Let's face it, there are more and more reasons to wear compression socks that come out every day - these just happen to be our 'favorite' reasons.
1) For increased athletic performance. This one is pretty obvious, right? I mean this is the one you hear the most about, so it's the one I'm going to spend the least amount of time on. Graduated compression socks have been shown, time after time to improve athletic performance.
2) Recovery from your increased athletic performance. This is another one that shouldn't be a shock to see on the list. Improved circulation and increased blood flow removes lactic acid from your muscles and prepares you to do it all over again sooner. If you haven't tried compression for recovery yet, you are in for an eye-opening experience.
3) Maternity. So this is one of those conditions I'm definitely going to have to listen to the experts on! Increasing your lower leg circulation to prevent swelling and blood pooling in your lower legs makes for a much more comfortable Momma-to-be and a healthier one to boot! Use of graduated compression socks during pregnancy can help keep you more comfortable by eliminating the discomfort associated with lower leg swelling. I only wish my wife had started wearing them sooner in her pregnancy so she wouldn't have been uncomfortable for so long!
4) If you suffer from varicose veins. Because graduated compression socks are designed to push blood back up to your heart, they create better blood flow which results in less pooling and swelling in your lower legs. This improved circulation has been shown to relieve pain and swelling often associated with varicose veins.
5) Are you a frequent traveler or if you're usually sedentary most of the day? If so, have we got news for you! Simply wearing graduated compression socks during your trip (or sustained sedentary periods) improve the circulation in your lower legs which helps to prevent blood clots from forming. Bonus, you'll also feel more energized at the end of your trip due to the increase circulation and lack of fatigue in your lower legs.
6) For improved circulation to prevent lower leg swelling. This plays into reasons 4 and 5 as well - any improvement in your circulation is going to reduce potential swelling and discomfort. This is especially true in your lower legs where gravity is working against natural circulation. Graduated compression socks can be worn as your daily sock (they're mine!), even if you aren't travelling or suffering from medical issues to simply improve your circulation... which is never a bad idea!
7) Post-Thrombotic Syndrome. If you weren't aware, PTS can be developed after having DVT (deep vein thrombosis) where you develop chronic pain, swelling and skin changes in your legs. The therapy for this is compression therapy - specifically using graduated compression socks (or stockings) to reduce swelling and improve blood flow in your lower legs through improved circulation.
8) Post-Surgery. This is another big one, but in your recovery most of the time you're laid up and not able to move around. This creates opportunities for blood pooling and swelling since your natural circulation is reduced - but good news! The addition of graduated compression socks to your recovery wardrobe can help to increase your circulation and improve blood flow to reduce swelling.
9) Because you love the support and the fun colors! I mean, let's face it - we can all use a little more support from time to time... even on our feet. If you're gonna wear compression socks, they should at least have a bit of personality, after all you do!