Why Do Nurses Wear Compression Socks?

Throughout the world, nurses are considered some of the most unsung heroes in the medical field. In spite of the tremendous and important work that they perform, many hospitals and medical facilities fail to acknowledge the efforts of these dedicated individuals. Compression socks, or bandages known as support hosiery, are primarily worn by patients with diabetes and given to bedridden seniors and diabetic patients. They’ve gained much popularity in recent years, including nurses, where many changes to their style have allowed many more people of different professions to wear them, including pilots, cyclists, and even nurses. There is a wide variety of reasons why do nurses wear compression socks, ranging from their desire to make themselves look better to improving their blood flow and helping the environment.

Wearing compression stockings, which are essentially thicker and longer socks, helps patients suffering from high blood pressure, spider veins, varicose veins, leg ulcers, hammertoes, or any other ailment that causes an increase in the pressure on the legs. They are designed to add an inch or more to the sufferer’s resting blood pressure, and reduce the pressure in the blood vessels surrounding the feet and legs. High blood pressure can cause strokes, heart attacks, and heart failure, all of which is potentially fatal if not treated. This is why do nurses wear compression socks; they make the blood flowing through their legs easier and help keep strokes and heart attacks from occurring. It has also been proven that socks with a higher compression level to improve circulation, resulting in increased mobility in the extremities.

Compression socks, whether they be knee-high or foot-high, allow nurses to get the rest they need between long shifts without feeling exhausted. When nurses are on their feet for long periods of time, tiredness and low energy can take a toll on their physical health. Compression socks can contribute to a healthier, happier work force by helping nurses feel better throughout the day and reducing fatigue and exhaustion. Patients who benefit from this treatment often have an easier time recovering from surgery or other physical therapy, as well as avoiding infections and other issues that come from being unwell.