How many times have you finished your day with sore, tired legs? Whether you are sitting for hours on end or spend the day on your feet, your legs might be suffering. Compression socks are not just for specific medical treatments. They can also help relieve the daily leg fatigue that many people experience.
According to Joni Marinich, Registered Pharmacy Technician and Registered Sigvaris Fitter at IDA Drug Mart in Wellington Square Mall, most people would be pleasantly surprised if they tried compression socks for themselves. “I think that everyone could benefit from them,” she says. “I personally wear them all day. My legs feel much better after a day of work wearing compression socks compared to not wearing them.”
Joni became a Sigvaris fitter in 2018 so she could do more to help her patients.
Compression Socks Improve Blood Flow
Sitting or standing for long periods can cause blood flow issues for some people. It can result in tired feet and legs in otherwise healthy people. Compression socks are designed to help encourage better blood flow by gently applying pressure to the lower leg.
“Compression socks actually increase blood flow, which is especially important if you have lower leg swelling. The socks make sure that the blood is actually pumping back up to your heart,” explains Joni.
Though most people do not require a doctor’s visit to purchase compression socks, there are some diagnoses that require a prescription. “There are medical-grade compression socks to treat things like thrombosis, swelling in the lower leg and other medical diagnosis that require a doctor’s prescription. These types of socks also require a special fitting with a registered fitter like me,” says Joni.
Joni advises that patients benefit most if wearing their compression socks becomes a routine. “It is best to put them on first thing in the morning and wear them all day until bedtime,” she says.
Not Your Grandmother’s Socks
These days, compression socks come in many styles, colours, patterns and fabrics. They often look just like regular, everyday socks.
“Most people choose black compression socks, but they do come in an array of colours. The fabrics are all different and it depends on a patient’s preference and lifestyle. Wool works well for people who are wearing heavy steel toed boots all day while cotton is a good choice for office workers. It just comes down to what the patient prefers,” says Joni.
Joni can be found at IDA Drug Mart’s Wellington Square location. She is happy to help any patients who are in need of compression socks, whether they are looking for over the counter or medical-grade versions.
IDA Drug Marts in Sault Ste. Marie are independent, locally owned and operated. They have been proudly serving the community since 1957. For more information, visit them online at drugmarts.ca or call (705) 945-8088.