Two women walking out of an office building in Bauerfeind compression stockings

Why wear compression at work? Healthy leg veins and muscles generally work fine without any kind of intervention. However, long hours of standing or sitting remove the support of moving muscles. Meanwhile, long hours of heavy lifting place increased strain on the abdomen, making it harder for blood to pass through to the heart. So, if you work in nursing, retail, construction, or an office, here’s why you should wear compression at work.

 

Compression supports vein function

Woman in office attire sitting on stone steps. She is wearing Bauerfeind's compression stockings

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Compression socks work by gradually compressing the legs. Through this pressure, they gently squeeze blood out of congested surface veins and into the deep veins, which carry it back through the kidneys, lungs, and into the heart. The socks also stimulate the muscles, helping them pump blood upward.

 

Reduces fatigue

By supporting vein function throughout your workday, your compression socks will minimise any heavy and tired feelings in your legs when it’s time to go home. Essentially, improved blood flow in the legs means your muscles get all the nutrients and oxygen they need. The better supplied and supported your muscles are, the better they’ll feel and the quicker they’ll bounce back.

 

Prevents swelling

 

Bauerfeind Business Compression Socks

 

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It’s common to get a bit of puffiness around the feet and ankles. This is especially true on hot days and if you don’t move much during your shift. Generally, it’s nothing to worry about and will resolve on its own after you lay down, get walking, or elevate your legs. But if you’d like to prevent the swelling to begin with, compression is a great pick.

Essentially, swelling develops when fluid starts building up in the tissue. Compression socks assist the venous and lymphatic systems in draining the fluid.

 

Reduces the risk of vein disorders like Varicose Veins and Spider Veins

Varicose veins and spider veins are mainly genetic conditions. They stem from malfunctioning vein valves, which prevent blood from slipping back down the leg. As the blood pools, it may expand and distort the vein walls so they bulge out and grow twisted. If these vein disorders run in your family, taking preventative measures like wearing compression at work is an excellent idea to minimise your risk. Even if varicose veins don’t run in your family, factors like hormones, pregnancy, and a sedentary lifestyle can still contribute to the condition developing.

 

Reduces the risk of DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) 

DVT occurs when a blood clot (thrombus) forms in one or more of the deep veins in your body, usually in your legs. Dissimilarly to prolonged standing, extended periods of sitting or staying stationary can cause DVT. The main signs and symptoms of DVT are pain and swelling in the affected area - usually in the lower extremities. Wearing compression stockings and moving your feet and legs as much as possible can aid in the prevention of DVT. 

 

Wear the right quality compression

  • Make sure your brace is medical-grade. We adhere to the German RAL G7 387 standards and manufacture everything in-house, so you can be sure of the best possible quality.
  • Get the perfect fit. If the brace's sizing is generic, you risk it being too big, too small, or not supportive where you need it most. We’ve created a sizing system based on 500,000 measurements to ensure every brace fits just right. 
  • Last but not least, make sure the material is high-quality. Cheaper materials like neoprene aren’t as breathable or comfortable as knit and may even cause skin irritation due to common chemical treatment processes and moisture build-up.

 

What else you can do to protect your veins at work

  • Take breaks to walk around to get your calf muscles moving.
  • Prop your feet above heart level if you can on your breaks.
  • If you feel muscle tension in your legs, take a few minutes to stretch them.
  • Eat a vein-friendly lunch - vitamins and fibre are essential for healthy vein function.

 

To sum up

Compression can add a lot to your workday, especially if you work in retail, nursing, construction, hospitality, or an office. The gentle pressure provided by these stockings can relieve fatigue and swelling, as well as prevent conditions like varicose veins and DVT.

 

More information

If you require assistance selecting the right product for your needs or wearing the brace, call us on 098015660 or contact us via live chat.

Do you have private health? Most private health extras will cover Bauerfeind Products. Check to see if yours is included. Bauerfeind Private Health Insurance Inquiry.  

 

Bauerfeind was founded in 1929, and since then, we've worked tirelessly to develop and improve our extensive range of braces, insoles, and compression products. Our mission is to provide you with top-of-the-line supports so you can reach your fitness goals or live life without pain holding you back.

Every product is produced entirely in our facilities in Germany with the guidance of doctors, clinics, and orthopaedic technicians.

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