Best Uses for Compression Sleeves

Compression sleeves are stretchy socks that are snug-fitting and gently squeezes your legs, arms, or ankles. They can help improve your blood flow, and as well as lessen pain and swelling in your legs. Therefore, using compression sleeves is beneficial for a lot of people as it can make them feel comfortable, do better in sports, and as well as prevent serious medical conditions.

Compression sleeves are also sometimes called pressure socks. Those with a small amount of compression are sold without a prescription. However, stronger compression sleeves, on the other hand, are usually prescribed by care providers with certain specifications like length and strength of compression. It is based on the condition being treated. This means that if you have been diagnosed with a vein issue, your doctor might have recommended compression sleeves as an initial treatment plan.

If you are looking into wearing compression sleeves, they may take some time and finesse to use. But with practice, you will be able to learn how to use them properly like a pro. That’s why today, we are giving you tips for using compression sleeves.

Who Wears Compression Sleeves? 

Many people can benefit from wearing compression sleeves, and here are some of them:

  • People with Diabetes: People who are suffering from diabetes can benefit from wearing compression sleeves because they tend to have edema, which is a common side effect of diabetes. Therefore, over-the-calf compression sleeves can help in reducing swelling in the lower limbs. Aside from that, compression sleeves can also help in protecting the feet from accidental cuts and scrapes, which is dangerous for diabetics when infected.
  • Athletes: All sorts of athletes can benefit from different types of compression sleeves. For example, if you are a runner and you want maximum comfort in your legs while running, then you can try wearing compression sleeves for the calves. This can help promote constant circulation and fight off aches as you run long distances.

Aside from that, arm compression sleeves can also be worn to improve activities such as golf, baseball, tennis, cycling, basketball, and hiking. They can give you extra support and comfort during these activities, and can also help improve your performance. You can also wear compression sleeves after doing a sport or an activity to help recovery.

  • Travelers: Travelers who usually go long distances can also benefit from compression sleeves. Wearing compression sleeves on your knees can help keep the blood flowing during prolonged periods of sitting, for example, when sitting for hours in an airplane.
  • Workers: If your work requires you to sit or stand all day, then wearing compression sleeves can help you in preventing soreness and keep your feet feeling fresh all day.

Compression sleeves can indeed treat a wide variety of issues and provide benefits as well. Just about anyone can benefit from using it, whether you are suffering from mild soreness or severe symptoms and conditions.

How to Put On Compression Sleeves Properly

If you are having difficulties in putting on compression sleeves, then here are some instructions you can follow to get the best results.

  • Put on your compression sleeves first thing in the morning. It is because your legs are least swollen in the morning, making it the best time to wear your compression sleeves.
  • It’s also advisable to make sure that your skin is dry, especially after you apply lotion. It’s because moisture can make it difficult to pull the sleeves on. One of the best ways is to apply talcum powder to dry the surface of moist skin.
  • Before you start putting on the compression sleeves, make sure that you are sitting comfortably, and that your back is supported. This is to avoid putting pressure and causing strain on your back.
  • Once the sleeve is on, check if the seams run straight up the leg, and there is no wrinkling or bunching.
  • Make sure that the sleeves are not too long. Also, do not fold or roll the tops down because that can make the sleeves too tight, causing blood flow problems, which can also cut off your circulation.
  • If you are advised by your doctor to wear compression sleeves, then as much as possible, keep them on. You can take them off when you take a shower.

Check the Pressure of the Compression Sleeves

When you have successfully worn your compression sleeves, it is also important to check the pressure. Compression sleeves should feel tightest around your ankles, while slowly lessening up your calves. Sleeves that are properly fit should also come to about 2 inches below your knees. If you are using compression sleeves with heels, the heel of the sleeve should also match up with your own heel.

It is important to check if your compression sleeves fit your leg or arms properly and if the pressure is even throughout the sleeve. If you are uncomfortable with your compression sleeves, then maybe it’s best to see if a different type can be more suitable for you.

Take Good Care of Your Compression Sleeves

Since compression sleeves can give your arms, legs, and ankles the ultimate comfort, you need to take good care of them to make them last. It is also great if you can have two pairs of compression sleeves that you can swap out every other day if you need to wear them on a daily basis. When washing them, avoid using soaps with dyes and chemicals. Then, set them to dry in an area where a lot of air will circulate.

Sports and everyday activities can surely put a strain on your muscles, and these can lead to aches and pains. But by using compression sleeves, the aches and pains you feel on your legs and arms can be relieved. We hope the information we shared here gave you an idea on how to properly use compression sleeves to get the ultimate comfort and relief you need.