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.

1. Wearing sports compression socks during the game.

Clinical studies show football players who wear sports compression socks on the field receive a number of benefits that can help boost their performance. For starters, the improved blood circulation in the lower leg helps increase oxygen deliver to the calves, which reduces muscle oscillation and optimizes the muscle alignment and efficiency while walking and running. Additionally, sports compression socks such as the Sigvaris sport brand improve calf muscle stamina, delaying soreness and fatigue until after the game is over.

2. Wearing compression socks to aid recovery.

Proper athletic recovery following a game is essential in helping football players avoid injury; poor recovery can also lead to poor performance in the next game. When worn for at least 2-3 hours after a game, Sigvaris sport socks and other athletic compression socks play an important role in recovery by reducing delayed onset muscle soreness, flushing lactic acid from exhausted muscles and minimizing the swelling associated with exercise.

Compression socks also provide one of the four essential elements needed to help heal strains, muscle pulls and other injuries commonly associated with football. Athletes often use the acronym RICE: rest, ice, compression and elevation. Sports compression socks are ideal for reducing swelling and channeling fluid up and out of the lower legs.

3. Wearing compression socks during travel.

Travel time is a necessary component of athletic team participation at all levels. This can entail long periods of immobility, sleeping while sitting, and dealing with the lower air pressure on airplanes. During travel, compression socks can help prevent edema, or the buildup of excess fluid, in the lower legs.

Sigvaris Athletic Recovery socks are the newest cotton offerings from the leading manufacturer of compression socks for athletes. They’re specifically engineered to counteract muscle soreness and fatigue in the legs following intense exercise. Here’s a look at some of the features of the latest line of Sigvaris compression stockings for athletes:

Reduced lactic acid.

Clinical studies have proven that graduated knee high compression stockings help flush out lactic acids that build up in the legs during exercise. When worn during and after exercise, Sigvaris Athletic Recovery socks promote the flushing of lactic acids by encouraging blood flow in the veins.

Reduced muscle soreness.

Delayed onset muscle soreness, a common experience following unaccustomed levels of exercise, can be reduced by as much as 28 percent by wearing knee high compression stockings, medical research has shown.

True graduated compression.

While many manufacturers label their products as compression socks, often these imitations don’t offer true graduated compression. Rather, they use gimmicks such as a tight foot band or vertical striping to suggest compression. Sigvaris knee high compression stockings, on the other hand, provide true graduated compression from the ankle to the knee.

Moisture and odor control.

Sigvaris compression stockings for athletic recovery feature patented Drirelease and Freshguard technologies to wick away moisture from the feet and eliminate odors for maximum comfort.

A study by researchers Carol B. Feldman and Ellen D. Davis clearly tells us why a diabetic with neuropathic complications – otherwise known as diabetic foot – should use diabetic socks.

What Causes Diabetic Foot?

Neuropathic complication, or diabetic peripheral neuropathy, is the disease that causes pain in the feet and legs of diabetic patients. Scientists think that the most probable cause of this disease is injury to the small blood vessels that supply blood to the nerves. Because diabetes damages the immune system, it also reduces one’s ability to heal these injured blood vessels. The result: the tingling foot pain that becomes a part of life for diabetics.

Another related cause of diabetic foot is the clogging of arteries resulting from diabetes. This makes them hard and unable to carry adequate amounts of blood to the extremities.

How Do Diabetic Socks Help?

Certain types of socks for diabetics – known as compression socks or diabetic socks – help in a variety of ways to reduce the problems associated with diabetic feet. Diabetic socks are designed to “fit well, without constricting cuffs, top bands or seams,” and are made from padded materials that retain less moisture and cushion the feet against sudden injuries.

Moisture can cause a bacterial infection in your feet. Diabetics must be particularly careful about foot infection, as it can easily cause ulcers – especially when the immune system is damaged by diabetes. Compression socks made with special synthetic materials retain less moisture than normal cotton socks and help reduce the chance of foot ulcers.

Such ulcers can also be caused by normal, minor injuries that would not be of much concern to healthy individuals. However, because diabetic patients have decreased pressure sensations that may prevent them from noticing an injury – and because their bodies cannot heal properly due to their diabetic condition – socks for diabetics often include densely padded cushions that reduce the risk of foot injury.

It is also important that diabetic socks do not have constricting cuffs that reduce blood circulation to the feet. Similarly, socks for diabetics are usually made seamless, because seams can create pressure points in the feet, leading to injuries and ulcers.

What to Look for when Shopping for Diabetic Socks

The following is a list of features to look for in a pair of good diabetic socks:

No seams or pressure points. Seams or pressure points may cause injury to your feet. Although not a matter of concern for healthy individuals, even such minor injuries and loss of circulation can be dangerous for a diabetic.

No constricting top bands or cuffs. Top bands and cuffs are usually made of constricting elastic material. If too tight, they can block the flow of blood and cause nerve and vascular damage.

Advanced moisture control. Moisture causes bacterial and fungal infection in the feet. Cotton and wool socks are good absorbers of moisture; however, some synthetic materials have better wicking effects. Wicking is the ability of fibers to pull moisture away from the skin’s surface and toward the sock’s exterior, where it then evaporates into the air. A combination of cotton or wool and synthetic is ideal for diabetic socks.

Anti-fungal and anti-microbial elements. Some compression socks incorporate materials like silver fibers, spandex, etc., that are known to help your feet “breathe.” These kinds of socks for diabetics help reduce moisture and are preferred for those who sweat heavily. They’re also recommended for running or exercising.

Soft, padded cushions to reduce blisters and calluses. Studies have shown that cushioned socks decrease vertical pressure on the feet, which reduces the chance of blistering and callus formation.

A good, comfortable fit. Most diabetic educators are in agreement that whatever socks a diabetic wears should be comfortable and well fitting. It’s important to measure your legs accurately before buying compression socks.

Lightly colored. Some observers have also noted the usefulness of wearing lightly colored socks, which allows patients to easily notice skin discoloration and deformation. At least one researcher warns against wearing inexpensive dyed socks, whose dye can bleed into ulcers and wounds. Also, wearing a light colored sock will help you notice if your feet have an injury.

Compression stockings, socks, or pantyhose – what’s the difference?

There are many different types of compression garments. While they all serve essentially the same function, the difference is in the style and how much of the body they cover.

Compression stockings are usually knee high or thigh high stockings, while compression pantyhose typically cover the whole leg and go up your waist, just like everyday pantyhose. Compression socks are often crafted to look like everyday socks while still providing the necessary compression levels. For example, Medi compression socks come in a few varieties that look just like everyday dress socks.

Other important terms to know related to compression socks include:

Donning gloves: These are specially designed gloves to help you put on your compression stockings. They help you grip and pull on your compression stockings without damaging them. To “don” means to put on. So Donning gloves, are gloves that help you put on your compression stockings.

Edema: Edema is an abnormal accumulation of bodily fluid beneath the skin that produces swelling. Medi compression garments can be used to help treat edema, as they discourage the accumulation of fluid.

Graduated pressure: Also referred to as gradient compression, this term describes the changing level of compression provided to the leg by one set of compression socks or stockings. By design, compression garments provide higher levels of compression at the ankle of the garment and less compression as you move up the leg to encourage blood flow from the bottom of the body back up toward the heart.

mmHg: This stands for millimeters of mercury (Hg) and designates the amount of pressure exerted on the body by a pair of compression stockings.

Thrombosis: Thrombosis is a medical condition in which a blood clot forms in a vein, adheres to the vein walls and blocks the flow of blood. The term thrombus is synonymous with blood clot. Thrombosis can be especially dangerous because the clot can dislodge and cause serious problems in the heart or lungs.

Varicose veins: This term refers to distended, swollen and/or inflamed veins caused by venous weakness, disorders or even disease. Compression socks can help prevent and minimize varicose veins in the legs.

If your doctor has recommended that you begin wearing compression socks, it’s important that you understand how to put them on and care for them properly. Here are some important Dos and Don’ts to remember when wearing compression stockings:

Compression Stocking Dos

DO carefully measure your legs before you buy compression stockings. Like most brands, Medi compression products are carefully sized. If you buy the wrong size, you will not get the medical benefits of wearing compression socks and they won’t be as comfortable on your legs.

DO wash compression stockings daily. As most doctors recommend wearing compression socks every day for maximum benefit, you will need to wash them every day, as well. This is important not only for your own hygiene, but also for the life of your stockings. As you wear your stockings throughout the day, they stretch to fit your legs. Washing helps return them to their original shape, extending their usability over time.

DO launder your stockings carefully. Check the care instructions for each pair of compression socks you own; some are washable in your machine’s gentle setting. If so, place your stockings in a mesh laundry bag to help protect them. To wash compression stockings use cold water and a bit of gentle soap. If you can, use a specially formulated washing solution for your compression socks – this will clean the elastic without causing damage. To dry, roll up your socks in a towel and pat out all the excess water, then hang them up.

DO use donning gloves to put on your compression stockings. Donning gloves dramatically reduce the chance that you will snag your stockings on a fingernail. In addition to offering protection, donning gloves provide grip and make it much easier to put on your compression hosiery.

DO put compression stockings on first thing in the morning. The conditions that compression stockings help to alleviate are generally related to one’s everyday activities, so it makes sense to wear them all day if you want to see the most medical benefits. Also, your legs and feet are general y less swollen in the morning. So putting on your compression stockings in the morning are a bit easier than if you did it later in the day.

DO replace every 3-6 months. Eventually, the elastic fibers will break down. This is normal, especially with daily use. You will probably need to replace your compression stockings every three to six months. How can you tell when it’s time for a new pair? One indication is that your Medi compression stockings start to sag, or they are becoming really easy to put on.

Compression Stocking Don’ts

DON’T roll up your compression stockings to put them on or take them off. Rolling creates a tight band, which cuts off circulation and can cause sores. While donning or removing your compression socks try not to roll or scrunch them up.

DON’T wear them at night. Unless your doctor specifically prescribes it, it’s best to avoid wearing compression stockings at night.

DON’T use chlorine bleach to clean your stockings. Avoid using any substance that could damage your compression socks. Harsh chemicals like chlorine bleach should be avoided.

DON’T wring out compression socks to dry them. Any intense movements, such as wringing or scrubbing, can damage your stockings. Treat them gently to get the most out of them.

DON’T cut them off at the foot. The foot of compression hosiery acts as an anchor; it provides a solid hold, making it easier to put on the stockings. Furthermore, compression stockings have graduated compression, meaning the compression is strongest at the ankle and gets lighter as it goes up the calf. Cutting off the foot could cause them to roll up and become uncomfortable to wear. If your stockings seem too tight around the toes, you may want to consider a product such as Medi compression open-toe stockings.

DON’T wear lotions or oils. Oily substances can break down the elastic fibers. Try moisturizing your legs in the evening, after you’ve removed your compression stockings for the day.