Medically reviewed by Dr. Michael Darder OBGYN — Written by Kari Johnson
Updated April 13, 2022
Because nurses work long hours on their feet, they're more likely to develop medical conditions associated with standing for long periods of time.
Occupational standing contributes to leg fatigue, vascular problems, and overuse injuries, and it makes you more likely to develop deep vein blood clots. Knowing that healthcare professionals rely on compression socks to make long shifts more comfortable, the team at Comrad designed two of the best compression socks for nurses: Companions and Allies.
Knee-high Companions provide True Graduated Compression, which prevents spider veins, varicose veins, and the formation of deep vein blood clots. Ankle-length Allies give your feet support, and reduce the inflammation that leads to plantar fasciitis and other painful foot conditions.
Both socks are made with SmartSilver fabric, so they reduce odor and bacteria naturally. Since we bind silver ions to the thread, our socks keep your feet fresh throughout a 12-hour shift.
We've kept healthcare workers top-of-mind with our product development, and it shows. According to Indeed.com, 12-hour shifts are common for nurses who work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other 24-hour care facilities.
When you work such long hours, your clothing should support you without distracting you from your job. On-duty nurses are too busy to deal with poor circulation and discomfort. Our socks won't slip, and they'll remain comfortable no matter where your work takes you.
The Two Best Compression Socks for Nurses
What makes Comrad socks the best choice for nurses? Like doctors and nurses, our team works hard to stay up-to-date on the latest scientific breakthroughs.
Medical research guides our decision-making. From the compression level of our socks to our fabric choices, we rely on scientific studies to inform our designs.
The Best Socks Overall: Companions
Compression socks come in a range of pressures. We measure the strength of compression with millimeters of mercury (mmHg), the same way you measure blood pressure. Mild socks typically measure 15-20 mmHg, with 15 mmHg at the calf and 20 mmHg at the ankle. The next level of strength is medium compression, which provides 20 mmHg at the calf and 30 mmHg at the ankle.
This is where Comrad breaks the mold.
Guided by research, we decided to offer knee-length socks with 15-25 mmHg. This is a wider range of gradient compression than most over-the-counter compression socks offer, and it provides stronger compression at the ankle. We made this choice in order to combine the maximum medical benefits with optimal comfort.
Companions fall within the medically recommended compression range for:
- Preventing and treating spider veins and varicose veins.
- Improving blood circulation.
- Preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
- Reducing oxidative stress.
- Reducing muscle pain and soreness.
- Preventing and treating edema.
- Preventing post-thrombotic syndrome.
Blood pooling in the lower legs can leave you feeling fatigued and achy. When you wear socks that are tighter at the ankle than the calf, your veins receive much-needed assistance against the pull of gravity.
The upward force of graduated compression stops blood from stagnating in the lower legs and increases the velocity of your blood flow.
At the same time, our socks deliver anti-odor protection, breathable fabric, a variety of calf sizes, and stay-up cuffs, so you don't have to worry about your footwear while you work.
The Best to Prevent Plantar Fasciitis: Allies
If you're mainly concerned about swelling and pain in your feet, we offer lightweight ankle socks with a secure fit.
A nationwide population-based study in Taiwan showed that nurses had a higher risk of developing plantar fasciitis compared to the general population. Plantar fasciitis describes inflammation that causes pain along the plantar fascia ligament on the bottom of the foot. For nurses who are at high risk of developing this condition, compression socks offer a great way to reduce injury and inflammation.
Our ankle socks prevent plantar fasciitis by helping you avoid microtears in the muscles, bones, and ligaments of the foot caused by overuse. Compression garments have been shown to improve postural stability while standing and heel strike parameters while running. The added support of 360-degree arch compression gives you additional stability and may stop you from injuring your feet during a long shift.
Plus, compression therapy reduces inflammation and swelling in your feet and Achilles tendon, allowing existing microtears to heal.
Studies suggest that compression garments help to relieve muscle pain, damage, and tension after exertion. If you frequently experience pain from plantar fasciitis, ankle compression socks may be the best way to address your symptoms. They're lightweight and easy to wear, but they still offer enhanced arch support and pain relief that comes from targeted compression.
Why Do Nurses Wear Compression Socks?
Nursing is a tough job. It requires you to be on your feet for many hours at a time. The work can take a toll on your health if you don't find ways to become more resilient.
In addition to plantar fasciitis, nurses are at high risk for:
- Hallux valgus
- Oxidative stress
- Chronic venous disease
- Varicose veins
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Sleepiness
- Fatigue
- Musculoskeletal problems
With all the risks associated with the healthcare professions, it's important to do what you can to care for yourself. When you wear compression socks, you take an important step toward preserving your own health and wellbeing. That leaves you better equipped to care for others.
The benefits of compression don’t stop at your lower extremities. Research suggests that compressing the lower limbs can increase blood circulation in other parts of the body, as far away as the arms.
Compression therapy offers an easy and inexpensive way to support your entire circulatory system, from your head to your feet. By wearing compression socks, you may be able to improve your posture, prevent injuries, and feel more energized every day.
Now, you simply need to decide which socks would be best for you. Better yet, try both Allies and Companions on for size. We also offer a 20% discount when you buy a 6-pack—which makes it easier to stock your drawer.
With Comrad, your legs will always be ready for your next nursing shift.
Sources:
Effects of compression stockings on ankle muscle H‐reflexes during standing | Muscle Nerve
FAQ: What Is a Typical Nurse Schedule | Indeed
Foot Health Condition and Related Characteristics of Nurses | Journal of muscle and joint health
Graduated compression stockings | CMAJ
Is There Evidence that Runners can Benefit from Wearing Compression Clothing? | Sports Medicine
Plantar fasciitis in physicians and nurses: a nationwide population-based study | Industrial Health
Reduction of oxidative stress by compression stockings in standing workers | Occupational Medicine