Anything, even the best products, can be used too much, so you want to make sure that you are not keeping them on for too long.
So, if there is a limit, then how long should you wear compression socks? Well, this can be a bit complicated because it depends on what you are wearing them for, but we will discuss that in-depth so you know when to take off your compression socks.
Were they Prescribed to You?
Normally, if you have been prescribed to wear compression socks for pregnancy or to help with health issues, then you will leave them on all day. Or, if the doctor tells you to wear them less, you will simply follow their instructions.
However, the most common way to wear these kinds of socks is to put them on in the morning and take them off before you go to bed. This will give your body the benefits of the socks for the entire day. If you stay still for your job, it can help keep your blood flowing or help you recover from after a long exercise session.
Was This Your Choice?
If you haven't been prescribed the use of compression socks, but you like the sound of getting the many benefits of wearing them, then you have a bit more flexibility. If you want to wear them when you are exercising, then that is fine.
However, if you want the most beneficial effects of having overall better circulation, then wearing them throughout the day will be a good way to use the socks. If they are not being prescribed for a certain condition, then you can also choose to wear them whenever you feel like you need to.
This means that you should choose to use them when you're sitting for extended periods, after a long work out, or for a few hours a day while you are pregnant. Either way, as long as you do not see adverse side effects, and you do not keep them on at night, you will likely be able to wear them as needed.
Do Not Wear Them at Night
Wearing compression socks during the entire day is fine for most people, so why wouldn't you be able to wear them while you are sleeping through the night? Well, this is because too much of a good thing turns into a bad thing. Though compression socks can help your circulation when you are moving around during the day, it can actually decrease it through the night.
However, there are a few cases in which doctors will tell patients to wear their compression socks through the night. This is normally done for major health conditions and patients who have just gone through some form of surgery. So, unless you are instructed to do this by a doctor, you want to avoid it.
Conclusion
Compression socks can take care of many health issues, but that doesn't mean that you don't want to take care to wear them only as much as you need to. Overdoing it can cause problems if you don't use them wisely. So, if you are thinking about wearing compression socks, you can talk to your doctor and find out when you should be wearing them.
Or, if you only want to use them for short periods, just make sure that you aren't wearing them to bed and you will get all of the benefits of wearing these socks without negative side effects.
