People often ask me if calf compression sleeves are beneficial. The short answer is a resounding yes. The benefits of calf compression sleeves far outweigh the negatives. These garments do wonders if you suffer from leg pain, varicose veins or frequent calf cramps. Let’s take a look at who can benefit from calf compression sleeves the most and in what context should you wear them.
Most people tough it out during the day and wait for the end of the workday to relax. That might have been a good strategy in the past, but we don’t live in that world anymore. There is a way to feel comfort in your legs the whole day and not have to be miserable at the workplace. Here are some occupations who can benefit from calf compression sleeves the most.
Nurses
Most compression sleeve manufacturers have special products aimed at nurses. This is not a coincidence. Covering long shifts is very difficult. Standing, walking for 16 hours straight puts a significant toll on the circulatory system. Tending to the needs of patients, moving constantly is very demanding. If you prescribe and apply compression sleeves to patients recovering from surgery, why couldn’t you wear them yourself?! Getting rid of muscle fatigue will significantly improve your mood, and help you attend to the needs of your patients better. In the long run you significantly lessen the chances of getting varicose veins. This is an important health and beauty consideration.
Doctors
Just like nurses, other hospital staff can benefit from compression sleeves too. Doctors, guards, hospice workers are on their feet just as much. They should wear sleeves to prevent long term effects and the pain of standing on their feet all day.
Teachers
Teachers have some of the hardest jobs in the world. Shaping young minds while covering significant miles on their feet. Their occupation is demanding not only for the mind, but for the body too. Even when they are not standing up, they are sitting behind the desk. This is why teachers benefit immensely from compression garments. This is just as demanding for the circulatory system as standing or walking. Teachers should definitely wear calf compression sleeves.
Hairdresser and Barbers
Keeping the blood circulating is just as important for barbers and hairdressers. The nature of your job is to stand all day, cut hair and shape beards for eight hours with little breaks at best. Keeping your legs fresh and energized is key to doing great work and having happy clients. For barbers arm compression sleeves might be just as beneficial. Due to the sudden and intricate movements the hand muscles can get tired easily.
Waitresses, baristas, cooks
Restaurant workers have the longest shifts. Only nurses can compete. They are known to walk ten to sixteen miles during a shift. With such workrates, compression sleeves for restaurant workers are a must. The most common objection I hear from waitresses about wearing compression socks is their color. They are afraid the color won’t go with their attire. The biggest positive of compression sleeves is they don’t show at all under trousers. You can wear any type of sleeve you want. Nowadays most companies make compression socks in black.
Delivery people
Postmen and other delivery people spend similar amount on their feet all day. Driving, then carrying packages to doorsteps puts similar strain on the legs. Constantly sitting back in the driver seat, standing up and walking to the doorstep will make your legs sore sooner than you realize. The job requires you to lift heavy objects. As you walk from door to door, you might find calf sleeves helpful.
It might be a great idea to consider thigh-high compression sleeves. These reach over your knees and keep your thigh muscles aligned to avoid any unnecessary strain while lifting. For example as you squat to lift a heavy box, the sleeves keep your muscles aligned to avoid any unnecessary strains.
Should you wear calf compression sleeves?
The short answer is a resounding yes. However there is a big difference between the different types of calf compression sleeves you might want to wear and which type fits you the best.
Calf compression sleeves put pressure on the veins around your calf. This speeds up the blood flow and helps the calf recover quicker by getting more nutrients and oxygen. You will find mostly graduated compression sleeves on the market. The carefully designed and calibrated graduated compression technology puts the most pressure to the area closer to the ankles. Then the pressure subsides as the sleeve gets higher on your leg. This technology gives you the best blood flow without putting too much pressure on the calves.
No matter which line of occupation you pursue, make sure your sleeves are breathable and moisture-wicking. This is key for hygiene. You don’t want to feel a wet piece of clothing on your legs the whole day while you are working. Moisture wicking will keep your leg dry and allow the sweat to evaporate.
When should you wear calf compression sleeves?
The time of day when you wear them doesn’t matter as much as for how long are you wearing them. As a general rule of thumb, I recommend wearing them for 12 hours maximum in any given day. Wear them at night for recovery, or during your shift. Don’t overdo it, because your veins and your skin need to relax. It would not be hygienic to wear these sleeves so long they almost stick from sweat.
All in all, you see how calf compression sleeves benefit many industry professionals. The benefits calf compression sleeves bring to the workplace are indisputable.
