While doing your duties as a nurse, it seems like you're always on your feet. From walking around and attending to patients to standing for hours while operating equipment - nursing can be pretty tough on the legs.
As noble as their profession is, nurses need to take care of themselves too. A good place to start is relieving some of the strain of standing and walking for so many hours. And the best way to do it is by wearing reliable compression socks.
These socks work by applying light pressure to the legs. It feels a lot like a gentle massage that helps to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation. It also boosts blood circulation in the legs.
If you're a nurse looking to buy these socks, you need to choose wisely. Not all of the products in the market can meet the needs of the job. Thankfully, we've done all the research for you.
Our team has created a list of the best compression socks for nurses. These products are durable, effective, and affordable.
In this post, we'll review each of them. We'll also shed some light on why these socks are important for nurses and how to pick the ones that suit you the most.
Let's start with a quick overview of the 10 best compression socks for men and women in the nursing profession.
Why Do Nurses Need Compression Socks
Being one of the jobs that require the most standing, nursing can be tough on the legs. Compression stockings help to reduce the impact of this job requirement on nurses.
Here's how:
Pain Relief
Many nurses suffer severe leg pain after working for several hours. Your feet could get sore from standing for long.
The constant pain could affect your work productivity. It could even negatively impact your personal life.
By wearing compression socks, you'll relieve a lot of the pain you feel after a hectic shift as a nurse. The socks also help to reduce blisters on the feet.
They will make nurses feel much better at work and at home. That way, you can get some pain relief, even while you work hard serving the community and saving lives.
Better Circulation
Nurses are prone to suffering from blood circulatory-related issues such as varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), blood clots, and spider veins.
These conditions look and feel bad. Nurses who suffer from them feel self-conscious and find it hard to carry out their duties because of the discomfort.
Compression socks with the right amount of pressure offer a way out. They improve blood circulation around the lower legs.
Less Swelling and Inflammation
By staying on your feet for long, you risk developing swollen or inflamed feet, legs, and ankles.
The constant pressure you get when you wear compression stockings will keep the muscles from swelling.
If you notice that your feet or lower legs tend to swell easily, you should get yourself some compression socks ASAP. You'll be saving yourself from a lot of pain and discomfort.
What to Look for in Compression Socks for Nurses
Before you buy these special socks, you should know that it's possible to make a wrong choice. There are various compression stockings for different situations.
That means you need to pick one that's just right for you. To do this, follow our buyer's guide for getting the best compression sock for nurses below.
Comfort
The most important factor to consider is your comfort level while wearing the socks. If you don't like how the socks feel when you put them on, then it's not for you.
One common case of poor comfort with such socks is itching. If you find that your legs are irritated by the socks, you should find an alternative.
There's also the issue of the length of the socks when you wear them. The low (just above the ankles) or knee-length cut could determine whether or not you buy. Some people love low-cut or ankle socks, and others prefer knee-high socks.
You should also ensure that the socks you pick match your size. There are compression socks specially designed for plus-size people. Getting the correct size of legwear will make you more comfortable.
Good Compression Level
We can determine the compression level of socks based on the mmHg metric. It tells us just how much pressure the wearer's legs will be under while the socks are on.
Nurses need more compression than the average person. This is especially true for full-time nursing professionals.
We recommend that you get socks with any of the following compression levels:
Moderate Compression: This is about 15-20 mmHg. It works fine for most nurses, especially those new to using this kind of socks. Moderate compressors work well in treating circulatory issues.
Firm Compression: This is about 20-30 mmHg. It offers more tightness without going overboard. However, first-timers may struggle to adapt to having such high pressure on their lower legs.
Nurses can wear extra firm socks. However, you shouldn't do that if you're not used to compression socks. Sometimes, a health issue might require you to get tighter socks. In such cases, it's okay to get extra firm ones.
Suitable Fabric
You should always consider what kind of material makes up the bulk of a pair of compression socks before you buy them.
There are three common types of fabric to consider. Each one has its perks.
- Nylon
- Common and Popular
- Easy to replace with the same or similar product
- Dries moisture easily, especially moisture-wicking nylon
- Merino Wool
- Good moisture-wicking
- High durability
- Works well outdoors
- Odor-resistant
- Cotton
- Highly breathable
- Allows for better designs
- Flexible
Each of these fabrics can be infused with copper yarns. The process makes the socks a lot more odor-resistant. Copper compression socks also help you to fight off infection and improve blood flow.
Nice-Looking Colors and Design
It's important that your compression socks are not tough to look at. Get products with beautiful designs and bright colors.
Since you'll be working with patients on your shifts, you want them to feel comfortable around you. Looking nice is the first step towards achieving that.
If your socks don't compliment your uniform, consider changing to something more fitting.
Compression Socks for Nurses
Let's dive into helping you find the perfect product!
1. CopperJoint Long Copper Compression Socks (Best Copper Sock)
Copper-infused compression socks are better than regular ones, thanks to their antimicrobial properties. Seeing that hygiene is a priority in any hospital or clinic; these socks are ideal for nurses.
Our long compression socks offer the best lower-leg comfort money can buy. You may wear them at home, at work, or while exercising.
Nurses can enjoy natural relief from stiff or swollen joints thanks to the copper compression tech. The base material is nylon; hence, it helps to remove moisture from the legs.
The design is dark and gold, giving it a professional touch that fits right in with the hospital environment.
Pros
- Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee
- Copper-infused
- Great pain relief for extended periods
- Easy to put on and pull off
- Highly durable
- Fits nurses with long legs
- Best for medical purposes, especially pain relief
- One of the best compression socks in terms of quality