How the Covid 19 pandemic has increased our request for compression socks
Lauren Simonds HBSc, C. Ped (C)
Certified Pedorthist
Compression socks are most well known for being helpful in treating circulatory issues such as varicose veins, spider veins, and achy/heavy lower legs. But did you know that factors such as your work life, and activity levels can also impact whether you’d be a candidate for compression therapy?
Graduated compression socks are designed to be tight around the ankle and gradually decrease in compression as it extends up the lower leg. This acts like a pump helping to reduce swelling and pooling of blood and fluid in the lower limbs. In turn, this can help to keep your legs looking and feeling great!
For the past 6+months many people have seen their daily lifestyles change drastically while trying to navigate through a global Pandemic forever known as Covid-19. For each individual person these changes have varied but one thing is for certain it hasn’t exactly been the status quo in 2020. With the onset of Covid-19 we’ve noticed an increase in people inquiring about whether or not compression socks are right for them. So, without further ado, here are my thoughts on how the global pandemic has increased a need for compression socks!
WORKING FROM HOME
During the last 6 months a record number of employees have been forced to work from home. Although beneficial for wearing your comfy PJs, sitting in front of your computer all day can spell problems for your circulatory system. When seated for prolonged periods gravity can work against us causing blood and fluid to pool in the feet, ankle and lower legs. This can increase varicose vein development as well as cause swelling and heavy/achy legs. Compression socks can work wonders for for reducing this pooling and allowing your legs to feel less stiff and achy throughout the day.
PREGNANCY
What do wars, blackouts and pandemics have in common? A potential baby boom! There’s certainly rumours that the “Covid Kids” will be the next “Baby Boomer” generation. With pregnancy comes swelling, aching, and increased risk of varicose veins and DVT. Compression socks are recommended throughout pregnancy to counteract these side effects and keep your legs healthy and happy for the next 9 months.
ACTIVITY LEVELS
Being under lock down for some people didn’t mean they were under house arrest. In fact, a lot our our patients took the opportunity to get outside for walks, hikes and bike rides to stay healthy and prevent cabin fever. Taking up home workout programs also seems to be a popular Covid trend as gyms and yoga studios shut down across the province. For these individuals compression garments can help reduce the build up of lactic acid and aid with muscle recovery. For years athletes have been swearing by these often bright and fun coloured socks to help with muscles soreness and to improve performance.
FRONT LINE WORKERS
As a lot of us were forced to take step back from our employment and professions, front line workers have been effected to the opposite degree. Doctors, nurses, mail carriers, cashiers, grocery store clerks and many other essential workers saw a huge spike in their already long hours. Many of these professions tend to involve prolonged periods of standing and walking. Similar to prolonged sitting, prolonged standing also means your body has to work against gravity to pump that blood back to your heart. Once again, these individuals can definitely benefit from graduated compression socks to keep their legs feeling fresh so they can continue to be the silent hero’s of the Covid 19 pandemic!
If you feel like you would be a great candidate for compression socks book an appointment with myself or Dan today to get your questions answered and get you measured.
Book a Compression Sock Fitting Today!