Why Nurses Should Wear Compression Socks

Why Nurses Should Wear Compression Socks | FITS®

February 24, 2022

As a nurse, you have a difficult job that demands a lot from you, and extended hours of standing and walking can lead to tired, achy feet and legs. Fortunately, compression socks can help alleviate some of the discomfort caused by these long hours. Learn more about why nurses wear compression socks and the three main benefits of wearing compression socks for nurses while working.

Why Do Nurses Wear Compression Socks?

Many nurses work long shifts that keep them on their feet for 12 hours or longer. However, working a long shift can do more than just make you feel exhausted. It can also have adverse effects on your health. Wearing compression socks won't eliminate all of the negative consequences of working as a nurse, but it can solve several common problems. Here are three benefits of wearing compression socks for nurses during your shift.

Compression Socks for Nurses Help Prevent Varicose Veins

Varicose veins develop when blood collects in your legs and creates enough pressure for leg veins to become enlarged and twisted. Most people dislike how varicose veins look, but preventing varicose veins isn't just about vanity. The condition can also make your legs feel itchy, heavy, tired, and painful.

Wearing compression socks during your shift prevents varicose veins by regulating the pressure in your legs. The socks squeeze your legs gently to prevent blood from pooling in your legs and feet.

Compression Socks for Nurses Can Reduce Leg and Foot Pain

It's not surprising that your legs and feet start to hurt after standing throughout your shift. Unfortunately, most nurses rarely get opportunities to sit down and rest. An emergency could come through the door at any moment, and you must be ready.

When you wear compression socks, you should notice that you experience less pain in your legs and feet. Compression socks improve your blood circulation, making it easier for your circulatory system to deliver oxygen to your muscles. Boosting your circulation may also help remove lactic acid from your muscles. As a result, you can keep your legs and feet healthy even when you have to work longer than expected.

Compression Socks for Nurses Prevent Legs and Feet From Swelling

Swollen legs and feet only add to the discomfort you feel during a long shift on your feet. After a few hours standing on a hard floor, you may notice that your shoes don't fit as well as they did when you first came to work. Swollen calves can also feel uncomfortable and make it difficult for you to respond to patients who need emergency treatments.

Since compression socks improve circulation, they will keep your legs and feet from swelling. You'll feel more comfortable, and you'll prevent distracting pain that could get in the way of doing your job well.

The Most Comfortable Compression Socks for Nurses

So, why do nurses wear compression socks? Because of the many benefits they provide, including decreased swelling, improved blood flow, and reduced risk of developing varicose veins. They also help nurses feel more comfortable during their shift, especially when they are on their feet for long periods of time. If you are a nurse and have not yet started wearing compression socks, now is the time to start. FITS has compression socks for nurses to help you stay more comfortable no matter what happens during your shift. You can choose compression socks made from nylon or merino wool. FITS also has several colors, so you can opt for a pair of compression socks for women that match your personal style. Check out our complete collection of wool compression socks for women today.

Sock Sizing

The Perfect Fit Starts With the Right Size.

Your sock size shouldn’t be a guessing game. Our socks range from small to double XL, but the best way to know the perfect fit for you is to match your shoe size to the chart on the left. That way, you’ll know the size you select will give you the fit and feel you expect.

Between sizes? Go with your gut, but rest assured that your socks will still fit great. If you receive your order and find yourself wishing you’d gone up or down a size, just let us know. We’ll happily send you replacements for your preferred size.

Concerned about laundry mix-ups? All FITS® socks are coordinated by color and size, based on the colors you see on the size chart. So, you won’t have to worry about mixing up your sizes with the other FITS® wearers in your home. (But stray socks mysteriously going missing in the dryer? Unfortunately, we can’t help with that.)

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How Do You Determine Sock Size?

Sock sizes are typically measured in inches, not by your shoe size. So, a sock size 6-8 will comfortably fit someone whose feet are between six and eight inches long. However, at FITS®, we make it easy for you to choose the ideal sock size without having to measure your foot. Simply use our sock size conversion chart based on your shoe size to select the right fit for you.

How Do You Measure Your Foot for Socks?

To measure your foot for socks, measure the length from the heel of your foot to the tip of your longest toe. The measurement in inches correlates to your sock size. For example, if your foot is 10 inches long, a sock size 9-11 should fit you comfortably. At FITS®, you can skip this step and find your sock size based on your shoe size using our conversion chart.

What Is the Sock Size Conversion?

The sock size conversion refers to sock size compared to shoe size. While all companies may vary slightly on which size socks to purchase based on your shoe size, you can always measure your foot to find the right fit for you.

What is Sock Size to Shoe Size?

Because sock sizes are determined by the length of your foot in inches vs. your shoe size, shoe and sock sizes differ. The FITS® sock size to shoe size conversion is as follows:

FITS® Sock Size Small = Shoe Size 3½ - 5½ men’s and 5 - 7 women’s
FITS® Sock Size Medium = Shoe Size 6 - 8 men’s and 7½ - 9½ women’s
FITS® Sock Size Large = Shoe Size 8½ - 10 men’s and 10 - 11½ women’s
FITS® Sock Size Extra Large = Shoe Size 10½ - 12½ men’s and 12 - 14 women’s
FITS® Sock Size Double-Extra Large = 13 - 15½ men’s and 14½ - 16½ women’s

Knowing this makes it easy to choose the ideal sock size based on your shoe size without measuring your foot.

What Age is Sock Size 9-12?

Sock sizes typically don’t correlate with age. For kids, age can be a general indicator of what size sock they’ll need, but everyone is different. An adult sock size 9-12 fits anyone whose feet are approximately nine to twelve inches long. For kids’ sock sizing, check with the company to find exact details to ensure your little one gets the perfect fit.

Got more questions about finding the perfect sock size for you? Let’s talk.