Holiday travel can be stressful and uncomfortable. However, there is one element you can take control of: your swollen feet and legs.

Travel by car, train or air subjects us to forced periods of inactivity, which can lead to fluid pooling in our feet and ankles. This not only makes sitting more uncomfortable than it needs to be, but it can pose health hazards, as well. Travel compression socks can make your holiday travels easier and less tiring by:

Increasing circulation.

Circulation is adversely affected not only by long periods of sitting or standing in one place, but also by the pressurized cabins of airplanes. Air travel compression socks offer low, graduated compression to help travelers keep their blood flowing and decrease swelling in the legs and feet. A higher level of compression is even more beneficial for pregnant moms or those who have certain health problems.

Preventing aching muscles.

When you have to run to catch a connection, travel compression socks help by keeping your muscles loose and preventing soreness after intense periods of activity.

Safer driving.

Long drives lead to sleepy drivers, and travel compression socks are a great way to help you keep your legs and feet supported during your shift at the wheel.

If you have never tried compression socks for travel, now is a good time to give them a test drive. You might be surprised at how much easier all forms of travel are when you don’t have to worry about swelling in your legs and feet, leaving you with more energy for standing in long lines at the airport.

Have a safe and happy holiday travel season!

You might be surprised at how many people on your gift list this year would benefit from receiving compression socks and hosiery. In addition to helping treat a variety of medical conditions, from diabetes to lymphedema, compression socks and hosiery come in handy for many common situations. Here are some of the people in your life who might appreciate receiving compression garments this year:

Athletes

Sports compression socks provide benefits for all kinds of athletic activity. For starters, sports compression socks can delay muscle soreness until after you have reached your workout goals, allowing athletes to push themselves to their very highest level of performance. After exercise, sports compression socks increase circulation in the feet, ankles and legs, helping built-up lactic acid to disperse quickly.

For the runners in your life, CEP sports compression sleeves add even more benefits, providing additional energy and oxygen to the muscles as well as allowing a faster recovery from strenuous training.

Pregnant Women

With the help of compression socks, women who are expecting can avoid many of the problems and challenges associated with pregnancy. For example, by wearing compression socks, women can relieve symptoms related to circulation problems, such as spider veins, swollen ankles and varicose veins. The blood flow increases from the legs and feet back to the heart when you wear compression socks; women who wear them throughout their pregnancies find they have more energy and less soreness in their legs.

Frequent Flyers

Long airplane flights lead to swollen ankles and feet. When you are forced to be inactive for a long period of time – combined with being in a pressurized cabin – blood clots and other circulation problems can develop. Compression socks and hosiery can help prevent some of these dangers, making passengers safer as well as more comfortable when traveling.

Compression socks and hosiery make great holiday gifts for almost anyone – just be sure to get the correct fit!

One of the most important developments for fashion-conscious women, however, has been the creation of open toe compression stockings. Mediven compression stockings with open toes allow women who wear compression socks daily to accommodate a more versatile wardrobe particularly in the summer.

Here’s a look at some of the benefits of an open toe when wearing full-length, knee high or thigh high compression stockings:

Comfort.

Many people find open toe compression support hose to be more comfortable than closed toe stockings. Not only are they significantly cooler in hot weather, but they’re often the preferred choice for people with large feet, bunions or hammer toes. Additionally, open toe compression stockings are kinder to sensitive feet and toes.

Fashion.

Mediven compression stockings with open toes address a common complaint women have about compression socks, which is that they limit the available fashion choices. Open toe styles not only allow women to wear sandals in the summer, but some people wear them underneath regular socks to get the benefits of graduated compression while wearing the fashion socks of their choice.

One thing to be aware of is that open toe support hose can sometimes roll up at the toes; however, this can be fixed by wearing roomier shoes, washing the stockings frequently and adhering them in place with It Stays adhesive, which rolls on easily and washes off with warm water and gentle soap.

How Socks Affect Sensitive Skin

There are many elements in a sock that can irritate sensitive skin, including the types of fibers used to make the fabric; any dyes or chemicals used on the fabric; the method of construction (seamed or seamless); and moisture regulation. For compression sock wearers with skin sensitivities, it’s especially important to choose products that won’t cause any inflammations. In diabetic patients, for example, skin irritations can lead to wounds that are difficult to heal.

How Juzo Compression Stockings can Help

Juzo compression stockings are made to be worn over sensitive skin. They’re made from hypoallergenic Lycra fibers, each of which is microspun with protective thread, so they’re breathable and latex-free. Juzo compression stockings also contain silver, which is widely used in medicine to dissipate heat from the skin and inhibit the growth of infectious microbes. For skin that is prone to irritation, it is particularly important to stop microbes before they cause infection.

Silver provides other benefits to Juzo compression stockings, as well:

• It reduces unpleasant odors by binding with denatured protein and ammonia ions.
• It dissipates electrical charges and eliminates static cling.
• It’s non-toxic and all-natural.
• The silver in Juzo compression stockings will never wash out or wear off – it is permanently bonded to the fibers in the sock fabric.

Those with sensitive skin who have been advised by a medical professional to wear compression socks may find Juzo compression stockings more comfortable and soothing than other brands.

If anyone on your gift list wears compression stockings for diabetes, varicose veins, edema, lymphedema or other vein diseases, here are a few easy stocking stuffer ideas to make wearing and caring for compression stockings easier:

Sigvaris Washing Solution.

Compression stockings are delicate and must be washed carefully in order to preserve their elastic fibers. Sigvaris Washing Solution is a pure, organic and biodegradable cleaner that’s specially formulated to keep compression stockings functioning at maximum capacity. Only half a teaspoon of Sigvaris Washing Solution is needed for a small wash load; it comes in a 16-ounce bottle for the home and a 2-ounce travel-size bottle for travelers who wear compression stockings to prevent edema and thrombosis when they fly.

It Stays Roll-on Skin Adhesive.

Compression stockings don’t do you much good if they don’t stay up – a common problem for wearers of thigh high or knee high compression stockings. It Stays skin adhesive rolls right onto the skin and keeps your thigh high and knee high compression stockings in place all day. It Stays comes in a leak-proof, 2-ounce bottle.

Sigvaris Donning Gloves.

From full-length to knee high, compression stockings can be tricky to put on. Sigvaris Donning Gloves have soft yet textured fingers that make it easy to put on your sheer compression stockings without snagging or damaging them. While Sigvaris Donning Gloves are handy for anyone who wears compression stockings, they’re a must-have for those who are new to these garments.

In addition to getting plenty of sleep and downtime, there are certain tricks athletes swear by for speeding recovery and minimizing delayed onset muscle soreness. For instance, you’ve probably noticed plenty of athletes are now wearing Sigvaris Sport and other athletic compression socks. We explain how this and other post-workout tricks work below. By following these tips, you can boost your performance and accelerate revitalization.

1. Listen to your body.

The number-one rule for post-workout recovery is simply to be aware of how your body feels. Avoid judging yourself or writing off your experience to “wimpiness.” Don’t second-guess the wisdom of your body. If you’re sore, tired or noticing decreased performance, give yourself time to recover. On the other hand, if you feel as strong as an ox the day after a strong workout, there’s no need to decrease your next session’s intensity.

2. Drink plenty of water.

The Mayo Clinic recommends that men drink at least 3 liters (13 cups) of liquids every day and that women drink at least 2.2 liters (9 cups) of beverages per day. Every single system in the body requires water to function. Overall, water accounts for 60 percent of your total body weight.

For this reason, even slight dehydration can lead to feelings of fatigue. No wonder, then, that athletes swear by increased intake of liquids for improved performance. The more you exercise, the more sweat you will need to replace with fresh water.

3. Warm up and cool down.

Torn muscles, ligaments and other injuries are more likely to occur if you don’t properly warm up and cool down the body. To go from inactivity to strenuous exercise is extremely taxing on the body. Just as an automobile often performs better after a few minutes of warm-up, your muscles will feel stronger and more limber if you spend five to ten minutes walking briskly before your workout.

Cooling down after a workout is just as important. Indeed, a cool-down period (again of five to ten minutes in duration) helps remove excess lactic acid from your muscles and may reduce soreness later on.

4. Wear athletic compression socks during and after your workout.

Sports compression socks: They represent an easy, efficient way to boost performance and speed up recovery. Circulation is the key. Only premium brands of athletic compression socks, such as Sigvaris Sport stockings, offer graduated compression, meaning they are tighter around the bottom, nearest the ankle, and looser around the top, by the knee. This compression increases circulation throughout the legs, reducing swelling and soreness.

Runners and cyclists alike often find that they can delay soreness during performance by wearing sports compression socks. And many avid athletes put on a fresh pair of athletic compression socks following a workout to boost circulation.

5. Eat right.

To replace fuel used during exercise, aim to eat within one hour of your workout. The body loves complex carbohydrates because they are easily broken down into fuel. Indeed, endurance athletes such as marathon runners are known to load up on carbs before a big race for this very reason. High quality proteins are also a good idea, as they help your body build strong muscles. In general, to reach your peak athletic performance, your diet should be varied and consistent throughout the day.

6. Stretch after warming up and cooling down.

Stretching serves many functions for the athlete. It increases flexibility balance and coordination, which helps prevent injury. A good stretch can also cut your recovery time by increasing circulation to newly strengthened muscles.

7. Care for injuries, such as blisters.

It isn’t unusual for athletes to suffer seemingly minor injuries during long runs or games, due to repeated muscular athletic compression. Socks, for instance, can wrinkle during a run and cause blisters. Don’t consider yourself a wimp for noticing attending to, and preventing, such injuries. If you notice a post-workout blister or cut, care for it right away. This will free up energy for your body to work on healing the less superficial results from your exercise.

Since blisters are often formed in the same place over and over again, take the time to prepare for a big workout by applying protective bandages in areas that tend to get blisters. Lastly, pay attention to your socks. For most athletic activities, including running and cycling, thin sports compression socks are the best way to go.

Compression stockings, socks, or pantyhose – what’s the difference?

There are many different types of compression garments. While they all serve essentially the same function, the difference is in the style and how much of the body they cover.

Compression stockings are usually knee high or thigh high stockings, while compression pantyhose typically cover the whole leg and go up your waist, just like everyday pantyhose. Compression socks are often crafted to look like everyday socks while still providing the necessary compression levels. For example, Medi compression socks come in a few varieties that look just like everyday dress socks.

Other important terms to know related to compression socks include:

Donning gloves: These are specially designed gloves to help you put on your compression stockings. They help you grip and pull on your compression stockings without damaging them. To “don” means to put on. So Donning gloves, are gloves that help you put on your compression stockings.

Edema: Edema is an abnormal accumulation of bodily fluid beneath the skin that produces swelling. Medi compression garments can be used to help treat edema, as they discourage the accumulation of fluid.

Graduated pressure: Also referred to as gradient compression, this term describes the changing level of compression provided to the leg by one set of compression socks or stockings. By design, compression garments provide higher levels of compression at the ankle of the garment and less compression as you move up the leg to encourage blood flow from the bottom of the body back up toward the heart.

mmHg: This stands for millimeters of mercury (Hg) and designates the amount of pressure exerted on the body by a pair of compression stockings.

Thrombosis: Thrombosis is a medical condition in which a blood clot forms in a vein, adheres to the vein walls and blocks the flow of blood. The term thrombus is synonymous with blood clot. Thrombosis can be especially dangerous because the clot can dislodge and cause serious problems in the heart or lungs.

Varicose veins: This term refers to distended, swollen and/or inflamed veins caused by venous weakness, disorders or even disease. Compression socks can help prevent and minimize varicose veins in the legs.

Here’s a look at some of the reasons why a good fit is important when buying compression stockings:

Proper compression levels. Compression pantyhose must fit properly in order to provide the right level of compression. If they’re too small, they may provide more compression than you need. Conversely, if your Mediven compression stockings are too large, they will provide less compression than what is indicated.

Compression in the right areas. Compression stockings provide graduated compression levels, which means compression is greatest at the ankles and reduces as you move up the leg. An accurate fit will help ensure that the compression is properly graduated, which is vital to the effective performance of your stockings.

Comfort. Compression pantyhose that are too tight will be difficult to put on and may squeeze your legs in the wrong places, which causes banding and discomfort. On the other hand, stockings that are too large will sag and fall, causing binding behind the knee and near the top of the thigh.

Measuring Tips for Compression Pantyhose

Sizing for compression stockings is a bit more complicated than for other hosiery. For best results, you should have your legs measured by a nurse or certified compression fitter, who can then help you choose the correct size. When measuring for compression stockings, keep the following tips in mind:

• Measure each of your legs separately, as they are not always the same size.
• Take your measurements in the morning, as your legs tend to swell throughout the day.
• Measure only your bare legs, without any pants, leggings, socks or other compression stockings on.
• Use a flexible tailor’s measuring tape to measure the circumference of your ankle, calf and thigh, as well as the length of your leg.

Moreover, compression pantyhose undergo rigorous quality control measures and testing to make sure they provide wearers with the right amount of compression where it matters most. To keep your compression stockings functioning at max capacity, consumers should take the following measures to prevent snags from forming or getting worse:

Use donning gloves. Resembling dishwashing gloves, donning gloves have textured palms and fingertips that allow you to grip your compression stockings as you dress. The gloves help prevent you from over-extending the elastic properties of the stocking, and they keep your fingernails from accidentally snagging or poking a hole in your compression support stockings.

Sprinkle some talcum or baby powder. When your skin is humid on a hot day, you may find it difficult to slide on your compression pantyhose – especially after a shower or after using lotion on your legs. Dust your feet and legs lightly with talcum or baby powder to help your compression stockings slide into place.

Take proper care. Not caring for your compression support stockings properly can reduce their life, effectiveness, elasticity and material strength. Use detergent specifically made for compression stockings, and hand-wash the socks in warm water the same night you wear them. After rinsing the compression stockings, pat them dry between two towels and place them on a clothesline to dry.

If you do accidentally snag your compression pantyhose, it’s not the end of the world. Brush clear nail polish onto a snag to prevent it from becoming worse.

Sports Compression Socks vs. Regular Compression Socks

•    Unlike regular compression socks, sports compression socks use a ribbed material that helps increase your level of comfort and keeps your skin drier as you sweat.
•    You can use compression socks for running as part of your daily wardrobe. However, you should not use regular compression socks for workouts.

Features of Sports Compression Socks

•    The support that sports compression socks offer helps prevent muscles from aching and growing tired as quickly as normal. Using the socks after a workout also helps your muscles recover more quickly.
•    Moisture-wicking and ribbed materials in sports compression socks help draw perspiration away from your skin to help you feel cool and stay dry.
•    You can find varying levels of compression in many different sizes for your sports and exercise needs.
•    Compression socks for running are more durable than cotton socks or those made of high tech synthetic materials, making them a good choice for long walks, as well.
•    For cycling, compression socks are comfortable and feature cushioned soles that feel plush on your feet.
•    Sports compression socks are versatile and perfect for daily wear, traveling and workouts.

The Importance of Using Sports Compression Socks

•    Sports compression socks are scientifically proven to help improve athletic performance.
•    The socks enable increased blood flow to the muscles in the legs, which reduces fatigue and helps eliminate lactic acid.
•    Cycling compression socks promote circulation in the ankles, feet and calves.
•    After a workout, compression socks for running help reduce muscle soreness, fluid retention and swelling.

While sports compression socks have multiple benefits for athletes and non-athletes alike, it is a good idea to consult with your physician about their use. He or she can help you choose a sock that has the most appropriate level of compression for your needs.