Compression for athletes, how do the two connect and does compression wear for athletes work? An athlete’s performance is built on endurance, stamina, drive and a sheer will to succeed. How does compression wear tie into the above statement, and do they provide the necessary support for athletes?
Another topic of interest is whether compression socks assist athletes by helping to speed up recovery and do they help muscles regenerate more efficiently. Understanding the basics about compression socks and their function will assist you in making the right choice when purchasing a pair or two of your own.
This blog will provide some much-needed information on the topic and highlight the benefits of compression socks for athletes.
What Are Compression Socks?
Compression wear, such as compression socks and stockings, was initially introduced as a clinical experiment to prevent DVT (deep vein thrombosis). Studies have shown that compression wear such as compression socks and stockings increase blood flow in the veins. As a result, and over time, the athletic community became interested in using compression socks to improve blood circulation, boost athletic performance, and speed up recovery.
Do Compression Socks Improve Athletic Performance?
Compression socks were initially designed to soothe tired, swollen legs and treat various medical conditions such as oedema, varicose veins, and phlebitis. Compression wear increases blood flow by stimulating the circulatory system and moving blood from the lower legs back up to the heart.
Many athletes swear by the benefits of wearing compression socks to improve blood flow during strenuous physical activity and even during regular exercises or workout routines. Hypothetically, it is believed that greater athletic endurance results from faster oxygen delivery to the muscle cells. However, no studies have been conducted yet to conclude the hypothesis.
And while new evidence is still being compiled, it remains up for discussion within the medical community. In time, however, researchers may determine which combinations under which circumstances and other factors, compression socks can make a difference for the athletic community.
Do Compression Socks Provide Extra Protection for Athletes?
It is a known fact that compression socks provide extra support for athletes. Many also report the firm enveloping support reduces friction and vibration of ligaments and muscles. It is also known to improve mechanical efficiency, resulting in less muscle wear and tear during frequent impacts with the ground.
Does Compression Wear Speed Up Recovery for Athletes?
More and more athletes report a more effortless and quicker recovery after workouts when wearing compression wear such as compression socks, as they assist in faster and more effective muscle regeneration.
Does Compression Wear Work for Runners and Triathletes?
For most long-distance runners and triathletes, compression wear such as compression socks and stockings provide much-needed relief for stiff and aching muscles, as well as for foot pain. Studies suggest compression socks help decrease inflammation and muscle damage, particularly after triathlons and marathons.
A study in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning published in 2015 found that wearing athletic compression socks for a period of 48 hours post-marathon improved performance by 2.6% two weeks after the race.
Other reasons a runner or triathlete may wear compression socks as part of their running routine are;
- Compression socks keep the legs warm on cold days. Compression socks also benefit runners who prefer shorts over longer track pants in the winter.
- Compression socks also provide an added layer of protection during trail runs, protecting your legs from scratches, dirt, cuts and possible poison ivy while on a running trail.
What Are the Benefits of Compression Socks for Athletes?
There are three main benefits of wearing sports compression socks, and while many athletes swear by it, we have to look at those benefits for ourselves. The three main benefits of compression socks are;
- Enhanced Athletic Performance – One of the primary reasons for wearing sports compression socks during exercise, workouts, and races is the expectation of performance enhancement. Excessive training can cause stress, fatigue, and tension on your legs, and it can also restrict blood flow. Compression socks provide support and a form of compression therapy that increases circulation, reduces foot pain, soreness, and muscle inflammation, and also helps to improve athletic performance. The benefits of compression socks on performance are directly attributed to the enhanced biomechanical support of the muscles, which in turn leads to higher efficiency and reduced muscular microtrauma.
- Decreased Fatigue and Muscle Soreness – Some studies have shown that compression wear causes positive benefits on perceived muscle aches and soreness after a workout. Compression wear is known to be very useful, particularly during long periods of activity with short recovery times. Studies have also found that running uphill and downhill reduced muscle function and boosted muscle fatigue, both of which were compensated for with compression socks.
- Helps To Rid the Legs of Lactic Waste – The last primary benefit of compression socks involve lactic acid production after short or long runs when exercising, working out, or competing. The body produces lactic acid during activities such as running. Lactic acid is a waste product and creates aching and stiffness in the limbs the longer it stays in the muscles. Compression wear helps reduce or avoid soreness, aching, and stiffness during and after running.
Other general benefits of wearing compression wear include;
- Reduced leg pain.
- Reduced swelling.
- Assists in transporting oxygen to the veins.
- Helps with blood flow and circulation.
- Assists in preventing blood clots.
- Assists in the prevention of DVT (deep vein thrombosis)
- Enhances and improves lymphatic drainage.
What Are the Different Types of Compression Athletic Wear?
- Compression tights – These compression tights are also known as compression stockings and are manufactured and sold in various lengths. They are often worn by athletes underneath their workout shorts and improve recovery and reduce muscle soreness.
- Compression sleeves – These arm sleeves are typically used to treat lymphoedema. However, compression arm sleeves are also used to reduce muscle soreness and stiffness after an arm workout.
- Compression shorts – These shorts are similar to tights. The only difference with compression shorts is that athletes can wear them independently without needing an additional layer of clothing.
- Graduated Compression Socks -Graduated compression knee-high socks and stockings offer variable pressure, with reduced pressure at the calf and increased pressure from the knee to the ankle. Compression socks, stockings, and arm sleeves are all manufactured in graduated styles, with more pressure on the lower leg and less pressure at the top of the leg, pushing deoxygenated blood and waste fluid up the leg. Compression wear also assists the veins as they work against gravity. Graduated compression garments do more to improve blood flow and limit stagnation than other forms of compression garments. Graduated compression styles can be worn for various athletic events, exercise and routine workouts.
- Targeted Compression Socks – Sports compression socks come in various shapes and sizes. Whether you prefer a crew sock or ankle-length style, targeted compression wear can keep your feet from swelling and increase blood flow in the lymphatic system. Feet that don’t retain fluid ensure your running shoes always fit well, and fewer blisters and shin splints are typically the end result.
Knowing and understanding the basics of what compression wear is and how they function will make all the difference when choosing the correct sports compression wear for you. As an athlete, being at the top of your game while taking care of your body is crucial. With the use of athletic compression wear, you can look after the health of your legs while improving your performance.
Here at Solidea, South Africa, we provide a wide range of compression wear. Our compression lines include orthopaedic, maternity, sports, preventative, therapeutic, and men’s lines, to name a few.
Until next time, keep those legs and muscles warm and supported with compression wear while you tear up the track, take a jog around the neighbourhood, or show up for practice!