Running is an excellent form of aerobic activity that has the added benefit of allowing you to get out into nature. If you enjoy running or are interested in taking it up, you may have heard about compression socks.

Compression socks come in a variety of ratings, from moderate to firm compression, and help to improve blood flow in the legs. They are often prescribed for a variety of conditions such as:

• Diabetes
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Varicose veins
• Leg ulcers
• Leg swelling
• Circulatory problems

Reminder: If you are prescribed compression socks, you usually need to refill your prescription every six months.

Even if you haven’t been prescribed compression socks, you can still get the circulation boosting benefits from them in the form of sports compression.

What are the Benefits of Sports Compression?

Studies suggest that compression socks can aid in recovery and help reduce pain, damage, and inflammation in your legs following exercise. They do this by improving blood flow and therefore accelerating the removal of lactic acid build-up – the chemical that causes sore muscles. They can also help relieve pain from shin splints, calf cramps, and fatigue if worn during exercise. Even if you don’t do a lot of vigorous activity, but do spend a lot of time on your feet, compression socks can help stop your feet and ankles getting swollen, tired, and achy.

What to Look for in Sports Compression?

When shopping for sports compression socks, think about how much compression you want. If you’re new to compression, it might be a good idea to start out with a looser sock and build up to something firmer. Compression is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and ranges from under 15 mmHg to 30+ mmHg, many sports compression items sit between 20 and 30 mmHg.

It’s also a good idea to look out for sports compression socks that offer graduated compression. This means they start off tighter at the ankle and gradually get looser towards the knee. Graduated compression socks encourage blood flow up your leg so are the best at boosting the flow of oxygen to your muscles.

Something else to think about is whether you are interested in a compression sock or a compression sleeve. Sleeves are like socks but they start at the ankle and don’t have a part for your foot. They can be easier to put on than socks and you may not need to wash them as often. However, you may be missing out on some of the support offered by socks around the heel and Achilles area.

Exercise is often cited as the silver bullet for our health, it has so many benefits both mentally and physically. If you suffer from achy muscles and swollen ankles when you’re out there getting active, why not try out sports compression! It might just help you fall in love with exercise again.

You can explore our sports compression products online here. You can also visit us at a Wellwise by Shoppers™ location, where our expert staff will be happy to offer advice and recommendations.

The information presented in this blog post is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on any information on this post as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or as a substitute for professional counseling care. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.

Resources

https://www.runnersworld.com/gear/a20863096/best-compression-socks/

https://www.roadrunnersports.com/blog/compression-socks-benefits

https://www.midliferunning.com/compression-socks-for-runners.html