Two Pairs of Socks Instead of Compression Socks

If tired muscles and swollen feet are cramping your style, compression socks work to reduce fluid build-up and fatigue in your legs by promoting better blood flow in the veins of the calves and feet. Athletes, pregnant women, and people who travel a lot can benefit from using compression socks because they help pump oxygen to damaged muscle tissues, helping them repair faster. But nurses, waiters, mail carriers, and other workers who stand for long shifts can develop pain in their calves and heels from being on their feet all day, so wearing compression socks can help with recovery.

How to shop for the best compression socks for nurses

In case you're not familiar with how compression socks are designed, the pressure in them is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Compression socks have a pressure rating of light, mild, and heavy. A light pressure rating is anything between 10 and 20 mmHg, while a mild pressure rating is 15 to 20 mmHg. On the other hand, a firm compression rating has a range of 20 to 30 mmHg. It's best to consult your doctor to figure out the best pressure rating for you, but generally, going lighter is the best way to start.

"I usually recommend a lighter compression, like 10 to 15 or 15 to 20, to begin with, and for more moderate to severe swelling, we start to go up in numbers, such as 20 to 30 or 30 to 40, which should be a custom fit and prescribed by a doctor," Priya Parthasarathy, D.P.M., a podiatrist based in Silver Spring, MD, and spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), said in a previous interview with Prevention.

Nurses need comfortable, slip-resistant pairs so you can move quickly and freely when there's a code blue. Stretchy, moisture-wicking fabrics like nylon and Spandex can also help keep your feet dry for hours. With so many compression socks out there, it's hard to choose the best pair for you, so we rounded up the best ones according to reviews from real nurses.

1

Best Overall

Compression Socks

Physix Gear Sport amazon.com

Pressure rating:20 to 30 mmHg

These socks deliver more oxygen-rich blood to your toes, heels, and calves to prevent swelling and tired muscles. Nurses will also appreciate that these socks have built-in ankle support and are made with moisture-wicking material so your feet stay dry and odor-free. An Amazon reviewer who is also a nurse wrote about how these socks are supportive and stayed in place: "At the end of each shift, I can honestly say I don't have the foot pain like before and I do have more energy. Highly recommend."

2

Runner-up

Chevron Compression Socks

Pressure rating:15 to 20 mmHg

When your shift consists of standing for hours at a time, you'll probably start to feel fatigue and foot swelling. These wool and bamboo compression socks from Sockwell work to keep the blood flow moving with a moderate pressure of 15 to 20 mmHg. It also has a breathable design and provides a light cushion at the bottom.

"These are the best ever compression socks," says one reviewer. "I am a medical professional and on the go 8 straight hours. I have several pairs so I never have to go without."

3

Best Value

Compression Socks, 3-Pack

L-Lweik amazon.com

Pressure rating:8 to 15 mmHg

These socks have the lowest pressure rating on this list, which makes them versatile enough for athletes, travelers, and pregnant women. Nurses who work long 12-hour shifts will love the cushioned heel, which gets the most pressure from standing, and the double-knit top that helps these socks stay secure around the calves. Designed with sweat-absorbing nylon and Spandex, these socks also give you freedom to move with extra stretch.

4

Best Design

Knee-High Compression Socks

Comrad comradsocks.com

$12.50

Pressure rating:15 to 25 mmHg

We love the simplicity and color range of these Comrad compression socks. By circulating blood flow, these attractive socks also give you more energy and prevent foot soreness so you can  keep working until youfinally take that long-awaited break. They also have SmartSilver technology to kill off bacteria and stop odors from being trapped inside. These have less compression at 15 to 25 mmHg, so if you're looking to try compression socks for the first time, this pair will be your best bet.

One happy customer said, "I work at a standing desk and my legs used to swell causing knee and ankle pain by the end of the day. Not anymore! These socks are incredible and work perfectly to keep my legs fresh and maintain good blood circulation."

5

Best Temperature Control

Pulse Firm Compression Socks

Pressure rating:20 to 30 mmHg

If you tend to have sweaty feet, you'll want to invest in compression socks that are made with moisture-wicking materials, so you don't feel like you're walking in puddles while caring for patients. Made with merino wool and rayon from bamboo, these naturally remove sweat and regulate temperature. It also helps with blood circulation, swelling, and recovery, plus has a comfortably tight fit.

"These are great socks for being on your feet all day, highly recommend," said one reviewer. Another says she used this pair for recreational use. "Besides being great for hiking I have used them on long drives and walks around my neighborhood," she said."

6

Most Fun

Dopamine Compression Socks

Figs wearfigs.com

$404.00

Pressure rating:20 to 30 mmHg

Known in the medical community for their quality apparel designs, the brand launched a line of compression socks that have become a favorite among nurses. These socks have fun designs on them, like this one which says, "Dope like dopamine." Hey, a little humor goes a long way! Most importantly, they are shock-absorbent, breathable, and have compression technology that circulates your whole foot.

"Ever since I bought my first pair of Figs, I couldn't wear anything else," says one customer. "I love the comfort so much. I work 12 hours and I feel very comfortable with it. I cannot stop buying. I'm addicted. Thank you Figs. "

7

Best Cushioning

Compression Socks

Pressure rating:15 to 20 mmHg

We kind of love these thicker compression socks from Bombas. They have a strategically-placed cushioned footbed while also stretching beyond the bottom to comfort the tops of your heel and a bit above the toes for an all-around relief. These cotton-based, everyday socks do a good job with arch support as well to prevent discomfort.

8

Best Odor Control

Copper Compression Socks, 3-Pack

FuelMeFoot amazon.com

$14.99

Pressure rating:15 to 20 mmHg

Made with mild pressure, these compression socks are made with nylon and infused with copper to ward off odor and provide comfort while improving circulation. "I spend 12+ hours on my feet going from patient to patient, so I was developing pain in my calves," says an Amazon reviewer. "These socks work to compress my calf area and take the pain away." The best part is that you can get three pairs for just $16,95, so you can wear a pair for work and another for working out before or after your shift.

9

Best for Winter

PhD Pro Mountaineer Socks

Pressure rating:20 to 30 mmHg

These compression socks have the most merino wool material in them (almost 50%!), but don't worry about these being itchy. Members of the Prevention team have tested Smartwool socks and haven't had the need to scratch or tug at it. The wool weaved into these compression socks will not only keep your feet comfortably warm, preventing hospital-frozen toes, but they'll also ensure durability for years of use.

One Rei customer was looking for a higher compression rating, and is happy with this purchase. "Needed a good tight compression sock and this is it! The sock goes up just beneath my knee (6ft 2in tall guy), feels very supportive," he says. "These SmartWool socks offer 20-30mmHg compression, a really big difference. Highly recommend even if your not a mountain climbing."

10

Size Inclusive

Compression Socks, 3-Pack

Pressure rating:20 to 30 mmHg

Overnight shifts at the ER can take a toll on your arches, heels, and calves. But these medical-grade compression socks can help ease the pain by providing 20 to 30 mmHg of pressure to these tension areas. These compression socks also feature a wide cuff to accommodate a variety of calf sizes, and have flat toe seams that won't irritate your feet as you're standing, walking, or running. Choose from 38 different fun designs and colors.

"I am a nurse and I work 16-hour shifts. I am so glad I ordered these socks! There was such a huge difference when I wore these to work," says an Amazon reviewer. "My feet and legs did not ache and swell after working two doubles over the weekend. I did not feel nearly as tired in general either."

Tiffany Ayuda Tiffany Ayuda, a senior editor at Prevention and certified personal trainer through the American Council on Exercise, has specialized in fitness, health, and general wellness topics in her previously editorial roles at Life by Daily Burn, Everyday Health, and South Beach Diet.

Sanah Faroke Associate Editor Sanah is the associate editor at Prevention.com focusing on all things commerce within the health and lifestyle space.

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Two Pairs of Socks Instead of Compression Socks

Source: https://www.prevention.com/beauty/style/g29624666/best-compression-socks-for-nurses/

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