Compression Socks for Working on Your Feet All Day
It may be easy to assume that compression socks are best reserved for people with certain health conditions. After all, socks and stockings of a certain pressure can help to improve blood circulation and reduce painful swelling in the lower extremities. Did you know, however, that millions of people who are on their feet all day could benefit from compression wear? Compression socks for nurses, workers and teachers are hugely popular.
But why is this? Surely compression socks help more with preventing blood from pooling in the feet? Aren’t they designed to stave off deep being thrombosis (DVT)? These are facts, of course, but if your work or lifestyle requires you to be standing up for longer and longer periods, there are plenty of ways through which compression socks could help ease some of your aches and pains. They may also help to prevent you from developing certain conditions and health problems later in life.
In this guide, we will take a look at why compression socks may be beneficial for active workers. We’ll also consider how compression can help even the most active people amongst us. Got no time to sit down or travel? You’re still going to need to think about your legs and feet!
The Pressure of Standing
While it may seem likely that people develop swelling and poor circulation from inactivity, the reverse is also true. Many people who work active jobs could stand to benefit from circulatory aids:
- Doctors, nurses and medical professionals
- Teachers and lecturers
- Librarians
- Retail workers
- Security guards
- Police officers
- Drivers and haulage professionals
- Construction workers
The list goes on. However, if you fall into any of the above brackets, there is a good chance that you have experienced pain or discomfort while working throughout the day.
- Standing up and walking around all day puts pressure on your veins and circulation.
- This means, ultimately, you may be at risk of venous conditions and problems even in the short term. Those people who stand and walk around constantly may be at risk of developing varicose or spider veins, for example.
- You may even be at risk of DVT. It is possible to develop thrombosis while standing up and being active if it is for a long enough time. The key is finding a balance in your lifestyle.
- People who stand for extended periods may also be at risk of developing severe back pain. Lots of people who work standing up throughout the day may complain of fatigue and tiredness in their legs and feet.
- Standing up while working may even increase your risk of developing oedema or experiencing swelling. It’s not just those who are inactive who may develop such conditions!
- Standing up all day may also increase your chance of developing chronic circulation problems. It could also have a knock-on effect for joint damage and even arthritic conditions. Naturally, it is inadvisable that older workers stand up all day while working.
If any of the above conditions worry you, or if you are already experiencing pain and discomfort, it may be time to start looking at compression socks. Whether you need compression socks for truck drivers, librarians, retail workers or otherwise, we have a broad range available for you to choose from in-store.
But how exactly could compression socks help to ease your aches and pains? Let’s take a closer look.
How Can Compression Socks Help?
Compression socks for construction workers, nurses and more are developed to provide strong enough pressure to offer support to tired legs and feet. They can also help to stave off some of the more painful long-term risks of active working.
- As with standardised compression socks and stockings, compression wear for active people is developed to offer gentle pressure to your lower extremities.
- This pressure works by softly encouraging blood to blow back up through your veins. That prevents there being any risk of circulation problems.
- Compression socks for teachers and standing workers are designed to be worn all day. In the same way that sports socks can help to compress legs and feet for active wearers, they offer a healthy amount of pressure for your level of activity.
Of course, your pressure needs may vary. Other factors such as diabetes and pregnancy may dictate how much pressure you need in your socks. It is therefore always a great idea to discuss your need for compression socks with your doctor, nurse or medical professional.
Many people who wear compression socks during everyday life also enjoy relief from fatigue. Leg and foot tiredness can be a significant factor in many busy people’s lives. Therefore, a little extra compression may help to soothe your lower extremities along the way. If you don’t have the time to put your feet up during the day, wearing the right socks could be the ideal solution for you.
Other Ways to Relieve Tired Legs and Feet
While compression socks for retail workers and busy people could help to provide relief, you may also need to make a few lifestyle changes. The right compression socks could make things easier on your lower extremities. However, without making a few changes to your routine and behaviour, you could be putting yourself at further risk.
Here are a few great ideas to try if you're considering compression socks. You may wish to start practising these in your spare time for long-term health.
- Consider taking regular breaks! All workplaces are legally mandated to offer staff break periods. Instead of working through your break and lunch periods, think about sitting down. Stretch your legs out and let your body relax and unwind. You may not be feeling tired right away, but relaxing ahead of time will help to stave off future fatigue.
- Make sure you move around regularly. Those who walk or run around are likely to be healthier than those who stand around for long periods. If, for example, you are a retail worker, try and move around beyond your station or desk if you can. Once again, your employer will have set certain breaks and periods for you to relax and to move around if you need to.
- Do also take care to wear the right shoes for the job. Comfortable shoes, worn alongside compression socks, will make all the difference. Standing in particular work-mandated shoes can be painful even for a few hours. For example, if you are expected to wear heels, you will need to find a fit that’s comfortable for several hours of standing. Don’t put your legs and feet in harm’s way!
- You may also consider putting insoles into your shoes for extra comfort. These can be worn alongside compression socks.
Getting the Right Fit
Whether you stand all day, travel regularly or otherwise, getting the right fit for compression socks is so important. You'll need to make sure you wear the right size, and that they are fitted to you without there being any visible wrinkles or folds. These may result in pressure being mid-applied, which could lead to further aches and pains.
You should always measure for compression socks in the morning when you are unlikely to swell. Always make sure to measure around your ankle, your calf and from the back of your knee down to the floor. If you need longer stockings, you should measure your thigh, too.
With seven different sizes of compression socks in store, we’re confident you will be able to find the best fit. If, however, you’re unsure what exactly to look for, you should consult a doctor. You can also call or email our team for more details.
Should I Wear Compression Socks?
Compression socks for retail workers, nurses, teachers and more are always recommended. Those of us who spend much of the day standing will be putting our bodies under greater strain than we may realise. Therefore, if you’re already starting to feel achy and tired at the end of the day, you should consider getting measured and fitted for the right pair of socks.
Don’t worry about compression socks clashing with your uniform, or standing out in the wrong way entirely. TXG’s ranges of socks and stockings for active people are discreet, stylish and can be worn as part of any outfit. Compression socks shouldn’t ever be seen as something you’re ashamed to wear. Millions of us get daily relief from gentle compression, and you may need it if you’re to stave off future aches and pains.
Compression socks for busy people will help you to go about your day without added stress. It may seem like a hassle having to wear additional garments, but you may soon notice the difference even after a few minutes of walking around. Always consult your doctor if you are concerned about whether or not they are right for you.
For more information on our ranges of compression socks online, call us on 1800 455 994 – or email us!
Please note: The information provided here is for general information only and is not intended to act as medical advice. We advise anyone interested in this subject to seek qualified, professional advice.