Are compression socks worth it?
Absolutely. In fact, did you know that the average nurse who works bedside can spend up to 8 to 12 hours on their feet—standing, walking, or helping patients?
If there is anything that can make their job more comfortable, we are here to spill about it.
Compression socks are engineered to apply pressure to the legs and feet. This gentle pressure promotes the flow of blood in the veins, which helps to alleviate inflammation and swelling in these lower extremities.
More and more nurses are using compression socks to deal with the challenges of being on their feet all day.
Compression socks combined with an excellent nursing shoe? Well, that’s a recipe for some very happy nursing toes.
Whether you are a nurse or know someone who is, here’s why compression socks can turn a feet-aching nursing shift into an energized light-on-your-feet one.
Why do nurses wear compression stockings?
Nurses benefit from wearing compression stockings because of the nature of their jobs.
Nurses who work at the bedside or in nursing specialties that keep them on their feet, such as medical-surgical and emergency room nursing, will particularly benefit from wearing compression stockings.
Compression socks are made of elastic fiber, which alleviates pressure on the ankle and improves blood flow and circulation.
This fresh blood supply may prevent inflammation, swelling, and even the formation of blood clots. In addition, compression socks can help manage pain and muscle fatigue, making your legs feel less “heavy.”
Should nurses wear compression socks?
Ever feel like your legs are like lead after a long day on your feet? This phenomenon occurs because of impaired blood circulation because of a lack of rest.
Cue back-to-back nursing shifts and a nurse’s legs can’t quite catch a break. The solution? A good nursing compression sock is a good place to start.
The main advantages of compression socks for nurses are:
- Better circulation
- Reduced risk of varicose veins
- Reduced fluid retention
- Less leg and muscle fatigue
- Management of chronic pain
- Decreased heaviness and achiness in legs
- Improved overall leg and foot health
Now that you know why compression socks are so beneficial for nurses, it’s time to put some pep in your step with these top sock brands.
FIGS: Best for style and comfort
FIGS is a reputable medical apparel brand that sells scrubs, lab coats, and other stylish medical apparel. This brand is known for delivering high-quality products that actually work and is trusted by nurses across the country. Their rightfully proclaimed “awesome compression socks” are a must-have for busy nurses who spend a lot of time on their feet.
FIGS compression socks provide toe and heel padding and offer 360° seamless compression. Available in fun patterns and designs—check out their FIGS Pride Awesome Humans Socks—these socks are perfect for relieving tired and achy nurse legs.
Ostrichpillow Bamboo: Best for breathability
Ostrichpillow is best known for its travel pillow designs. This brand shines in rest, which has led to the design of its line of compression socks. Made with natural bamboo fibers, Ostrichpillow Bamboo Compression Socks feature antibacterial, breathable, and odor-control characteristics.
These socks are engineered to add a compression of 8-15 millimeters of mercury (mmHg), which is considered a mild but effective compression level for everyday use. All the models available are knee-high and offer monochromatic and two-toned color options, adding a pop of color to any nursing scrub.
LEVSOX: Best for travel nurses and pregnancy
LEVSOX Compression Socks are great for men and women nurses. They offer a higher level of compression—20-30mmHG—making them particularly suitable for pregnancy and travel nurses. These budget-friendly socks are available in common retailers like Walmart and Amazon.
LEVSOX socks are snug but breathable, and the added pressure makes them ideal for nurses who work consecutive 12-hour shifts. Fun designs such as tie-dye, florals, and electrocardiogram (EKG) prints can bring a bit of personality to a long-nursing shift.
Sockwell: Best for versatility
Sockwell is a brand that commits itself to engineering great compression socks for all types of activities. Running, hiking, skiing, you name it, Sockwell has a sock for it. Nurses will benefit from the user-friendly website that allows them to filter their preference for the type of sock by activity, compression level, height, cushion, and color.
Great for blood circulation and reduced swelling, Sockwell Compression Socks are ideal for prolonged standing and recovery. Choose from a color wheel of versatile colors and patterns like their Women’s Heart Throb or Men’s Diamond Dandy Moderate Graduated Socks.
Bombas: Best for both men and women
Bombas creates high-quality and super-comfortable compression socks for both men and women. These socks are engineered with a tighter-knit material that also features Stay-Up Technology to prevent them from slipping down to the ankle.
Bombas Compression additionally features a honeycomb arch support that hugs your arches with just the right amount of support. Cozy picks include Women's Merino Wool Blend Everyday Compression Socks or the Men's Ankle Compression Socks.
Honorable mention: Dr Scholl’s
Dr Scholl's Compression Socks blend practicality with all-day wearability. This brand is a long-standing expert on foot care products and offers some of the best support stockings for nurses that can boost circulation and prevent heavy legs. Check out their Flight Socks, which are good compression stockings for nurses who are constantly on their feet.
Honorable mention: Physix Gear Sport
Physix Gear Sport Compression Socks are reasonably priced, offer quality, and alleviate leg fatigue. These socks support all types of lifestyles, including nurses who need a reliable sock to carry them comfortably through back-to-back shifts. Check out their Compression Socks—Support and Comfort for Healthy Legs for support and relief from achy legs and toes.
Give your feet a break
A good compression sock can transform your feeling of walking through mud into walking on air. Many nurses today say that having a quality compression sock is “crucial to making it through long shifts.”
Some characteristics to look for in high-quality compression socks for nurses are breathable fabrics, ankle and arch support, and graduated compression technology. You can also choose from a variety of colors and patterns to spruce up everyday scrub attire.
So, give your feet a break, and they will thank you later on; after all, they deserve it for all the hard work they do.
Want to find a great nursing shoe to combine with your compression socks?
Check out Our Top Picks for Nursing Shoes and find the perfect fit to carry you through multiple nursing shifts.
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