Easy Tips for Wearing Compression Socks. If you have to wear compression socks, you know that they are a pain in the rear and hard to keep up on your legs. Pair that with a hot day, and you feel like a sweaty mess.
Compression socks are elastic garments worn around the leg, compressing the limb. This reduces the diameter of distended veins and increases venous blood flow velocity and valve effectiveness. … By compressing the surface veins, arteries, and muscles, they force circulating blood through narrower channels.
In the last few months, my arthritis pain has been unbearable, and I needed to find some fast relief. Thankfully, I did, and what made the difference? Wearing compression socks. Now, when I mean wearing, I wear them all day long until I go to bed. Yes, they’re hot, and I would rather just be barefoot, but my pain level has been a lot better.
Compression socks may lessen the symptoms of arthritis by applying mild pressure to affected joints, which can help with inflammation and swelling. “Fluid can build up in a joint affected by arthritis, which can cause swelling in the soft tissues surrounding the joint,” says Kristina Marie Quirolgico, MD, a physiatrist at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York.
I tried different products in the past. I wore support stockings for dressier occasions, thigh-high hose that wouldn’t stay up, and stockings that covered my calves and thighs. I am a blue jeans gal, and these socks were perfect.
My ankles and feet have purple veins. It makes exercising a lot harder, and there have been times when I can’t walk without pain. Compression socks make walking and standing a lot less painful. These support socks are a favorite with nurses and others who have to be on their feet for long periods. I forget I have them on, and I have more energy to motor through my day.
I wear compression socks that go up to the knee, and I have no trouble pulling them up. Depending on what product you choose, it takes patience and a little practice to learn how to put compression socks on correctly.
Here are six tips to make the process a lot easier:
Talk to Your Doctor
If you have health insurance, you may be able to get compression socks at no cost. Your doctor usually submits a referral, and that usually goes through very quickly. If you have to buy your own, the Jobst brand is excellent.
There are different levels of compression, so don’t be shy about asking questions if you don’t understand the process.
Measure Your Legs
Socks come in different sizes, so get your measuring tape out and measure around your ankle, calf, thigh, and the length of your leg. This is the way to get the best compression.
You will find a sizing chart when you purchase compression socks, so use that as a guide.
If you’re like me and have bigger calves, buy the wide-calf compression socks.
Wash Compression Socks Every Day
This may seem like you’re washing them too often, but socks can stretch, and washing them helps them go back to their original tightness. If your feet sweat a lot, frequent washing can take away unwanted odors.
You can use a mesh laundry bag or a pillowcase to wash socks in the washer. The delicate cycle works well. Hang up to dry overnight.
Don’t Apply Lotion Before Wearing
I found this out the hard way when my legs started itching so badly that I was ready to scream. Moisturize your legs when you take your socks off. Applying lotion can weaken the fabric and compromise the compression.
Put on Compression Socks Early in the Day
Your feet and legs may swell in the afternoon, so put your socks on when you first get up. You’re getting the right amount of compression to keep you comfortable and able to power through your day.
If this is your first time wearing compression socks, leave them on for a few hours. As you get used to them, wear them a little longer each day.
Replace Every Three to Six Months
You will know it is time to replace your compression socks when they start to snag, and you can pull them on too easily. This is a common occurrence, especially when you are wearing them daily.
Summary
If you find that compression socks help your arthritis pain, get in the habit of wearing them every day. See if these tips help you make the process much easier. The biggest reward may be that you have your arthritis pain under control, and you’re able to do the things that you enjoy.
