September is Vascular Awareness Month and we’re going the extra mile with ways to improve your circulation and heart health. Blood circulation is vital to your overall health and well-being.
Benefits of good circulation include healthy blood and oxygen flow throughout the body, avoiding potential illnesses and keeping your organs working smoothly. In contrast, poor circulation can lead to muscle cramping, lack of energy, fatigue, memory lapses, hair loss, slower healing time of injuries, increased likelihood of infection and more. These are just a few reasons why good circulation is so important. With healthy lifestyle choices (and a simple pair of socks), you can improve yours starting now.
When to Consider Compression Socks
Do you work long hours sitting at a desk? Do your feet and legs ache after a long day either on or off your feet? Do you ever get dizzy when you suddenly stand? If so, compression socks may be just what you need for improved circulation and natural relief.
What are Compression Socks?
Compression socks are designed to gently squeeze your legs slightly more than regular socks. The point is to encourage better circulation in your legs as the pressure redirects the blood flow back to your heart and away from your feet. The socks come in various lengths, some hitting just below the knee, some up over the knee hitting below the thigh and others stopping above the ankle.
Compression socks also come in different strengths as far as how tight they squeeze. Ask your doctor to help you choose the strength that is most comfortable and effective for you and your needs. Sometimes they’re medically recommended or prescribed by a physician for conditions such as congestive heart failure. You can also buy them on your own from various vendors for sore feet, achy muscles and tired legs.
They work wonders for chronically sore, tired legs by improving your circulation, which in turn improves your heart health and your whole-person health.
Health Benefits of Compression Socks
- Some of the many benefits you’ll experience from wearing compression socks are:
- Boosts blood circulation
- Boosts energy levels
- Helps with leg cramps
- Helps with workout recovery
- Keeps blood circulating while sitting for long periods
- Promotes better recovery post-surgery
- Reduces swelling and inflammation
Some people who wear compression socks report an overall improved sense of well-being, less fatigue and a “lighter” feeling in the body and head. Dizziness upon standing up reduces as does visible swelling in the feet and legs.
When to Wear Compression Socks
Depending on why you’re using compression socks will determine how long they should be worn each day. Note that they shouldn’t be worn when you’re sleeping or laying down.
If you’re wearing them for swelling, put them on when you wake up and wear them all day. If you’re wearing them for comfort, wear them during working hours. If you sit at a desk all day, they’ll help keep your blood flowing. If you have a job that keeps you on your feet all day, you’ll reap the same benefits of added comfort. It’s also good to wear them on long flights or car rides.
Guard Your Heart
Your circulatory and heart health is important to your overall health. By making simple lifestyle choices like wearing compression socks, you can begin your journey to healthier circulation. Your heart will thank you for it.
At the AdventHealth Heart, Lung and Vascular Institute, we don’t miss a beat to fill your heart with hope and improve your life with world-class care. Learn more here.
