Do Compression Socks Help with Circulation?

Posted on June 11, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Compression socks, or compression stockings, are socks of varying lengths and tightness that are made to fit more tightly than normal socks, so they gently squeeze your legs.

Compression socks are a popular treatment for tired legs and calf swelling. They support healthy circulation and can increase energy levels and lower the risk of blood clots. There are three primary types of compression socks:

Nonmedical support hosiery, which is available for anyone to buy over the counter

Graduated compression socks, which are only available by prescription from a doctor, require a professional fitting

Anti-embolism compression socks, which are prescribed for individuals who are at increased risk for pulmonary embolism

Compression socks are safe to wear when done correctly. However, that doesn’t mean they are safe for everyone in every situation. Some people shouldn’t use compression socks, like those with delicate or easily irritated skin. Some potential risks of wearing compression socks incorrectly include:

They can cut off your circulation

They can chafe and bruise your legs

They can cause itching, redness, and irritation

The safest way to use compression socks is to follow a healthcare provider’s guidance. Some best practices for safely wearing compression socks include:

Getting compression socks fitted properly by a professional

Getting fitted for the correct size of compression socks if you have gained or lost weight

Following instructions from the sock or stocking manufacturers and your healthcare provider

Checking your skin for changes such as redness, dents, dryness, and chafing between every wear

Hand-washing compression socks and hanging them dry to prevent warping or changes in the fabric

Disposing of compression socks after 30 or so wears, as soon as you notice them losing their stretch

Taking your compression socks off every day and replacing them with a clean, dry pair so the socks don’t adhere to your skin and become difficult to remove

To schedule an appointment with one of the Queens, NYC vascular surgeons at Jamaica Hospital or to learn more about the services we offer, please call (718) 206-7001.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Posted on May 8, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common hand conditions. It is caused by extra pressure on the median nerve in the wrist’s carpal tunnel.

Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome usually start gradually and can include:

Tingling and numbness in the wrist, hand, or fingers
Weakness
Pain in the wrist, hand, or fingers
Trouble using hands to hold or control objects

Several factors have been linked to the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome. Although they may not directly cause carpal tunnel, they may increase the risk of irritation or damage to the median nerve. These include:

Anatomical factors
Sex assigned at birth
Nerve-damaging conditions
Inflammatory conditions
Medicines
Obesity
Body fluid changes
Other medical conditions
Workplace factors

To diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome, a healthcare provider will ask questions about your symptoms and perform a physical exam and other tests that include:

Tinel’s sign
Phalen’s test
X-ray
MRI
Ultrasound
Electromyography
A nerve conduction study

Healthcare providers treat carpal tunnel syndrome with nonsurgical treatments first. The most common carpal tunnel treatments include:

Modifying your daily routine
Supporting and strengthening your wrist
Taking over-the-counter medication
Wearing a splint (especially at night)
Physical therapy
Changing your posture or working environment
Corticosteroids

You may need carpal tunnel surgery if nonsurgical treatments don’t relieve symptoms. The goal of carpal tunnel surgery is to relieve pressure by cutting the ligament pressing on the median nerve. The three different techniques used in carpal tunnel surgery include:

Endoscopic surgery
Open surgery
Ultrasound-guided surgery

It is best to treat carpal tunnel syndrome as early as possible after symptoms start. There are simple things that you can do for yourself that may help symptoms go away, such as:

Taking more frequent breaks to rest the hands
Not doing activities that make symptoms worse
Using cold packs to reduce swelling

If you have any questions or concerns about carpal tunnel syndrome or carpal tunnel surgery, you can receive more detailed information from a doctor at Orthopedic Specialists of New York, located on Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s campus. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-6923.

What is Sciatica?

Posted on May 10, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Sciatica is nerve pain that can occur throughout the lower back, buttocks, hips, and down the legs. This pain may be mild or severe and cause a variety of sensations, including anything from sharp or shooting pain to a burning or electric feeling. It can also occur constantly or intermittently and worsen based on posture, movement, and time spent sitting or standing.

The primary cause of sciatica is injury or irritation to the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body. This nerve is most commonly injured due to a herniated or slipped disk. However, injury to the sciatic nerve can occur in a few different ways, including:

Degenerative disk disease
Spinal stenosis
Spondylolisthesis
Osteoarthritis
Pressure from tumors
Piriformis syndrome
Cauda equina syndrome

Several risk factors, such as aging, obesity, prior injuries to the lower back or spine, pregnancy, or a job that requires significant physical exertion such as heavy lifting, may increase your likelihood of experiencing sciatica. However, these risks may be reduced through adjustments to your lifestyle and activities, such as:

Improving your posture: Improper form while exercising or lifting heavy weights, as well as poor posture while sitting, standing, or moving can increase your risk of sciatica.

Following a regular diet and exercise routine: A healthy, balanced diet and a workout routine that incorporates aerobic and strength exercises can help you manage sciatica risk factors such as obesity and diabetes. Exercises that build core strength can be especially helpful, as a stronger core provides more support for your lower back.

Avoiding tobacco: Tobacco products such as cigarettes contain nicotine, which causes spinal tissue, vertebral disk, and bone damage over time that can impact the sciatic nerve.

You can find effective treatment for most cases of sciatica from specialists such as chiropractors and physical therapists. However, for severe cases, you may need to work with a neurologist to diagnose the most likely cause and find the right treatment approach. You can find a doctor to treat sciatica at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7001.

Visiting the Mall Can Improve Your Health!

Posted on December 19, 2017 by Joann Ariola

We all know that regular physical activity is important to our overall health, especially for seniors.

Did you know walking is a great way for older adults to remain active?

Seniors who commit to taking a brisk walk each day may be at a lower risk of:

Heart Disease
Stroke
Type 2 diabetes
Breast and colon cancers
Depression
Anxiety
Insomnia

With the onset of colder months upon us, how can older adults continue their walking routine and remain active?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that in the colder months, you can utilize indoor malls for your brisk walk. Malls can be pedestrian friendly, they are climate-controlled, are well lit, have benches for resting, fountains for hydrating, restrooms, as well as security guards and cameras for safety.

For more information on mall walking programs and for other walking resources visit the CDC’s Mall Walking: A program Resource Guide at –

So get yourself a comfortable pair of walking shoes, hit the mall and improve your health!

Protecting Your Children From Youth Sports Overuse Injuries

Posted on March 10, 2017 by Michael Hinck

The days when kids just went out and played seem like a distant memory. Today, more and more kids participate in organized sports that can be very demanding. While keeping your children active has many advantages, there are also some potential risks.

The Physical Therapy Department at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center wants to warn parents against children sustaining “overuse injuries.” An overuse injury is damage to a bone, muscle, ligament, or tendon due to repetitive stress without allowing time for the body to heal.

Overuse injuries can lead to problems with the lower back, hips, shins, or heels. In children, overuse injuries are especially dangerous when growth plates are involved. When a growth plate is injured it can affect the size and shape of the bones as children mature.

Organized youth sports, especially when played at a high level, often require year-round commitments, with children spending an increased amount of time on the field or court. Unfortunately, their bodies simply aren’t ready for this level of physical intensity.

To avoid overuse injuries, the Physical Therapy Department at Jamaica Hospital suggest the following tips:

Diversification – It is highly recommended that children participate in multiple sports throughout the year instead of just one sport all year around. The variation in activity will give children an opportunity to exercise different muscles.

Make Rest a Priority – Your children are still growing and they need their rest. Children should not exceed 10 hours of sports in a week and they should take one to two days off per week. The increased rest will allow their bodies extra time to heal.

Don’t Forget to Stretch – Make sure your child’s coach sets aside time before practice to warm-up. All athletes such begin each workout with light activity and concentrated stretching exercises for all major muscle groups.

Encourage Children to Speak Up When They are Injured – All youth athletes should tell coaches or parents when they sustain an injury. The quicker injuries are addressed and treated, the quicker they can recover.

Physical therapists can help by determining how or why a current injury occurred as well provide advice to prevent future injuries from taking place. A physical therapist can work with patients by building cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, endurance, agility and coordination.

Jamaica Hospital offers outpatient physical therapy services. For more information, please call 718-206-7140.