If you have trouble with circulation in your feet, your doctor may have recommended that you wear knee-high compression socks. These socks will prevent blood from pooling in your feet and lower legs, helping to reduce the risk of blood clots and varicose veins. Getting used to wearing them can be a bit of a challenge, but these tips should help.
1. Wash the socks before using them.
You might be used to pulling new socks out of the bag and using them right away, but this does not work well with compression socks. They tend to be really stiff when brand-new, which can make them nearly impossible to put on. Give them a wash in cool water with gentle soap, rinse them, and then hang them to dry. The thin material should dry within a few hours.
2. Put on the socks as soon as you get up.
Not only is applying the socks first thing in the morning better for your health, but it will also be easier. Most people's legs are typically less swollen first thing in the morning, so you'll be better able to roll the socks over them. Keep the socks on your bedside table so you can roll them on as soon as you wake up, before even stepping out of bed.
3. Buy at least two pairs of socks.
Having two pairs to rotate between will allow you to wash and dry one pair of socks while wearing the other pair. If you can afford to do so, you may even want to buy three pairs of socks so you can keep them in a nice rotation. You may not have to wash the socks after every use, but washing them every two to three days is definitely important for hygiene reasons.
4. Wear other socks over them.
You can, and should, put other socks on over your compression socks. Not only does this keep your feet nice and warm, but it also helps protect your compression socks from the friction that can occur when you are walking in them. Your compression socks will last longer when you wear other socks over them.
Knee-high compression socks can literally save your life if you are someone who is prone to blood clots. As annoying as it may be to wear them, if you follow the tips above, you will soon adapt, and they'll become a valued part of your daily routine.
To learn more, contact a supplier that carries products like knee-high compression socks.
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