Compression socks can have a ton of health benefits. If you've recently bought compression socks, or are looking to get a pair, then you probably already know what those benefits are.
But can you wear compression socks for too long? What happens if you do?
In this article, we'll give you all the answers you need to answer your questions.
We'll discuss the risks of wearing compression socks too long. But don’t worry. We’ll also be telling you how to avoid these risks by telling you how long you should be wearing them, and also by giving you some tips and tricks on how to get the most out of them.
So, let's dive in.
What this article covers:
- What Happens if You Wear Compression Socks Too Long?
- How Long to Wear Compression Socks for
- Tips for Wearing Your Compression Socks Safely
What Happens if You Wear Compression Socks Too Long?
Compression socks can be very beneficial if you wear them for the right amount of time. But if you wear them for too long, such as when you wear compression socks to bed when you’re not supposed to, you can lose out on their benefits. Here are some risks of wearing compression socks for too long:
How Long to Wear Compression Socks for
To reap the full performance and health benefits of compression socks, it's crucial to wear them for the correct length of time. This will also reduce any other risks.
Generally speaking, you shouldn’t be wearing your compression socks for more than 8-10 hours at a time. This is the safest way to use them. Any longer than that, and you risk doing more harm than good.
Age, health, and level of activity can affect how long you should wear them. Because of this, everyone’s needs are different. Speak to your doctor or healthcare provider if you’re using compression socks or stockings to treat a health issue to figure out the exact length of time you should be using them.
Tips for Wearing Your Compression Socks Safely
If you want to use compression socks safely and make the most of them, it's important to keep in mind a few key tips and suggestions. Here are some things to take into account:
Ensure Proper Sizing and Fit
Proper sizing and fit are crucial if you want to make the most out of your compression socks. When sized correctly, you can reap their full benefits for enhanced performance and improving your health.
But, if they are too tight or too loose, compression socks can be uncomfortable and may not work as well as they should. If you’re not sure how tight your compression socks should be, check out our guide on the topic.
Measure your legs and feet carefully and choose a size that gives you the right amount of compression without any discomfort. If you’re using them for exercise, then getting grip socks that are also compression socks can increase their performance benefits.
Base Your Usage on Your Activities
The activity or purpose you’re using your compression socks for will have a huge impact on how long you should be wearing them.
For example, if you’re using them to reduce leg swelling on a long flight, you might need to wear them for the entire journey.
But, if you’re using them to enhance your performance during a workout or for a sport, you won’t need to wear them for as long in one go. For exercise, we only recommend wearing them for a few hours either during or after your workout, depending on the benefits you’re hoping to gain. It doesn’t usually take compression socks long to work if you’re using them for a performance boost.
Take Breaks Between Wearing Them
When using compression socks, it's important to take breaks between wearing them. This can mean taking the socks off every day for a few hours. You can also change the time of day you usually use them.
Pay attention to any warning signs when wearing a compression sock or stocking, or a pair - especially if you’re using them to treat a health problem.
If you’re experiencing any pain, numbness, or skin irritation, take your socks off. You might need to take a break or change how you wear your compression socks.
Hygiene and Care Instructions
Correct cleaning and care are also critical for ensuring that your socks work correctly.
To wash our compression socks, turn them inside out and wash them at normal temperatures. It's important to do this regularly.
If your compression socks are losing elasticity, replace them right away.
Use Compression Socks in Combination with Other Treatments
If you're using compression socks to treat a health issue such as leg swelling or varicose veins, you should always check with your doctor whether you need other treatments in tandem.
For example, sometimes medication and an exercise regimen might be necessary. Even if you’re using the best compression socks, you might need to use them alongside other treatments.
Conclusion
In the end, compression socks can help athletes and fitness fans in a lot of ways. But if you wear them for too long, you can lose these benefits.
To use compression socks safely and effectively, you should follow the instructions for how long you should wear them, measure compression socks correctly, take breaks when you need to, and talk to your doctor if you have any questions.
Remember that compression socks have many benefits, but it's important to use them in a smart way to avoid problems. If you know how to use them right, compression socks can help improve your athletic performance and feel better in general.
Did our blog meet your needs? You might also find our other guides helpful:
- How Long to Wear Compression Socks for
- How to Put on a Compression Sock
- What Do Compression Socks Do?
- What Level of Compression Socks Do I Need?
- How Tight Should Compression Socks Be?
- Can You Wear Compression Socks All Day?
- Compression Socks vs Sleeves
- Easy to Put on Compression Socks for Elderly
- Best Running Socks
- Do Running Socks Make a Difference?
- What Do Grip Socks Do?
- What Are Ankle Socks?
- How to Wear Grip Socks
- Running Socks: Women
- Compression Socks for Runners
