Football season is in full swing across the nation. As football players of all levels compete for titles and bowl game exposure, many will wear sports compression socks on the field to help improve their game. Here’s a look at three ways football players can benefit from wearing compression socks.
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.