Most people believe that only athletes and the elderly can benefit from wearing copper socks. This, however, is not the case. Many leg issues stem from the multitude of veins running through them. These veins may have weakened due to injury, age or medical condition.
With the weight of the body focused on the legs, it’s easy to see why some of the veins might start to, at any age, become inflamed or not allow proper blood flow. Copper infused socks breathe new life into legs and feet that feel worn down, fatigued, and in many cases, downright painful.
Copper socks may look like regular socks, but they provide a graduated compression that promotes improved blood circulation. With the veins of the leg compressed, discomfort, swelling, and the possibility of clot formation decreases. The copper weaved within the compression socks offers extra layers of benefits including being anti-inflammatory, promoting blood flow and healthier skin, anti-odor, ability to stay fresher for longer, 100% natural and durable, and they are anti-microbial.
So, Who Benefits from Wearing Copper Socks?
The general answer: Just about everyone. Let’s break it down to understand better why copper compression socks can help various individuals.
Athletes: Significant evidence indicates that copper socks aide in recovery situations. They can prevent swelling and cramps, as well as reduce calf muscle exertion, allowing athletes to perform longer and with less fatigue.
Runners: Copper socks have an enormous impact on running performance. Due to compression, copper socks increase levels of oxygen to the leg muscles, as well as remove lactic acid and improve circulation. Many runners find that wearing these socks helps boost their performance.
Diabetics: It is important for those with diabetes to take proper care of their legs and feet. It is possible for diabetes to damage the blood vessels and the nerves that supply feet and legs, increasing the risk of ulcer development, which then can become infected. In the worst case scenario, infection can turn into gangrene and ultimately amputation. Wearing copper socks increases blood flow and circulation in that area, and reduces the likelihood of edema (the swelling in legs, feet, and ankles that occurs when blood collects).
Pregnant women: As many mothers will attest to, pregnancy (and the additional weight) puts a strain on the lower half of the body, which encourages the formation of varicose veins. These veins, when left untreated, can cause painful swelling and inflammation, as well as unsightly discoloration of the skin. Compression socks are safe and easy to wear during pregnancy, and will give the mother-to-be one less thing to worry about.
Travelers: Long or frequent flights means sitting for many hours in a cramped space. This is bad for blood circulation in the legs, and can lead to feelings of pressure and fatigue, and swelling in the legs and feet. Copper socks stimulate circulation within the calf muscles and help avoid blood clots and even pulmonary embolisms.
Weekend Athletes/Warriors: Just because you aren’t signed with the NFL, doesn’t mean compression socks can’t be beneficial for you. Sitting for long hours at a computer during the week has much the same effect that flying does, and then when you have time for yourself you want to be able to dive into the pick-up basketball game or all of the yard work that needs to be done around the house. Regularly wearing copper socks will keep your muscles and circulation in good, working condition.
For Prevention: The saying is that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. As life happens, we put ourselves at risk to all sorts of ailments and injury every day. Wearing compression socks to boost leg muscle circulation and help blood flow back to the heart will keep them functioning properly.
Others who benefit include people who have just recently had surgery, those who are bed ridden or have difficulty moving their legs, those who stand at work all day, and those at high risk for DVT and other circulation issues.
What New Wearers Should Know
Anything that compresses is bound to take a bit of initial adjustment. Feel free to adjust the socks or even take them off entirely. It’s not necessary to wear them every hour of your waking day. Once you get used to them (and it won’t take long) you’ll notice that your legs, ankles, and feet are less fatigued and may even look more youthful with the increased circulation.
Remember, these copper socks are just one aspect to a healthy regimen. Getting the proper amount of sleep, staying hydrated, and eating healthy in addition to wearing copper socks will help move you in a positive direction toward mental and physical wellness.
