Compression socks yes or no?

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Hey guys! I will be graduating from nursing school in May. I was just wondering if you guys recommend buying compression socks and if so, where do you guys get them??

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When I was younger I wore compression panty hose, all the way to the waist. Now, I wear compression socks to the knee. I feel it is important for the usual reasons. You need to make a decision on the level of compression then just hunt some up. Wmart even has them, many online sites too and your local uniform shop.

Take care of your legs they have to last you the rest of your life.

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.

I wore support hose when I was young, but they made my legs ache. When I had surgery, they gave me TED hose. Man, I hated those things! If you think you need compression sox, get one pair and give them a try. But if they make your legs ache, don't wear them. Like a lot of things, different strokes for different folks.

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

Compression hose and New Balance shoes were the only things that got me through my last six months of med/surg nursing. I also wore them when I switched to a desk job because I tend to have a lot of swelling in my feet at the end of the day despite diuretics. I've been told by a doctor that I should wear them all the time during the day, every day, but I just can't during the summer months. They get too hot.

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Yes to compression socks. My sister who is a MD introduced them to me before I was a nurse. Thankful for the knowledge she shared the knowledge.

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Specializes in Short Term/Skilled.

YES!

amazon

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Specializes in Medical Surgical, Orthopedic Trauma, Wound Care.

Yes yes and yes! I am 38 and I swear by compression socks. My legs and feet never hurt. (my back, that's another story). Oh, and I don't mean ted hose or pantyhose, rather legit socks. They come in thin or thicker wool. I like thick socks because they absorb sweat and seem to reduce odor. I also prefer the ones that go to the knee rather than the ankle. These are just MY preferences.

I recommend Sockwell brand. You can purchase them on Amazon sometimes for less. https://www.sockwellsocks.com/default.asp

Additionally keep in mind real compression socks come in different strengths. For example:

15-20mmhg

20-30mmhg

I *personally* wouldn't waste my money on a sock than has lower strength compression than these.

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Yes yes to compression hose...I wear either the pantyhose or the knee-length....depending on the job (riding or walking around work, at my stand-up desk, or at a stand-up job all day or in another office sitting down for the most part) and the weather (cold in the plant or very very hot).

Get the good ones, they're heavy and hot and strong enough to tow your car with, but they truly do work. I pay about $40 per pair for the full panty hose and $20 per pair for the knee-length...but I don't shop online...you may find them cheaper online.

Get a shoe that is 'deep'; that will take a custom orthotic and nice thick sock, and still have lots of room for your toes to move.

You can also buy hose that only support the calf of your leg (basically a sleeve)...I do have a couple pairs of them and they do help...in the summer, my plant routinely hits 100*-105* and it's just tooooo hot to wear the full-footed stocking or knee-high... they're not quite as supportive, but at least it's something and they're worth having.

Take care of your legs..

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Specializes in CTICU.

Big fat heck yes to compression socks- AND supportive shoes. The socks will do you no good if you don't have a good pair of shoes to carry you through your shifts. Look for graduated compression socks. I love the ones that also have a cushioned foot bed and pay $20-30 per pair. I like the FIGS socks a lot because I'm a sucker for novelty.

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I wear the 15-20 knee length compression socks. I was on call one night and got called in. When I was getting dressed, I forgot to grab compression socks and I could tell the difference at the end of the shift (and it wasn't even a full 12 like usual). I def recommend investing in several good pair.

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yes!!!! i ordered a pack of socks on amazon and i literally cannot imagine doing a shift without my socks.

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Totally worth it. Check out TX Compression Socks on Amazon! Created by a RN! https://www.amazon.com/TX-Athletic-Compression-Socks-Graduated/

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