Compression Socks for Better Performance

Running compression socks can make you feel more energized during your run by helping oxygenated blood reach your legs and feet more effectively as well as supporting your calf muscles and keeping them in perfect alignment. Compression socks for running also help delay muscle soreness, meaning you can push yourself and perform at your peak even in the coldest weather. Running compression socks can also protect the all-important Achilles tendon from injury.

Compression Socks for Recovery

After your strenuous training session today, you want to be able to get out there again tomorrow with the same energy and responsiveness. Thanks to compression socks, running in cold weather takes less of a toll on your body. Compression socks for running improve the circulation in your legs, moving the lactic acid out of your muscles quickly to prevent soreness.

Compression Socks for Comfort

Today’s sports compression socks are made with high tech materials that make them more comfortable than ever. For example, CEP running compression socks provide ventilation channels for the wicking of moisture, padded soles for the prevention of blisters, and CellTex Fiber finishing, which activates skin cells and regulates temperature.

Compression Socks for Heat Management

Running compression socks help reduce muscle vibration and provide a cooling effect to keep your muscles loose for peak performance on your winter runs. For instance, CEP running compression socks are designed for serious training, with blister prevention and shin protection in mind, along with the warmth that increased blood flow brings to the legs and feet.

Whether your biggest concern is recovery time, high performance or staying warm so you can continue in your exercise regimen through the cold months, compression socks for running provide many benefits to your running program.

What is R.I.C.E.?

R.I.C.E. stands for the four stages of treatment of an athletic injury:

Rest.

The first thing your doctor will tell you is to stop your activity and rest your injured body part. Don’t try to walk on that sprained ankle or open a jar with that sprained wrist. Take it easy.

Ice.

In the hours immediately after an injury, careful application of ice can prevent swelling and alleviate pain by reducing blood flow to the injury. Never apply ice directly to the skin or ice for more than 20 continuous minutes.

Compression.

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Sport compression socks are an easy way to get medically accurate compression to an injury in the foot, ankle or calf without the difficulty of wrapping or the uncertainty of knowing how much compression is necessary or helpful. Sport compression socks also help reduce swelling by encouraging fluid to drain from away from the injury, which can help alleviate pain. Compression sleeves are also available for injuries to the arm and elbow.

For example, CEP offers specialized compression garments for biking and hiking as well as compression sleeves for arm injuries and sport compression socks for football, soccer and other sports involving running. CEP running compression socks maximize oxygenation of the muscles, support calf muscles, aid in correct alignment and support the Achilles tendon. Wearing CEP running compression socks during exercise can help prevent injury as well as aid in the recovery process.

Elevation.

The last step in injury treatment is elevation, or keeping the injury above the level of the heart. This also helps to remove excess fluid from the injury.

Compression is an essential part of injury recovery. Sport compression socks make it easy to get the right compression to your injury immediately, affording you greater comfort and faster healing.

Effective Levels of Compression

Sigvaris support stockings are available in two different levels of compression:

• 20-30 mmHg for mild swelling during pregnancy, mild varicose veins and heavy, fatigued legs.
• 30-40 mmHg for moderate to severe varicose veins and swelling in pregnancy, deep vein thrombosis and other more severe conditions.

All styles of Sigvaris support stockings in the Select Comfort line come in both levels of compression.

Ease of Wear and Durability

Sigvaris compression socks and stockings are knit from double-covered spandex wrapped in nylon for comfort and a longer lifespan than other brands. They are easy to put on and take off, even if it is your first time wearing compression hosiery, making them practical for those with a limited range of motion. They contain no latex to cause allergic reactions.

Sigvaris compression stockings and socks also come in a large range of sizes, so no matter your shape, you can benefit from the effects of compression.

Fashion and Style

Sigvaris support stockings come in many styles and colors. Women can choose from knee high stockings, thigh high stockings, full pantyhose and maternity pantyhose in five different colors to provide a variety of fashion options. Men’s knee high and thigh high Sigvaris compression socks are ribbed to look like ordinary dress socks and are available in khaki or black.

The Sigvaris Select Comfort line of compression socks and stockings has something for everyone, regardless of your particular circumstances or needs.

With rising gas prices and increasing environmental concerns, people everywhere are beginning to commute to work on bicycles. It’s far more fun than sitting in stop-and-go traffic, and it can spice up an otherwise sedentary lifestyle. City dwellers are learning how to beat traffic gridlock by touting two wheels instead of four. And with cycling, you can park almost anywhere – for free!

Seasoned cyclists who’ve been riding for years know that physical health is improved by pushing pedals for about an hour every day. Whether they’re into racing or just want to give the body and heart a workout, any experienced cyclist will rave about the mental and physical benefits of riding a bike. There’s something to be said for going somewhere powered by your own two legs.

But with any type of exercise, you can expect sore muscles and bodily fatigue. For cyclists, much of that wear and tear happens in the legs. However, many cyclists are discovering a secret weapon to combat sore muscles and leg fatigue: cycling compression stockings.

Benefits of Cycling Compression Stockings

Compression socks use a fabric technology called graduated medical-grade compression. This specially constructed knit is tighter around the foot and ankle, but eases in pressure as you move up the leg to the knee and thigh. Compression socks are knit in a way that helps with circulation by promoting blood flow from the lower extremities back up to the heart for oxygen replenishment. Benefits of using compression socks for cycling include:

Reduced lactic acid buildup. Medical professionals will tell you that getting fresh oxygen to your muscles is a vital part of any workout; not doing so can lead to lactic acid buildup. Fortunately, another key advantage of compression cycling stockings is their ability to flush out the lactic acid buildup that occurs after workouts. Lactic acid buildup happens when the body is working hard and can’t supply enough oxygen to the muscles – think of it as a backup fuel source. Cycling compression stockings, such as CEP biking socks, aid in the removal of lactic acid when it builds up during strenuous activity.

Extra leg support. All cyclists exert strain on their legs and feet muscles during a ride. Wearing CEP biking socks or other compression stockings lends extra support to the leg muscles and tendons, including the Achilles. Donning compression socks after a workout also helps your muscles recover. After an intense ride, keeping your socks on will help reduce muscle soreness, fluid retention and swelling. In fact, compression socks can be worn with your regular work attire, making them a versatile choice when it comes to footwear. Cyclists can give themselves added muscle support throughout the workday by bringing an extra pair of socks to wear after commuting to work.

Enhanced comfort. Cycling compression stockings also have special built-in features designed just for cyclists. Each sock is designed for either the right or left foot, which provides a perfect fit each time. And as your workout heats up, cycling-oriented compression socks are designed to keep your legs and feet cool with a special temperature-regulating material. This high-tech fabric also wicks away moisture and sweat as you ride. Plus, compression socks are equipped with extra foot padding to provide extra comfort when wearing cycling shoes – not to mention the prevention of blisters.

Choosing the Right Compression Socks

First, choose between compression stockings or socks. Generally, compression socks go up to your knee, while stockings go up to the thigh or higher. Also, compression stockings tend to look like nylons or leggings.  You will also need to get an accurate measurement of your legs so you can purchase the correct sock size (the LegSmart.com blog has many free resources to teach you how to properly measure your legs). These special socks also come with different levels of compression, so you’ll need to choose the level that best suits your needs.

It is recommended to replace your cycling socks every four to five months. The fabric used in compression socks will eventually lose its elasticity, which is a sign they need to be replaced.

Lymphedema is a condition of the lymphatic system that causes lymphatic fluid to be retained in the limbs because of blockages in the channels that typically carry it back toward the heart and into the bloodstream. Symptoms can range from slight swelling and a feeling of “heaviness” in the lower limbs to extreme deformity – also known as Elephantiasis.

Ways to Help Manage Lymphedema

Lymphedema is typically addressed using a variety of approaches, including:

Compression. Compression stockings or socks are often recommended for lymphedema. Wearing compression socks helps relieve early-stage fluid retention before it worsens. Compression stockings can also aid in keeping patients active, which is a necessity, and keeping fluid from returning to affected limbs in more advanced cases.

Massage. Affected limbs can be massaged to encourage fluid to leave the area. This manual compression is performed by a therapist.

Pump therapy. A pneumatic sleeve applies sequential compression to the limb to aid in drainage of lymph fluids.

Surgery. In severe cases of lymphedema where the limbs are not only unable to be drained but have hardened, surgery is sometimes performed to reduce the amount of fibrous tissue in the affected area. This may or may not be effective in the long term.

Why Compression Socks are Important

Compression garments are an essential part of helping control lymphedema. These can include compression socks, compression stockings and compression sleeves.

At an early stage, lymphedema can spontaneously reverse if aided by compression garments. At minimum, medical-grade compression socks and stockings can help stop early-stage lymphedema from progressing. Additionally, after having the limbs drained via decongestive therapy, wearing compression stockings every day helps prevent the fluid from returning.

When worn during intense physical activity, graduated compression socks are scientifically proven to:

• Improve blood flow.
• Support calf muscles for optimal alignment.
• Increase stamina.
• Delay exhaustion and soreness.

Keep in mind that increased blood flow also generates more warmth in your body, which means sport compression socks help keep your feet warm through an entire day of fun in the snow. In fact, compression socks can help boost performance in any sport that is practiced or played in cold weather, including:

Football. Not only do sport compression socks support the muscles during intense athletic activity, but they can shorten your recovery time, helping keep you at your peak.

Running. Serious runners go out no matter the weather, and sport compression socks can keep you warm and energized however cold it might be when you run. Performance compression socks can also come with reflector stripes to keep you safe if you like to run early or late during the short winter days.

Skiing. Compression socks will help you stay warm and keep your muscles loose for quick reaction times on the slopes. CEP Skiing Compression Sport Socks are designed especially with the serious skier in mind by helping to prevent blisters and sore spots on the feet, ankles and shins.

Even if your idea of winter exercise is walking around your home town, compression socks can help keep you warm, keep your blood flowing and keep your legs and feet energized all day long.

There are various occasions when people wear compression socks – for travel, athletics and medical conditions, for instance. We’re going to look at how sports compression socks benefit athletes both on the playing field and during travel to and from games.

How Sports Compression Socks Help Athletes on the Field

1. Improved Venous Return

Venous return is a medical term that refers to the movement of blood back to the heart. During athletic performance, venous return is crucial because this is how blood is cycled through the body and how it picks up fresh nutrients, including oxygen. Poor venous return will drag down an athlete, in other words. Studies have discovered that sport compression stockings, among others, increase venous return by sending more blood through deeper veins via compression of the more superficial veins. This makes sense, since the body naturally uses compression of muscles to combat gravity during venous return.

2. Faster Removal of Waste from Tired Muscles

CEP running or Sigvaris sport compression socks also help flush waste out of muscles during exercise by improving overall circulation. Lactic acid is also flushed out with increased circulation, which leads to faster recovery and less time feeling sore.

3. Boosted Muscle Stamina

Many athletes choose to wear CEP running or Sigvaris sport compression socks during especially long workouts, for several reasons. First, sports compression socks help battle delayed onset muscle soreness. Second, many active types have found they can run, bike or walk longer while wearing compression socks. The calf muscles are especially likely to enjoy extended performance thanks to compression socks.

How Sports Compression Socks Help Athletes during Travel

It’s not unusual for dedicated athletes to wear sports compression socks during games or other workouts, but fewer athletes know that it’s also beneficial to wear compression socks for travel. Athletes must travel regularly to access games and other athletic events. During long flights, the seated position puts more pressure on leg veins, thereby reducing venous return and causing inflammation. Travel compression socks encourage circulation, thereby reducing swelling.

Another important benefit of wearing travel compression socks has to do with a potentially deadly disease, deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Athletes and other passengers may experience DVT after sitting during extended flights. Indeed, a nickname for DVT is “economy-class syndrome,” in reference to the cramped position of many airline seats. Really, any extended period of immobility puts a person at risk of experiencing DVT.

Since DVT usually occurs in the calves and thighs, one warning sign that it may be occurring is pain deep in the leg muscles. However, DVT is too often a silent killer – and indeed, it can kill. Many people became aware of the deadliness of this disorder in 2003, after NBC reporter David Bloom died of pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lungs), a complication of DVT; Bloom had been reporting from very cramped conditions inside military vehicles in Iraq. In addition to cutting off blood flow to the lungs, the blood clot or thrombus in a DVT case can travel to the brain and cause a stroke, or to the heart, where it can cause a heart attack. Travel compression socks prevent DVT by boosting circulation.

Athletes must be especially vigilant about DVT, since according to AirHealth.org, 85 percent of air travel DVT victims are athletes; endurance athletes are especially at risk. Prevent DVT by flexing your legs every 15 minutes during flights, and by wearing sports compression socks for travel.

If you’re looking for a high-quality product to improve your sports performance and increase circulation during travel, choose CEP running or Sigvaris sport socks. These make excellent compression socks for travel and exercise alike.

Holiday travel can be stressful and uncomfortable. However, there is one element you can take control of: your swollen feet and legs.

Travel by car, train or air subjects us to forced periods of inactivity, which can lead to fluid pooling in our feet and ankles. This not only makes sitting more uncomfortable than it needs to be, but it can pose health hazards, as well. Travel compression socks can make your holiday travels easier and less tiring by:

Increasing circulation.

Circulation is adversely affected not only by long periods of sitting or standing in one place, but also by the pressurized cabins of airplanes. Air travel compression socks offer low, graduated compression to help travelers keep their blood flowing and decrease swelling in the legs and feet. A higher level of compression is even more beneficial for pregnant moms or those who have certain health problems.

Preventing aching muscles.

When you have to run to catch a connection, travel compression socks help by keeping your muscles loose and preventing soreness after intense periods of activity.

Safer driving.

Long drives lead to sleepy drivers, and travel compression socks are a great way to help you keep your legs and feet supported during your shift at the wheel.

If you have never tried compression socks for travel, now is a good time to give them a test drive. You might be surprised at how much easier all forms of travel are when you don’t have to worry about swelling in your legs and feet, leaving you with more energy for standing in long lines at the airport.

Have a safe and happy holiday travel season!

You might be surprised at how many people on your gift list this year would benefit from receiving compression socks and hosiery. In addition to helping treat a variety of medical conditions, from diabetes to lymphedema, compression socks and hosiery come in handy for many common situations. Here are some of the people in your life who might appreciate receiving compression garments this year:

Athletes

Sports compression socks provide benefits for all kinds of athletic activity. For starters, sports compression socks can delay muscle soreness until after you have reached your workout goals, allowing athletes to push themselves to their very highest level of performance. After exercise, sports compression socks increase circulation in the feet, ankles and legs, helping built-up lactic acid to disperse quickly.

For the runners in your life, CEP sports compression sleeves add even more benefits, providing additional energy and oxygen to the muscles as well as allowing a faster recovery from strenuous training.

Pregnant Women

With the help of compression socks, women who are expecting can avoid many of the problems and challenges associated with pregnancy. For example, by wearing compression socks, women can relieve symptoms related to circulation problems, such as spider veins, swollen ankles and varicose veins. The blood flow increases from the legs and feet back to the heart when you wear compression socks; women who wear them throughout their pregnancies find they have more energy and less soreness in their legs.

Frequent Flyers

Long airplane flights lead to swollen ankles and feet. When you are forced to be inactive for a long period of time – combined with being in a pressurized cabin – blood clots and other circulation problems can develop. Compression socks and hosiery can help prevent some of these dangers, making passengers safer as well as more comfortable when traveling.

Compression socks and hosiery make great holiday gifts for almost anyone – just be sure to get the correct fit!

One of the most important developments for fashion-conscious women, however, has been the creation of open toe compression stockings. Mediven compression stockings with open toes allow women who wear compression socks daily to accommodate a more versatile wardrobe particularly in the summer.

Here’s a look at some of the benefits of an open toe when wearing full-length, knee high or thigh high compression stockings:

Comfort.

Many people find open toe compression support hose to be more comfortable than closed toe stockings. Not only are they significantly cooler in hot weather, but they’re often the preferred choice for people with large feet, bunions or hammer toes. Additionally, open toe compression stockings are kinder to sensitive feet and toes.

Fashion.

Mediven compression stockings with open toes address a common complaint women have about compression socks, which is that they limit the available fashion choices. Open toe styles not only allow women to wear sandals in the summer, but some people wear them underneath regular socks to get the benefits of graduated compression while wearing the fashion socks of their choice.

One thing to be aware of is that open toe support hose can sometimes roll up at the toes; however, this can be fixed by wearing roomier shoes, washing the stockings frequently and adhering them in place with It Stays adhesive, which rolls on easily and washes off with warm water and gentle soap.