Nurses consistently work long hours on their feet, which can cause issues in the legs and feet, such as swelling, inflammation, pain, and other aches and pains. From operating medical procedures to palliative care, these problems make it challenging for nurses to stay up on their feet and complete their shifts with enough energy, and can also affect their mood while at work. It could be a contributing factor to the U.S. nursing shortage.
Compression socks can be beneficial for nurses since they help combat all of these problems and more. This article will help you understand why compression socks are a nurse’s best friend for shift work.
What Are Compression Socks?
Compression socks are specialised socks that apply a gentle amount of pressure to the feet, ankles, and calves to improve blood flow and circulation. The pressure is necessary to help keep your legs and feet energised, especially when you are on them for long periods.
How Compression Socks Help Nurses
Nurses tend to spend most of their shift work on their feet, sometimes up to and even longer than 12 hours. In fact, 59% of them are on their feet for at least 5 to 8 hours. So, they walk a lot!
All of the time on their feet exposes them to health concerns with the legs and feet. Compression socks are excellent aids to improve these symptoms with a gentle squeeze, and they provide a multitude of health benefits, including:
- Stimulation of blood and lymph fluid circulation so there is no pooling in the legs and feet;
- Reduces swelling in the legs and feet;
- Provide ache and pain relief from discomfort;
- Improved muscle recovery between periods on the feet by flushing out lactic acid buildup;
- Reduce orthostatic hypotension (dizziness when standing);
- Decreases the appearance of varicose and spider veins in the legs;
- Improve impact absorption and provide arch support;
With all of these health benefits, nurses can breeze through their shifts more easily and rest more easily without feeling uncomfortable or dealing with pain after a long day.
What Types of Compression Socks are Best?
There are different types of compression socks, namely based on how much pressure they give and where. Below are the three main categories of compression socks and the various levels of pressure that they give so nurses can take time to find the proper fit.
Non-Medical Support Socks
These types of compression socks are the most available since you can buy them in almost any department store or pharmacy. They typically range in pressure level from 8 to 20 mmHg, providing some light support and a boost for circulation, suitable for everyday prevention of swelling and inflammation. Vim & Vigr compression socks for nurses offer tons of options in different patterns, textures, fun colours and designs, and pressure levels.
Graduated Compression Socks
These socks exert more concentrated pressure at the ankle, gradually going down as they travel up the leg. They often require a medical prescription from a doctor or healthcare professional and a fitting to ensure that they are adequate. They usually deliver firmer compression, particularly at the ankle, ranging from 15 mmHg to 30 mmHg, to counter more moderate health problems and improve chronic issues.
Anti-Embolism Compression Socks
These are not recommended for nurses, as they are utilised more for those with very low mobility or who don’t walk on a daily basis. They also need a doctor’s prescription with a fitting and range in pressure level starting at 30 mmHg and up so they provide the most pressure.
To maximise benefits as a nurse on your shift, you should look for moisture-wicking fabrics to help keep your feet cool and dry. You may also want to look into compression socks that provide extra benefits like temperature regulation, odour-fighting, or mesh venting for more airflow and comfort.
All-Shift Comfort for Nurses With Compression Socks
Nurses who know they will be up and about on their long shifts must look for easy ways to wear compression socks, so there may be other things to consider when investing in them. For instance, look for seamless toes to keep your toes from rubbing and irritation or extra cushioned padding on the soles and heels so that you don’t put too much pressure on areas of the feet during your long shifts.
When checking the fit, ensure that the socks are easy to take on and off and don’t dig in too tightly. If over-the-counter options aren’t helping, you may want to contact your doctor and look into medical-grade compression options for more essential treatment.
Keeping your compression socks cleaned for regular use can ensure they deliver the best support for up to a year or even longer. Treat your nurses’ tired feet with rejuvenating compression socks for shift work, and you’ll see why they are your best friend!
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