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The words "compression socks" may conjure up dismaying images of the tight, thick black socks your grampa used to wear. Or maybe the term makes you think of the beige-colored ones some very pregnant women need. However, these days compression socks are not just for the elderly and those with child.
Many people are learning now that these socks can really help. And fortunately, companies are making them much more fashionable too.
The goal of compression socks is to improve the leg's blood flow. They gently but firmly squeeze the legs so the blood moves up and doesn't pool in the ankle.
This helps to prevent swelling in the lower legs as well as to reduce the likelihood of blood clots. This is particularly important for people who have traditionally worn compression socks (pregnant women and the elderly).
But compression socks have also found to be helpful to people who suffer from varicose or spider veins, have aching or heavy feeling legs, or those who have recently had surgery or an injury that makes them less active. Even athletes can benefit from them!
While compression socks can be very helpful, they have never been very fashionable. However that is not the case anymore.
Companies like VIM & VIGR have created stylish knee-highs for both women and men with a variety of designs and colors. No one would even know they were compression socks!
VIM & VIGR believes compression socks should be worn instead of ordinary socks if you want to:
1) Reduce swelling.
Leg swelling can occur under many different circumstances whether one is pregnant, sitting all day, traveling, or very active. Compression socks can prevent and reduce swelling.
2) Increase energy.
Compression socks have been known to help one’s legs feel more invigorated and lighter after wearing them all day.
3) Be stylish.
Compression socks now come in stripes, solids, polka dots and argyle so there is something for everyone. Your health should not be sacrificed for style.
4) Speed up muscle recovery.
For athletes, muscle recovery is one of the most important things when it comes to their training schedule. Manufacturing companies claim that compression socks can aid in faster muscle recovery by increasing the oxygen delivered to the legs, decreasing the amount of lactic acid stored in the legs, and preventing muscles cramps. Minimizing muscle fatigue, especially after a hard workout, is key to any athlete.
5) Reduce problem veins.
Compression socks have commonly been used to prevent, diminish, or inhibit varicose or spider veins in the legs by increasing blood circulation of the legs.
It seems as though many American could benefit from compression socks. And for those who may benefit from them, today’s compression socks may now be a fashionable option.
Sources:
Vimvigr.com. Web. 14 July 2014. “How they work”.
http://vimvigr.com/pages/how-they-work
Nlm.nih.gov. Web. 14 July 2014. “Compression stockings”.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/patientinstructions/000597.htm
Reviewed July 15, 2014
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith
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