The COVID-19 virus caused a global pandemic, uprooting lives across the entire world and causing many hardships for those who suffered from it or lost someone to it. Ultimately, everyone has been affected by the pandemic in some way, with some being more impacted than others.
Whether you contracted the virus or not, it's clear that COVID-19 has permanently changed our way of life. Various recovery tools, such as compression socks, have gained attention for helping to alleviate specific symptoms, particularly those linked to circulation and swelling, of COVID-19 and long COVID-19.
Compression Socks and Long COVID: How Do Compression Socks Help?
COVID-19 Symptoms
After multiple years, most people know the symptoms to watch for when determining if they've caught the virus: fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, and more. This extensive list includes a variety of symptoms that can cause significant discomfort for those battling the virus.
Long COVID and Its Lasting Impact
However, the general public may need to be more familiar with long COVID or post-viral syndrome. A recent study found that as many as 1 in 3 people who had milder cases of COVID experienced symptoms that lingered for up to 6 weeks after testing positive. This pattern of extended symptoms, known as long COVID-19, is a form of the virus that arises weeks or months after a person has recovered from the initial infection. Over 100 symptoms are associated with long COVID, with the most serious including shortness of breath, a racing heart, extreme fatigue, and brain fog. Cognitive symptoms like poor memory and a lack of concentration are also common in long COVID patients.
Causes of Long COVID
Why do some people experience these extended symptoms? What causes long COVID? Dr. William Li, a physician and scientist, explains that long COVID may be partly the result of vascular damage, similar to what is seen in acute disease, but this damage persists. Other potential factors include inflammation, an autoimmune component, and nerve damage or neuropathy. Unfortunately, anyone who recovers from acute COVID-19 could be at risk for developing this post-viral syndrome.
Treatment for Long COVID
Healthcare professionals state that there is no definitive treatment for long-term COVID-19 symptoms. However, you can support your recovery by improving your body's health defense systems. One effective method is wearing compression socks, also called compression leg sleeves, which can help promote blood flow and improve circulation, particularly in those suffering from long-term COVID-19 symptoms.
Compression and Long COVID
Compression socks or compression sleeves can be surprisingly helpful for people experiencing prolonged COVID-19 symptoms. According to Dr. Li, compression socks support leg circulation and can help improve blood flow, which may be compromised in long-term COVID patients. For some, this simple measure can make a massive difference by increasing comfort and energy levels, allowing them to return to daily tasks with less pain and fatigue.
Choose the correct size compression sock according to the manufacturer's sizing guide to alleviate your symptoms effectively.
Use of Compression Therapy in Long COVID Treatment
Some doctors are using compression as part of their treatments for long COVID. For example, Mount Sinai's Center for Post-COVID Care in New York City is one of many clinics dedicated to helping those struggling with post-COVID symptoms. Patients are often treated with a combination of hydration, compression socks, breathing exercises, and physical therapy to improve their circulation and strength.
Seeking Medical Advice
If you believe you're experiencing long COVID, seek medical assistance. While compression socks can provide some relief, they are not a cure for the physical, mental, and emotional challenges of long COVID. In fact, compression socks can be harmful to you if you suffer from certain medical conditions. We recommend consulting with a healthcare provider before wearing compression socks for relief from your symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What helps long COVID-19 go away?
There is no cure for long-term COVID-19, but managing symptoms through rest, hydration, physical therapy, and medical support can aid recovery.
When should you not wear compression socks?
Avoid wearing compression socks if you have peripheral artery disease (PAD) or skin infections, as compression could worsen these conditions.
What to avoid with long COVID?
With long COVID, avoiding overexertion is essential, as pushing yourself too hard can worsen symptoms like fatigue and breathlessness.
Do compression socks improve COVID recovery?
Compression socks can help alleviate specific long COVID symptoms, such as swelling and poor circulation, by promoting better blood flow. Still, they do not directly improve COVID recovery.
Sources:
https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2021/02/10313271/compression-leggings-long-covid-relief
https://www.heart.org/en/news/2022/02/08/rehab-for-long-covid-gives-hope-while-condition-continues-to-puzzle
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/covid-19-evaluation-and-management-of-adults-with-persistent-symptoms-following-acute-illness-long-covid
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