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Focus on women’s leg health: The role of compress socks in day to day life
For many women, our legs are the workhorses of our daily lives. They carry us throughout the day, from errands and commutes to workouts and social events. But leg health often gets pushed to the back burner, leading to discomfort,fatigue, and even long-term complications.
This article dives into the importance of prioritizing women’s leg health and explores the potential benefits of compression socks as a tool for everyday well-being.
Understanding Leg Concerns for Women
Women are more susceptible to certain leg health issues compared to men. Here’s a closer look at some common concerns:
- Circulation: Hormonal fluctuations throughout life, particularly during pregnancy and menopause, can affect circulation. This can lead to swelling, especially in the ankles and feet.
- Varicose and Spider Veins: These occur when valves in the veins weaken, causing blood to pool. They are more prevalent in women and can be exacerbated by pregnancy, weight gain, and prolonged standing or sitting.
- Lymphedema: This is a buildup of fluid in the legs due to a blockage in the lymphatic system. It can be a side effect of surgery or certain medical conditions.
- Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS): This neurological disorder causes an irresistible urge to move the legs, often accompanied by uncomfortable sensations. It can disrupt sleep and is more common in women, especially during pregnancy.
How Can Compression Socks Help?
Compression socks are specially designed socks that apply graduated pressure on the legs. The pressure is strongest at the ankle and gradually decreases moving up the leg. This helps to:
- Improved Circulation: The gentle squeezing action helps blood flow more efficiently back towards the heart. This is especially helpful for people who sit or stand for extended periods, as blood can pool in the legs due to gravity. Improved circulation can reduce swelling, particularly in the ankles and feet.
- Reduced Pain and Discomfort: By promoting circulation and reducing swelling, compression socks can alleviate pain associated with various leg concerns. This includes conditions like varicose veins, where weak valves cause blood to pool,and Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), characterized by uncomfortable sensations that urge you to move your legs.
- Enhanced Recovery: After exercise, muscles experience microscopic tears. Compression socks can help reduce muscle soreness and fatigue by promoting blood flow and reducing inflammation, leading to faster recovery.
- Blood Clot Prevention: During long periods of inactivity and pelvic health issues, blood flow can slow down, increasing the risk of blood clots.Compression socks can help mitigate this risk, especially for those at higher risk due to factors like surgery or certain medical conditions.
Are Compression Socks Right for You?
Compression socks come in various levels of compression, measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg).
While some socks are available over-the-counter, it’s important to consult with your doctor before using them, especially if you have any underlying health conditions, such as diabetes or peripheral arterial disease.
Your doctor can recommend the appropriate compression level and advise on any potential risks.
How to Integrate Compression Socks into Your Routine?
If your doctor gives you the green light, here’s how you can incorporate compression socks into your daily life:
- For Everyday Wear: Consider wearing mild-to-moderate compression socks (15-20 mmHg) throughout the workday, especially if you sit or stand for extended periods.
- Travel Essentials: Wearing compression socks on long flights or car journeys can be beneficial to combat swelling and promote circulation.
- Post-Workout Recovery: Opt for moderate compression socks (20-30 mmHg) to aid with muscle recovery after exercise.
- Pregnancy Support: Mild compression socks (15-20 mmHg) can help manage swelling and discomfort during pregnancy.
Tips to Pick the Right Compression Socks
Compression socks come in various lengths (knee-high, thigh-high, pantyhose), materials (nylon, spandex), and compression levels. Here are some tips for choosing the right pair:
1. Know Your Compression Level:
This is the most crucial factor. Compression is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Here’s a general guide:
- Mild Compression (15-20 mmHg): Ideal for everyday wear, travel, and mild swelling.
- Moderate Compression (20-30 mmHg): Provides more support for managing varicose veins, recovery after exercise, and mild to moderate leg swelling.
- High Compression (30-40 mmHg): Requires a doctor’s prescription and is used for severe medical conditions like lymphedema.
Always consult your doctor to determine the appropriate compression level for you, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.
2. Size Matters:
Compression socks should fit snugly but not be constricting. Poorly fitting socks can be uncomfortable and hinder their effectiveness. Here’s how to find the right size:
- Measure your calf circumference at its widest point and ankle circumference.
- Consult the sizing chart provided by the manufacturer. Most reputable brands offer size charts based on these measurements.
- Consider the length: Choose from knee-high, thigh-high, or pantyhose styles depending on your needs and preferences.
3. Material Matters:
Comfort is key for daily wear. Look for breathable and moisture-wicking materials like:
- Nylon: Durable and dries quickly.
- Spandex: Provides flexibility and a comfortable fit.
- Merino Wool: Offers excellent moisture management and odor resistance (great for active lifestyles). Women’s compression socks by Vim & Vigr come in different materials that you can consider picking from.
4. Embrace Comfort and Style:
Gone are the days of boring beige socks! Compression socks come in a variety of colors, patterns, and even open-toe options. Choose something that complements your wardrobe and makes you feel confident.
5. Durability and Care:
Compression socks are an investment. Look for well-made socks with reinforced toes and heels. Follow the manufacturer’s washing and drying instructions to maintain their effectiveness and lifespan.
Bonus Tip: Putting on compression socks can be tricky, especially for higher compression levels. Consider using donning aids like silicone sleeves or stocking aids to make the process easier.
Beyond Compression Socks: Maintaining Leg Health
While compression socks can be a valuable tool, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution for leg health. Here are some additional practices to promote healthy legs:
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight can put additional strain on your legs and veins.
- Regular Exercise: Physical activity helps improve circulation and overall well-being.
- Elevate Your Legs: Whenever possible, elevate your legs above your heart to reduce swelling.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps keep your blood flowing smoothly.
- Stretch Regularly: Stretching improves circulation and reduces muscle tightness in the legs.
- Healthy Diet: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains provides essential nutrients for healthy circulation.
- Proper Footwear: Opt for comfortable shoes with good arch support to avoid putting unnecessary strain on your legs.
- Avoid Tight Clothing: Restrictive clothing around the waist and legs can impede circulation.
- Manage Stress: Chronic stress can contribute to poor circulation. Relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation can be beneficial.
- Know Your Family History: If you have a family history of leg problems, discuss them with your doctor to be proactive about your health.
Additional Considerations:
- Talking to Your Doctor: Don’t hesitate to discuss any leg concerns you may have with your doctor. Early detection and treatment can prevent complications down the line.
- Compression Sock Care: Follow proper washing and drying instructions for your compression socks to maintain their effectiveness and lifespan.
- Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to any changes in your legs, such as increased pain, swelling, or discoloration.If you experience any concerns, seek medical advice promptly.
Conclusion
Women’s leg health deserves as much attention as any other aspect of our well-being. By being aware of potential concerns, adopting healthy lifestyle habits, and exploring tools like compression socks when appropriate, we can empower ourselves to keep our legs strong, healthy, and ready to carry us wherever life takes us.
Women with ADHD are nearly twice as likely to experience perimenopause symptoms compared with women without ADHD, new research has revealed.
The study reported 54 per cent of women with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder had perimenopausal symptoms, compared with 30 per cent without the condition.
Among perimenopausal women with ADHD, 59 per cent reported psychological symptoms such as anxiety, low mood, irritability and fatigue.
Physical symptoms, including hot flushes, headaches or palpitations (a rapid or irregular heartbeat), occurred in 30 per cent with ADHD versus 14 per cent without.
Published in 2025, the research also found symptoms tended to start earlier for women with ADHD, peaking around ages 35 to 39, while those without ADHD reported their most severe symptoms around age 45.
The study suggests two explanations for the increased burden among women with ADHD.
Firstly, anxiety and lower socio-economic status are known risk factors for perimenopausal symptoms; both are more common among women with ADHD and chronic stress may amplify risk.
Secondly, oestrogen helps modulate ADHD symptoms.
Women with ADHD are at higher risk of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and other cycle-related issues because ADHD symptoms can intensify when oestrogen levels fall.
During perimenopause, oestrogen naturally declines, so women with ADHD may experience both typical perimenopausal symptoms and a worsening of ADHD symptoms at the same time.
The research also found a higher prevalence of lifetime post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among women with ADHD.
When this factor was accounted for, women with ADHD who did not have PTSD still faced increased risks, though both risk and symptom intensity were reduced.
These findings suggest that interventions which reduce chronic stress and inflammatory responses could help women with ADHD navigate perimenopause more effectively.
Stanford graduates’ startup Clair is building a wearable hormone tracker for women, offering continuous, non-invasive monitoring.
The company, Clair, founded by Jenny Duan and Abhinav Agarwal, aims to build what its founders describe as a research-led, privacy-focused tool to help women see how hormone levels affect daily life.
Duan and Agarwal met in spring 2025 and began working on Clair shortly after. Over the past six months, they have been developing the technology and refining the company’s mission.
The device is designed to address gaps in women’s healthcare. Women remain underrepresented in medical research and clinical trials, leading to limited data and slower progress in understanding women’s health conditions.
According to Clair advisor and Stanford Medicine professor Brindha Bavan, hormone tracking in reproductive healthcare “improves our understanding of the function of and communication between the brain’s pituitary gland and ovaries or testes.
The pituitary gland is a small organ at the base of the brain that produces hormones regulating many bodily functions. The ovaries and testes are the primary reproductive organs that also produce sex hormones.
Hormonal health affects not only fertility and reproduction but also mental health, metabolism, energy levels and overall wellbeing.
Bavan said hormone tracking can “provide insight into menstrual cycle patterns and can aid with both diagnosing and assessing treatment for [various] conditions.”
“[Clair enables] patients [to] gain insight into their personal hormone fluctuations over different time periods,” Bavan said, “and share this information at healthcare visits to better understand and correlate any medical issues they are facing and avoid repeat blood draws.”
The device, which resembles a bracelet worn on the wrist, will connect to a mobile app, allowing all data processing to occur directly on the user’s phone rather than in external data centres.
“The device connects with an app so all of the processing happens on the app itself, not in a data centre like other devices. This is especially important given the current political climate around data privacy,” Agarwal said.
Clair also plans to pursue FDA approval and position itself as a medically credible device rather than solely a lifestyle product. The company is planning to launch a clinical trial at Stanford Medicine this spring.
Duan’s interest in women’s health and technology began as a Stanford undergraduate. At TreeHacks in 2024, she built apps focused on endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows outside of it.
She said a course on Philanthropy for Sustainable Development was particularly influential. “It was this class that sparked my interest in building a solution in [the women’s healthcare] space,” Duan said.
WUKA has announced a groundbreaking partnership with the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), including RYA Scotland and RYA Northern Ireland, supporting women and girls in sailing.
Building on WUKA’s growing #TackleAnything campaign – which has already reached thousands of girls across sports in the UK – this collaboration brings practical period solutions into sailing.
Together, WUKA and the RYA are committed to breaking down barriers so periods never limit confidence, participation, or performance on the water.
Ruby Raut, WUKA founder & CEO, said: “Partnering with the RYA has been incredibly important for us at WUKA.
“Sailing is an amazing way for women and girls to build confidence, and periods shouldn’t hold anyone back from enjoying the water or reaching their full potential.
“Through this partnership and our #TackleAnything campaign, we’re proud to provide practical solutions and innovative products that help female sailors feel comfortable, confident, and free to focus on learning, performing, and having fun.
“Breaking down barriers and supporting women to tackle anything — on land, at sea, and everywhere in between – has never felt more meaningful.”
WUKA, which stands for Wake-Up Kick Ass, shares the RYA’s commitment to inclusivity and empowerment.
In 2023, WUKA launched #TackleAnything, a campaign supporting women, girls and sportspeople with periods. Since its launch, the initiative has reached 3,576 girls across 46 clubs and partnered with a range of sports across the UK – from Scottish Gymnastics to Titans wheelchair basketball – helping young athletes play without limits and stay confident, comfortable, and in the game.
The brand offers period-friendly aquatic apparel and practical solutions that help women train and compete with freedom of movement and total assurance.
Through this partnership, WUKA will provide innovative period swimwear for young sailors across key RYA programmes, including the NI Sailing Team, the RYA Scotland Performance Pathway Programme, and the British Sailing Pathways Talent Academies.
By combining WUKA’s mission to challenge stigma with the RYA’s commitment to inclusion, the partnership ensures young sailors can focus on what matters most – learning, performing, and enjoying their time on the water – with confidence and comfort. RYA members will also receive a 10 per cent discount on WUKA products.
Sailing offers incredible benefits for women and girls, but time on the water can present unique challenges -particularly during menstruation.
Together, WUKA and the RYA are providing practical solutions that remove these barriers, helping young sailors participate fully and confidently in the sport.
Sara Sutcliffe, RYA CEO, said: “At the RYA, we have been making strides to break down barriers for women of all ages to help ensure they can experience the water in a supportive and positive environment.
“From education workshops and practical sessions, we want to make sure our female sailors are empowered and this partnership is another great example of how we can demonstrate possible tools to equip them to succeed”.
This partnership is part of the RYA’s wider commitment to making sailing a sport where women and girls can thrive. Alongside initiatives such as the Female Futures Group, the Women’s Race Officials Programme and all new Talent Academy Female Future’s Camps; it demonstrates a continued focus on removing barriers and creating meaningful opportunities across every stage of the sailing.
WUKA’s involvement ensures that practical solutions are available on the water, from innovative period swimwear to support resources, helping young sailors feel fully equipped and confident during training and competition.
By integrating these tools into RYA programmes, WUKA brings a new level of comfort and assurance to female athletes, allowing them to focus entirely on performance, enjoyment, and growth in the sport.
For any women and girls looking to learn more about sailing, visit www.rya.org.uk.
For more information on WUKA visit www.wuka.co.uk.
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