When worn incorrectly, discomfort is among the first side effects of compression stockings. Since there are many available levels of compression, you should talk to your doctor about which one will be best for you. Countless studies have discovered that the incorrect use of compression stockings, even in hospitals and other patient care facilities, is a fairly widespread problem. Vertebral compression fracture (lumbar) A vertebral compression fracture can cause pain and weakness in the lower back, upper back, neck, or hip. Do note, also, that problems with tight athletic footwear are usually mistaken for side effects of wearing compression socks. Additionally, 26% of the participants from the study wore the wrong stocking size. Remember that most side effects from wearing compression socks only happen when you’re not wearing them correctly. Wearing them while exercising is not a bad idea and in some cases, it’s even recommended for better results and healthier body. Which makes sense since you’ll be ordering them in a pair. You should have at least two stockings. When compression socks are improperly fitted, redness and temporary dents in your skin may appear on your legs at the edge of the sock’s fabric. If you have dry skin or are traveling in climates with dry air (like on an airplane), your skin is more likely to chafe or scrape. First of all, you need to understand that the use of compression stockings is definitely not an example of one size fits all. Please note: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Compression stockings or socks treat symptoms of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a type of blood clot.. DVTs tend to form in your upper or lower leg. If your feet are cold, you could have a condition like Raynaud's disease or peripheral artery disease. 5 Signs Your Compression Stockings Are a Bad Fit. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The type of material that socks are made of is the number one thing to look at when trying to keep feet warm. My days would be empty without the music of Imagine Dragons. Wear suitable shoes, or take a heat pad or blanket into the office with you. The increased blood circulation in the area will help generate warmth especially when you are running or hiking early in the morning or if it is extremely cold. This type of stockings should be worn during the day and be taken off before going to bed. Compression is measured in millimeters of mercury, mmHg. This article will cover the basics of what you need to know about using compression socks, and how to make sure you’re not doing more harm than good by wearing them. This happens if you wear them for too long. That’s why pregnant women wear them to prevent blood from pooling in the veins and to reduce the increase of an elevated heart rate in both them and their child. Here are some best practices for safely wearing compression socks: Compression socks can help treat and prevent deep vein thrombosis and blood clots. You shouldn’t leave the same pair of compression socks on for days at a time, and you should ask a doctor about the length of wear time recommended for treating your symptoms. Symptoms of acrocyanosis include blue mottled skin of the hands and feet, cold hands, cold feet, and more. Note that when compression socks or stockings fit properly, this is far less likely to happen. Compression stockings, also known as compression socks, or pressure socks, are used by all kinds of people, from pilots, flight attendants, runners, and nurses to pregnant women, people recovering from surgery, and people at risk for blood clots in their legs. My husband, for example, discovered compression socks while trying to figure out how to improve his athletic capacity. Follow instructions from sock or stocking manufacturers and your healthcare provider. In return, you get a flare that lasts less and usually doesn’t cause as much pain as without compression socks. Read…, We’ll tell you about some possible causes of foot, leg, and ankle swelling. The material should also trap your body heat in and keep cold temperatures out. The internal pudendal artery serves oxygenated blood to the external genitalia of both males and females. Hand-wash compression socks and hang them to dry to prevent warping or changes in the fabric. When we are talking about side effects of wearing compression stockings, we are in fact referring to incorrect use. There are three primary types of compression socks: Nonmedical support hosiery are what you most likely think of when you hear the words “compression socks.” These types of compression garments are available for anyone to buy over the counter or online. You may not have the time or energy to moisturize and pamper your feet, while getting a … They can develop on the feet and toes from very tight compression stockings. By keeping your toes and feet warm you can prevent this from happening. Compression socks are recommended by prescription for people with certain medical conditions and family histories. Updated on July 10, 2020 - originally published on Jan 17, 2012 Compression stockings are essential to your leg health. All rights reserved. It branches off from the femoral artery and then immediately…, The anterior circumflex humeral artery is located near the armpit. These hardened layers of skin develop when your skin tries to protect itself against friction and pressure. Rectal cancer appears in the rectum and causes bloody stool and constipation. Since they tend to be more comfortable, knee-high socks are typically a good place to start. On the other hand, athletes can also experience benefits from compression stockings. If you wear them correctly, they help with your circulation. However, symptoms like the pain will not vanish with the use of compression socks. If you notice sock marks on your legs more than usual, you may have peripheral edema, or swelling in your legs. Pressure helps increase blood flow; so try compression stockings or pneumatic compression devices if your doctor advises. It is more generally known as the feeling of “pins and needles” or of a limb being “asleep”. Graduated compression socks are only available by prescription from your doctor. In some cases, if compression stockings are too tight, an age related condition known as Senile Purpura can cause small blood vessels in the legs to break and cause bleeding under the skin. Cold feet might be the reason behind your restless nights. Talk with a doctor about how often to use compression socks and how long you can safely keep them on. Hormones released during the pregnancy and the expanding uterus itself (which adds pressure to the inferior vena cava – the major vein that is returning blood up to the heart) can affect leg veins. But because diabetes can interfere with blood flow to the feet and cause swelling -- or worse, clots -- socks with mild compression have been found to be safe and helpful. This can significantly reduce their risk of DVT (deep vein thrombosis), as well as leg swelling (oedema). As colder weather can cause muscles to tighten, it can make you more prone to tears and sprains. 43 Check your skin for changes like redness, dents, dryness, and chafing between every wear. Find out what's causing your symptoms and learn the treatment options. Your circulatory system pumps fresh, oxygen-rich blood through your veins from your heart. Your provider should be clear about why you’re using them, how long you should wear them, and other safety factors. If side effects like broken or bruised skin occur, discontinue using the socks and let your healthcare provider know. However, not every person with leg or foot pain should immediately go out and buy a dozen pairs of compression stockings. In general, compression socks are safe to wear when done so correctly. Compression socks are highly effective in treating and stop the progression of edema, venitis, thrombosis, blood clotting, varicose veins, and reducing swelling of feet, ankles, and legs. My life is without gluten, but filled with smoothies, salads, chocolate, coffee, dancing, running and working out. Some side effects of wearing compression socks can occur, but they are minor and usually can be easily solved by getting a new pair, better fitted for your legs. Learn about the different types of compression…. It branches from the internal iliac artery…, The descending genicular artery is found in the anterior (front) portion of the thigh. The safest way to use compression socks is to follow a healthcare provider’s guidance. Once the oxygen is distributed in your body, the blood is depleted and returns through a different set of veins to get replenished. But, if they don’t fit in some way, a loss of circulation will be one of the first signs. If you gain or lose weight, get fitted again so that you’re wearing the correct size. Some possible causes of foot discoloration include injuries, Raynaud’s disease, peripheral arterial disease, and frostbite. When your feet are cold, they constrict the blood vessels and cause less blood to circulate. At the time, he was going over his first round of Core de Force – a program from Beachbody on Demand, created by Joel Freeman and Jericho McMatthews. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you notice any of the following: If you’ve been wearing your compression socks for an extended period of time and have trouble removing them, you may need to go to your doctor for assistance. Corns and calluses. Generally speaking, compression therapy does work and is recommended by the American Venous Forum to treat the signs and symptoms associated with venous diseases. Compression socks may help in relieving edema if any. They’re also popular over the counter for people who stand a lot during the day, frequent fliers, and those over age 65. A stool is useful for loved ones whose feet don't reach the ground while sitting, since crossing the legs restricts blood flow and should be avoided. After a thorough research, we can guarantee that wearing compression socks is not dangerous in any way, if they are used properly. Sometimes, the simplest reason is a lack of warmth. If you experience a sudden, violent, involuntary contraction of any muscle in your toe, or toes, accompanied by sudden pain and function interference, producing sudden and involuntary movement as well as distortion, your compression stockings are doing more harm than good for your body. Your blood is in charge of transporting oxygen throughout the body. You want your socks to be moisture-wicking because moisture from sweat or water can make the feet even colder. Compression socks also come in a variety of fabrics and can range from knee- to thigh-high. Compression stockings are designed to provide the strongest pressure around your ankle, with decreasing pressure as the stocking goes up the leg. Compression stockings actually help with joint pain in knees, but if you are wearing the wrong size you might experience the complete opposite. You will experience unpleasant side effects reduces the diameter of distended veins and increases venous blood flow in the of... 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