of talking to Kelly Krumplitsch, President of ATN Compression Socks. She explained the importance of measuring the ankle and calf circumference to get the proper fit.

Kelly says that the ATN socks which are all 20-30 mmHg provide the following benefits:

  • Minimize the risk of DVT during air travel
  • Clinically effective in increasing circulation
  • Decrease muscle soreness and fatigue
  • Manage pain associated with varicose veins
  • Clear lactic acid for quicker recovery
  • Help manage edema when you are on your feet for extended periods of time
  • Great for athletes
  • No more achy legs

Watch this video to hear more about ATN Compression socks and to view the fabulous designs. I bet our grandmas would love these! Might be a great Christmas present for yourself, Grandma, or your favorite athlete. Check out the website for current specials.

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tnbutterfly - Mary

About tnbutterfly - Mary, BSN

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They work great. When I worked ltc they were a must as I never sat down my entire shift.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Cute product, very reasonably priced and a nurse is the owner! How cool.

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Specializes in Peds, Med-Surg, Disaster Nsg, Parish Nsg.

I am planning on buying a few pairs while I'm at the Magnet Convention next week as I see she will be exhibiting there. I've been having to do a lot of traveling to conventions lately and the flying has messed with my feet and legs.

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Specializes in Public Health, TB.

Ah hem, I am a grandma, is it alright if I wear compression socks?

I recently purchased some, and wow, they make a difference even though my job is rather sedentary. My only issue is they can get quite warm.

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Specializes in Critical care.

I wear my compression stockings for every shift. I was talking with non-nursing friends and one said she should wear them more often (family history of poor circulation) and the other thought we were crazy as she hated them when she had to wear them after having a baby. I def. notice a difference in how my legs feel if I don't wear them.

I figure I don't spend a ton on uniforms- they tend to last and aren't crazy expensive- and I'm not having to buy fancy business clothes for work, so replacing my shoes every 6 months or so (when the arch support is gone) and spending more on socks is ok. I view them as a tool to help me do my job.

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Specializes in Peds, Med-Surg, Disaster Nsg, Parish Nsg.

LOVE the socks. Actually, Kelly from ATC did say they could make allnurses socks. What do you think??? Would members like to wear compression socks with the allnurses chat bubbles on them??

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I would I would!!!!!

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They sound like a great help for my legs that have started burning and itching. Anyone have a coupon code for discount when ordering?

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I have been wearing compession socks for about 3 years.

While I do not notice any difference at the end of a 12+ hr shift as far as fatigue and such, I do notice my ankles are no longer swollen where my ankle high socks would leave quite a deep line.

I find them hot and a pain to put on, but know they do my legs good. I also have started wearing them when I drive for long distances, I know they are good for me as well.

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

Compression socks were all that got me through my last six months or so of floor nursing. I also wear them when I fly, although my PCP has recommended I wear them all the time due to minor edema in my lower legs. (I don't...they're too hot.) I'd love a pair of Allnurses socks, though!

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So now I wonder... do we get any special rates to for being an AN member? :sarcastic:

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