Simply wearing compression socks and the right shoes can help solve a lot the discomfort that comes from foot and leg aches. What else can nurses do to take care of their feet and legs?Īside from compression socks, it’s important to support your feet and legs with appropriate shoes. The next step up, 30-40 mmHg is typically reserved for more severe cases of varicose veins, post stripping and moderate swelling, due to venous stasis or lymphedema. Those with moderate swelling or varicose veins may want to choose a firmer compression (20-30 mmHg). This level of compression is beneficial for nurses who stand all day, travel on long-haul flights, or generally experience mild swelling. The vast majority of young nurses will need light to moderate compression (15-20 mmHg). How do you recommend nurses find the compression level that is right for them? What type of compression socks should nurses wear? At Sockwell, we focus on moderate (15-20 mmHg) and firm (20-30 mmHg). There are varying levels of compression socks, ranging from mild to extra firm. The compression socks work in conjunction with foot and leg muscles to push and squeeze lymphatic fluid up the lymphatic system and directs blood up the veins back to the heart and lungs. Compression socks counteract the effect of lymphatic fluid blood and blood pooling in the lower extremities. Swelling occurs via blood (in vessels) and/or lymphatic fluid (fluid between cells). How do compression socks work to reduce fatigue and minimize swelling? Do compression socks actually work for nurses?Ĭompression socks are made of elastic fibers that are strongest at the feet and ankles, and gradually upward toward the knee. To prevent this, especially later development of varicose veins, start early with compression socks. All of this can lead to discomfort and decreased levels of mental alertness. Why is it important for them to start wearing compression socks at the beginning of their career?Īs mentioned above, prolonged periods of standing can cause swelling, varicose veins, fatigue, and discomfort. There are a lot of new nurses and healthcare professionals entering the workforce. They will likely worsen with prolonged standing through the years and, unfortunately, as one gets older. If varicose veins are present, symptoms may be more apparent. In some instances, shoes feel tighter, legs feel heavy or tired, and feet can feel achy. As one gets older, this becomes more prevalent. As soon as they get on their feet, swelling naturally occurs as it is a long way for blood to flow through the body and back up to the heart. When one awakens in the morning, his or her feet are the smallest they will be all day. What kind of impact does this have on their feet and legs? Nurses and healthcare professionals are on their feet for extended periods of time, often for 12-hour shifts. Richard Alvarez, a highly regarded orthopedic surgeon in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to discuss the best nursing compression socks and why they are so effective. While nurses carry the critical task of preserving the health and well-being of others, they often forget to prioritize their own. Fresh, modern designs and attention to technical features like arch support and seamless toe closures have made a full day of wearing compression socks a pleasure, rather than a nagging task. Seemingly no one wanted to squeeze their aching feet into compression stockings for nurses, or "nurse socks." Flash-forward to the present, and the benefits of compression socks for nurses have transformed this stodgy wellness item into a trending everyday accessory across the healthcare industry. It’s hard to believe that compression socks were once viewed by healthcare professionals as a dreaded prescription for the toll on their legs caused by years of prolonged sitting or standing. Orthopedic surgeon Richard Alvarez talks the best compression socks for nurses.
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