Compression socks do far more than keep your feet warm. Special socks can help work to prevent health conditions and problems. Many doctors recommend them, and athletes like them to help get a leg up on the competition.
The compression in the socks works to apply pressure to the legs and improve blood flow. It has become a staple in athleisure wear to wear compression socks, gaining traction in the world of professional sports.
Athletes are always looking to improve their performance, especially with conditioning. Here are reasons why compression socks are popular and trending for athletes.
What Do Compression Socks Do?
Compression socks were created to help those suffering from swelling in their legs. From pregnant women, athletes, to nurses wear compression socks as they benefit from helping increase blood flow if standing or sitting too long.
The socks encourage the circulatory system to move blood from the feet back to the heart and improve circulation.
Other benefits that stem from compression socks include:
- Reduce inflammation
- Reduce low blood pressure
- Keep blood from pooling or clotting
- Decrease discomfort and tingling
- Decrease the appearance of varicose veins
Athletes have recognized these benefits and are choosing to wear them to help promote blood flow while engaged in physical activity.
The Athleisure Trend With Compression Socks
The theory about compression socks with athletes is that more oxygen delivered to the muscles can help create better endurance.
There is little evidence to support it; however, there are some benefits for athletes who wear compression socks, which can contribute to their rise in use.
More Muscle Support
The use of compression socks for athletes does help to provide extra support, which reduces vibration and muscle friction to promote less muscle tearing. It can be beneficial for runners who repeatedly are making an impact with the ground or those who practice strength training to build muscle, and undergo frequent muscle tearing and repairing.
Prevent Injury
Another great benefit for athletes regarding compression socks is their ability to help stop injury. Compression happens the tightest around your ankle and gradually decreases going up the leg. A study done for runners discovered a decrease in lower leg volume and complaints when wearing compression socks.
Speed Up Recovery
Because compression socks work to keep your blood moving, there is also a decrease in muscle soreness, which helps ensure that there aren’t as many aches and pains in athletes. It can be most helpful to use them if you’re just getting back into a sport, too, since the conditioning will likely cause your muscles to be sore. They can also protect your legs in sports activity by keeping out debris or rubbing against the ground or floor.
Improved Performance
There was a medical journey study in 2015 that supervised runners wearing compression socks. Those who wore them for two days after a marathon improved their performance slightly (almost 3%) within two weeks following their race.
What Types of Compression Socks Work Best?
Sizing with compression socks is essential to ensuring you get the most benefits from wearing them. You should be able to feel the pressure on your legs without it cutting circulation or being too uncomfortable.
Pay attention to the different ratings for pressure too. Compression levels are displayed in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and are typically in these three most common levels:
- Under 15mmHg – these are the lightest compression socks to help provide some relief from sitting or standing for long periods. They are sufficient for those athletes who are in good health and may want a boost of improved circulation or protection.
- 15 to 20 mmHg – these socks provide a considerable amount of pressure which can be helpful for athletes running marathons or those who need more endurance for more prolonged stints on their feet and legs.
- 20 to 30 mmHg and higher – these are likely prescription socks or stockings provided by a doctor. Known more commonly as medical-grade compression socks, they are utilized for veins or worn after surgery to increase circulation.
Compression Socks for Athletes – Do They Work?
While it’s not entirely clear that the athleisure trend of compression socks definitely adds to your endurance and strength during physical activity, some clear benefits exist for athletes using compression socks.
One great reason for wearing compression socks is that if your sport is outdoors, the socks can help provide warmth on colder days. They are beneficial for providing more blood flow and certainly can assist with helping keep pain and discomfort in your muscles from occurring. It is an added bonus that compression socks have become more fashionable gym attire for those looking to show off some style.
While there is only a little assistance with strength and endurance, compression socks are a staple for athletes who understand the importance of keeping good circulation and improving recovery after a grueling workout or sports event.
