What's With Compression Socks?

What's With Compression Socks?

As Christmas and the New Year approaches, we start to think of that lovely summer holiday. Taking time out, getting out of town, and… deep vein thrombosis?

What Do Compression Socks Do?

Basically, compression socks are a specially made sock or stocking that gently supports your leg to help your blood vessels work better. By a greater compression pressure around your ankle and looser up the top by the knee, compression socks keep your blood moving, boosting the veins ability to return the blood back to your heart.

Benefits Of Compression Socks

Because they support circulation in the legs, compression socks are often recommended for people who spend all day on their feet or sitting for long periods of time. Compression socks are also highly recommended if you’re heading away for your summer holiday.

After a long plane trip, have you ever looked down at your feet and wondered why your ankles have swelled to twice their normal size? After take-off, some people like to kick off their shoes and relax, but struggle to get them on again once they’re back on the ground.

After just 20 minutes in an aircraft, your blood starts to pool around your ankles. This causes the tissue to swell and the veins to stretch. And once they stretch, they don’t return to their original strength, causing them to be less effective and further swelling can ensue. As time goes on, the risk of blood clots, varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis increases.

So while the risk when flying from Christchurch to Auckland might be small, the risk increases greatly if you’re heading to Australia or further afield.

Because compression socks keep your blood moving, it's harder for it to pool in your lower legs, forming clots, varicose veins, or discoloured patches of skin.

Compression Sock Experts

Because compression socks come in a range of sizes and settings, it’s best to ask an expert before buying a pair.

Compression socks are created with different levels of pressure, measured in mm Hg, depending on how much of a boost your blood needs to keep moving. Stockings should feel snug, but never uncomfortably tight, and we can help with finding the right balance. Our team are experienced at measuring you up, making sure you get the right fit. Early morning is best before any natural swelling occurs, so it’s best to phone and make an appointment if you can.

Getting Fitted With Compression Socks

We will measure you up to make sure you get a compression sock that fits, and ask a few questions so we can recommend the right amount of pressure.

Next, we’ll show you how to put compression socks on. They should lie smooth against your skin, and we will show you how to avoid bunching and over stretching..

People wearing compression socks that don’t fit are often tempted to roll down the top, which can cause discomfort. If you have your compression socks fitted by the team at Stay Well Pharmacy, you won’t have this issue.

Come See Stay Well Pharmacy

So, get ready for your summer holidays by coming in to Stay Well Pharmacy. We can get you fitted for compression socks to take care of you on those long-haul flights, plus all of your sunscreen and skin care range to look after you on holiday.

Make sure you and your family are taken care of these summer holidays by coming in to see the team at Stay Well Pharmacy.

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