In this article, we’re going to discuss the benefits of compression stockings for nurses.
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Nurses understand that their job comes with lots of responsibilities.
They provide medical assistance, answer questions, break bad news and comfort patients and their families.
Moreover, they spend most of their time either standing or walking fast to get the job done.
Qualified nurses train and learn how to deal with the mental and emotional pressure (source).
At the same time, there are some tools that can help ease the physical pain and soreness that they usually feel at the end of the day.
Nursing is challenging, but this is why your job is critical.
It comes with long work hours and nurses have to move fast most of the time to provide necessary medical assistance.
But leg pain and foot soreness doesn’t have to be a part of every nurse’s life.
Neglecting these painful symptoms can lead to the development of spider veins, varicose veins, and other cardiovascular problems.
However, using the best compression stockings for nurses can make all the difference.
What are Compression Stockings?
Compression stockings are special stockings that go from the foot up to the knee or thigh. Some of them don’t cover the toes and can be worn on top of regular socks.
These special stockings apply pressure to the feet and all the way up. However, the pressure tends to decrease as you’re moving towards the thighs.
Wearing these stockings can reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems like varicose veins.
However, it doesn’t treat the existing ones.
It’s one of the conservative treatments that target the blood circulation, improve it, and prevent the formation of blood clots.
Compression stockings are made of elastic weave that applies strong pressure to the ankle, feet, calf, and leg.
The pressure on the calf muscles pushes the blood back into the heart, thus reducing the pressure inside the veins.
They come in different sizes, so you should find the perfect fit to make sure that the stockings are working right.
Even if you don’t suffer from any cardiovascular problems, you should wear these stocking to protect your veins.
Benefits of Compression Stockings for Nurses
If you’ve ever heard that compression stockings are just for “old people,” then think again. Compression stockings aren’t just for old people.
If you’re a nurse, then there’s a pretty good chance your feet are going to feel sore and tender at the end of your shift.
If not today but probably at some point in the future. But it’s not just about foot pain that we’re worried about.
There’s also varicose veins and several other problems. In general, wearing compression stockings is primarily about an overall self-care for your feet.
Wearing the right compression stockings can make an enormous difference in your career as a nurse. Here are some of their benefits.
1. Reduce Soreness
It’s completely normal if your legs and feet feel tender after standing and walking for 12 hours plus for your nursing shift (source).
When you’re up and about all day long, lactic acid starts to accumulate in your muscles and this causes pain and discomfort.
Compression stockings improve the blood flow and increase the amount of oxygen traveling to your feet.
Your muscles will get rid of the accumulated lactic acid and you’ll experience an improvement in the level of discomfort that you usually feel at the end of every day.
2. Improve Swelling
If your legs get swollen often, it doesn’t have to be a sign of a heart problem. This happens when you spend long hours standing due to the buildup of fluid or edema.
Wearing compression stockings prevents the buildup of excess lymph and manages to stabilize the muscles in your feet and legs thus reducing swelling.
Combining these stockings with foot massages will improve the swelling after your long shift.
You should wear them often to keep your legs and feet in good condition so the swelling doesn’t affect your performance at work.
3. Prevent Varicose and Spider Veins
Varicose and spider veins happen when the blood pools in your lower extremities after standing for long hours.
The enlarged veins carry more blood and this makes them look blue. They’re painful and affect the beauty of your legs.
When you wear compression stockings you’re not only preventing the formation of new varicose and spider veins, the stockings will also slow down the progress of the existing ones.
They don’t, however, treat them completely or make them disappear. But they represent a less invasive treatment than surgery.
4. Protect From Blood Clots
You’ve probably seen doctors advising their patients to wear compression stockings before and after surgeries.
Spending time in bed can cause blood to pool and clot in the lower extremities.
The same happens when you spend long hours standing while doing your job as a nurse.
To protect your legs from blood clots, you should wear compression stockings all day long.
If you’re already suffering from a blood clot, wearing compression stockings with the right medication will prevent it from traveling up to your lungs.
Tips for Using the Best Compression Stockings for Nurses
For best results, you should try to put your compression stockings as soon as you wake up.
Once you get up and start moving around, your legs will start to swell and it will become very hard to put your stockings on.
Here are some tips for wearing your compression stockings properly.
➢ Compression stockings are quite tight, so you might struggle to put them on. Apply some cornstarch or powder to dry any excess moisture to help the stockings glide on smoothly.
➢ Roll the stockings down to start wearing them starting from the toes. Put one on and make sure that the heel fits right. Roll it up over your leg.
➢ Wash the stocking with mild soap to keep it clean.
➢ Compressions stockings tend to get loose with continuous use. Replace your stockings every four to six months to make sure that they’re always in good condition.
➢ Buy the right size to avoid skin wrinkling and pinching. Make sure that there are no folds or loose fabric to avoid health problems.
➢ Nurses are advised to wear compression stockings all day long and take them off only when they’re going to bed. You should also remove your stockings before taking a shower.
Final Thoughts
Compression stockings for nurses are very beneficial when they’re worn properly.
They improve the blood circulation, protect the lymph tissues and reduce pain.
Wearing the right compression stockings will keep your feet and legs healthy and allow you to stay active while working and helping others.
