Poor Blood Circulation: A Job Hazard

Compression socks are employed when the force necessary to promote venous return to the heart is at least 20 mmHg or higher. While the heart is generally efficient at achieving this goal, there are several occupations that present a challenge of force, and it is in these that the garments are useful. While traditionally people assumed only jobs that require extensive standing created the pooling in the lower extremities known as edema, this has been found to be inaccurate, as people sitting for long periods of time can have problems, too.

In any occupation where someone is in a vertical position for several hours, there is the possibility for edema to occur. This is because the force the heart must overcome is too great. Examples of these professions are cashiers, sales associates, shelf stockers, factory line workers, nurses, nurse's aides, and surgeons and their assistants. Because they are offered few chances to sit, the feet will swell, and the condition may be problematic enough to require compression socks, which work by applying pressure against the vessels to provide adequate support for the blood return.

Those who work in an office setting are not excluded from the possibility either. Indeed, any position that requires remaining seated in the same position for extended times runs the risk of needing the stockings. When people sit, the feet tend to dangle and veins at the back of the knees are compressed and narrowed because of the weight of the legs. This creates the chance for pooling in the feet, ankles, and calves, resulting in uncomfortable swelling.

Occupations that require one to be constantly on the move are also no exception. While the movement assists the veins by contracting the muscles around them to promote venous return, the force is still too much to overcome and the system will not function properly. A good example of this is found in regards to construction work. While the workers are in constant motion, heavy loads carried by the upper half will supply an added force of resistance.

Compression socks work to prevent this by applying greater force on the feet, ankle, and legs, supplying a source of support for the venous walls within the lower extremities. The extra support allows for better carrying capacity in the vessels.

While the above are only some of the occupations that may require this type of support, there are several others and the list can go on. The fact is any position where the extra strain is placed on the vessels may require compression socks depending on the individual.

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