i have never had a problem with muscle atrophy and i have been wearing them for the past five years for 12 hours a day as a registered nurse. i will say that i have been having bp probs really low (70/40) and compression socks seem to make me at least mobile without passing out. i am not aware that compression socks cause atrophy, however if you are immobile and wearing compression socks, then some atrophy will happen, not from the socks but rather from the lack of use of leg muscles. if you are bed bound or unable to walk most of the time i suggest range of motion exercises...i.e ankle pumps (move your foot up and down as if pushing down or letting up on a gas pedal in a car.) leg exercises include quad sets (lie on your back with your legs straight and toes pointed toward the ceiling. tighten your thigh muscles...hold for 5 seconds and release. then place a rolled towel under your knee, straighten your knee and leg and hold for 5 seconds and then release.) hip and knee bending (bring your leg in toward your chest, bending the knee and hip then back straight) of course check with your physician and make sure the exercises are appropriate. i know these especially have helped me during my "bed" days. compression socks are made to increase blood circulation, if you are still having low bp probs i would consult your physician. when my bp is low i elevate my legs above my heart while lying flat, and it raises it. good luck!