How Compression Socks Can Help With Extended COVID Symptoms

At this point, it's safe to assume that everyone is familiar with the global pandemic known as COVID-19. The virus has uprooted lives across the entire world and has caused many hardships to those who've suffered through it or lost someone to the virus. Ultimately, everyone has been affected by the pandemic in some way, with some being more affected than others. Whether you've gotten the virus personally or not, we think everyone can agree that COVID-19 has permanently changed our way of life over the past couple of years.

After multiple years, most people know what symptoms to look for when determining if they've caught the disease: fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, and more. This extensive list seems to include just about any symptom you can encounter when dealing with an illness, and the combination of one or more of these symptoms can cause great discomfort for those battling the virus.

However, the general public may not be as educated on a phenomenon known as long COVID or the post-viral syndrome. A recent study found that as many as one in three people who had milder cases of COVID experienced symptoms that lingered up to six weeks after they tested positive. This pattern of extended symptoms is referred to as long COVID, defined as the form of the virus that arises weeks or months after a person presumably recovered from the initial infection. There are over 100 symptoms currently associated with long COVID, of which the most serious include shortness of breath, a racing heart, extreme weakness, and brain fog. Some people may experience additional psychological symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Cognitive symptoms, such as poor memory and lack of concentration, are also seen in long COVID patients. Sounds pretty awful, right? Those who've had to deal with these prolonged symptoms think so!

So why do some people experience such extended symptoms? Even further, what causes long COVID? Dr. William Li, a physician, scientist, president, and medical director of the Angiogenesis Foundation, answers: "What is known is that long COVID is partly due to vascular damage, similar to what is seen in acute disease, but this damage to blood vessels persists. There is also inflammation, a possible autoimmune component, as well as nerve damage, or neuropathy, that is often seen." Dr. Li explained that anyone who has recovered from acute COVID might be at risk for developing this post-viral syndrome.

Unfortunately, healthcare professionals state that there is no definitive treatment for long COVID. However, you can personally work toward recovery by taking measures that improve your body's health defense systems. One of these measures is (surprise!) wearing compression socks.

Compression and Long COVID

Compression socks can be surprisingly helpful for people experiencing prolonged symptoms of COVID-19. According to Dr. Li, "Compression tights support circulation in the legs, and this may help improve blood flow that is compromised in long COVID." Wearing some compression tights (or socks) can help to bring more oxygen back to blood vessels that were previously attacked by the virus. For some people, this small change can make a huge difference. They can see immediate results through a change in their overall comfort levels and their energy levels as well. This helps people get back to being able to complete their everyday tasks without struggling with intense pain and fatigue, which can be a huge relief.

Many doctors and healthcare professionals are using compression as a treatment for long COVID. Take a look at Mount Sinai's Center for Post-COVID Care in New York City, for example. This center was created in May of 2020 and is just one of dozens of such clinics that have been opened due to the growing amount of people struggling with post-COVID symptoms. According to Heart.org, "Researchers estimate as many as 1 in 3 people infected with COVID-19 experience long COVID." Dr. Ruwanthi Titano, a cardiologist for the Mount Sinai Health System, treats her patients with high levels of hydration and uses compression socks to improve their blood circulation and blood pressure. Dr. Titano also implements the use of breathing exercises and physical therapy to help patients regain their strength. The combination of these tactics has made a huge difference in the treatment of long COVID and has helped educate doctors on the healing process.

Here at Crazy Compression, we want to ensure that we stress the importance of seeking medical assistance if you feel you're experiencing long COVID. Wearing compression socks can be a temporary fix and part of long-term therapy. Still, it will not be the sole solution to all the physical, mental, and emotional challenges you may face when you have these extended symptoms. We recommend that you speak with a trusted healthcare provider before purchasing a pair of compression socks if you intend to use them to help relieve your symptoms. Wearing compression socks can provide you with some relief and give you hope for managing the virus, but it's always better to be safe by talking to a doctor.

We hope that you've gained some valuable information after reading this article. We always do our best to spread awareness of the many health benefits that compression socks offer, especially when recovering from universal issues such as COVID-19. If you're interested, feel free to browse our other articles on our blog post page. You'll find plenty of resources regarding more ways that compression socks can help you live your life to the fullest. Start reading today, and make a real difference in your lifestyle!

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