For whatever reason that you wear compression sleeves, you probably already know the benefits that they can offer.
For athletes and sports enthusiasts, they’re great tools for support or helping your muscles recover. For others, they bring great relief for conditions like arthritis.
Compression sleeves basically help your blood circulate more efficiently to prevent soreness and relieve pain to the affected area. But while it’s great for daily use, many wonder if it’s advisable for round-the-clock, all-day wear.
Here’s our advice: it basically comes down to the fit of the sleeve… but there are critical things to remember.
For starters, yes compression sleeves are meant to provide a level of pressure on the affected area, but it shouldn’t be tight enough that it becomes uncomfortable.
Check for these three things:
1. Is it tight enough that it delivers a decent amount of compression on the affected area?
2. Is it so tight that it leaves heavy, uncomfortable indentations on the edges of the sleeve?
3. Does the fit allow you to move your limbs comfortably?
If it’s a good fit, you should feel enough compression that it brings relief to the affected area, but the edges of the sleeve should not dig uncomfortably in your skin, and you should still be able to move your knee easily.
Second, compression sleeves are best used for extended periods of time on the premise that they are the right size and fit. Graduated compression works best when you are moving around, and it helps deliver the right kind of pressure so that you are able to move around easily throughout the day.
And third, if you want to use it while you sleep, be sure to consult with your physician whether or not you can, or need to, wear a compression sleeve to bed. Not all people require compression therapy while they sleep. When you’re lying down, and your circulatory system doesn’t have to fight gravity, the additional pressure applied to certain body parts may just work to prevent proper circulation while you’re immobile.
One last thing…
Extra tight compression can be counter-intuitive to the sleeve’s purpose as it can constrict blood flow. In a lot of cases, there’s a lot of trial-and-error involved as you find the right fit.
That said, it’s important that you purchase from a trusted brand with a long-standing history of good customer service so they can assist you through the whole process and answer any questions you may have.
To find the right compression sleeves for your needs, browse through our store and check out our selection of sleeves and braces designed to address variety of chronic problems, including arthritis. All our products also come with a handbook with a detailed series of exercises to maintain joint health.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I wear a compression sleeve?
It is best to keep your compression sleeve on as long as you are suffering from pain, swelling, or arthritis in your joint.
Can you wear a compression sleeve when going to bed?
It is best to speak to your physician before doing so, as not everyone needs to wear compression sleeves when going to bed.
Are compression sleeves only for arthritis?
Our compression sleeves are not solely for arthritis and they can be used for a variety of other chronic issues.
For questions, feel free to leave a message in the comment section below or email us at enquiry@doctorarthritis.org. You may also visit our Facebook page, Instagram, or YouTube.
