If you’ve ever been in a hospital you’ve probably seen nurses wearing them. If you’ve ever had surgery someone probably put them on you before you even woke up. Compression socks sound like a gimmick until you understand what they actually do.
They apply gentle graduated pressure to your legs — tighter at the ankle, gradually looser going up. This helps your veins push blood back toward your heart instead of letting it pool in your lower legs.
Anyone who stands or sits for long periods needs them. Nurses, teachers, office workers, travelers, diabetics, people with varicose veins or swelling — all benefit. For most people 15 to 20 mmHg is the sweet spot. Wear them from the moment you get up and take them off at night.
The honest nurse truth — we wear them on our shifts. Twelve hours on your feet is brutal on your circulation. The difference between wearing them and not is not subtle. Your legs feel it by hour eight.
Give them two weeks and see how your legs feel.
— Jamie RN 🖤