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. 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.
