For the team at Comrad, it's a point of pride that compression socks are so versatile. Comrad socks help with vascular problems, make long flights more comfortable, and promote recovery after a tough workout. But did you know that they can keep your feet warm, as well?
Research shows that compression therapy can improve your skin's microcirculation, as measured by thermal conductivity. Of the study participants, 83% saw an improvement in microcirculation using compression socks, and healthy microcirculation improves your skin's ability to conduct heat.
Another study demonstrated a link between compression socks and increases in skin temperature for runners, without any changes to their heart rate and perceived fatigue. Although more research needs to be done, there does appear to be a link between the use of compression socks and the temperature of the skin.
Healthy blood flow to the skin is a crucial part of our ability to maintain normal body temperatures. Poor circulation can increase your risk of developing frostbite in extremely cold weather. Even under normal circumstances, healthy blood flow helps us maintain homeostasis and a comfortable body temperature. By improving your overall circulation, compression socks may contribute to your body's natural ability to keep itself warm.
What Is Raynaud's?
Raynaud's phenomenon is a health condition that causes a reduction in blood flow to the extremities, including the fingers, toes, and nose.
Doctors often test for Raynaud's by administering a cold challenge test. A person with Raynaud's will show color changes in their fingers whenever their hands are exposed to cold temperatures. The color change is caused by spasming blood vessels that block blood flow. In addition to cold temperatures, stress and extreme emotion can also contribute to this type of vasospasm.
Some people develop Raynaud's syndrome on its own. Others develop the condition as a complication of another disease, such as Lupus, Scleroderma, Buerger’s disease, Sjogren’s syndrome, atherosclerosis, or blood disorders. When an underlying illness causes the condition, it's called secondary Raynaud. For patients with Raynaud's phenomenon, whether secondary or primary Raynaud, the frequency and severity of attacks can disrupt normal life.
Because Raynaud's sufferers experience poor circulation, they frequently turn to compression socks to boost overall blood flow and support a healthy vascular system. So far, there is no evidence that compression socks can cure or improve the vessel spasms that cause Raynaud's phenomenon.
If you suffer from Raynaud's phenomenon, you may choose to layer compression socks with thick socks for extra bulk and warmth. You can even place chemical hand warmers or toe warmers between the two layers of socks for extra heat retention. Be sure to follow a doctor's recommendations before introducing compression therapy to your healthcare routine.
Compression for Other Medical Conditions
Comrad socks may improve many symptoms associated with poor circulation. For example, chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a disorder related to poor blood flow in the veins. People with CVI often suffer from spider veins, varicose veins, and skin ulcers.
Doctors recommend compression socks and stockings as a way to help heal these ulcerations. Compression socks also may reduce other symptoms of CVI, such as heaviness, edema, and leg discomfort.
In addition, diabetes and vein disorders sometimes co-occur in the same patients. If you suffer from both conditions, you may be particularly vulnerable to swelling and foot sores. Compression socks can help relieve these symptoms while promoting healthy venous return.
Medical professionals also recommend compression socks as a way to reduce your risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Anytime you sit, stand, or lie in the same position for a long time, your blood circulation may suffer. Stagnant blood sometimes causes blood clots to develop in the deep veins of the leg. As these clots form, you may feel discomfort, swelling, or throbbing.
In some cases, a blood clot can break off, traveling through the bloodstream to the lung. There, it can form a pulmonary embolism, a potentially fatal blockage in the vessels of your lungs.
Studies have shown that wearing graduated compression socks or stockings reduces the risk of blood clots for high-risk groups, including airline passengers, pregnant women, and patients recovering from surgeries.
Why Choose Comrad?
Comrad socks come with some excellent features that make them a good choice for anyone looking to try compression therapy for the first time. We make our socks using SmartSilver technology, so silver is bonded to the fabric of our socks at a molecular level. Silver threads provide natural antimicrobial protection, controlling the growth of bacteria, mold, and fungus.
As a result, your socks stay fresh longer. You don't have to worry about odor, and you can wear your socks multiple times between each wash.
Our unisex socks fit a broad range of sizes, including wide calf sizes. They're extra comfortable thanks to cushioning at the toe and heel, as well as a seamless design for the toe and cuff enclosures. Plus, moisture-wicking nylon fabric means that you don't have to worry about soggy socks, even after your sweatiest workouts.
When you choose Comrad, you know you have all the medical benefits of True Graduated Compression. Our products have been lab-tested with a Swiss Plastic MST Compression Device to ensure that they provide 15-25 mmHg (or 15-20 mmHg) of graduated pressure. Comrad socks look like high-end fashion accessories rather than medical garments despite manufacturing each sock to meet precise technical and medical specifications.
The Takeaway
People with Raynaud's phenomenon struggle with heat loss in their extremities (toes, fingers, lips, ears, nose, and nipples). While compression socks won't stop the vasospasms that cause the symptoms of Raynaud's, they may improve the lives of patients by helping them to feel cozier.
Scientists still need to learn more about the impact of compression socks on microcirculation and thermoregulation.
In the meantime, try a pair of Comrad socks on for size. You may find that they make you feel more warm and comfortable than you do in regular socks. As your overall circulation improves, you may have an easier time retaining body heat. In addition, when you wear Comrad socks, you’re getting the proven medical benefits that come from compression therapy.
We offer sock packs that save you 20% on your purchase, so it’s a great time to stock up on your soon-to-be favorites.
Sources:
A Collection of Tips for Runners with Raynaud's | Raynauds.org
Boosting circulation with compression stockings | Harvard Health
Chronic venous disease during pregnancy | Research Gate
Effect of compression stockings on cutaneous microcirculation | SagePub|
Effects of graduated compression stockings on skin temperature after running | NCBI