Over a while, an increased prevalence of using compression socks by athletes and runners is seen. Benefits it yields include reduced chances of swelling, enhanced blood circulation throughout the legs, better performance, and faster recovery, among others. There was a period when these socks were merely used to treat certain conditions related to legs like varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and edema, but now athletes like basketball players, soccer players, and triathletes have begun using these socks too. Even after being aware of the benefits that these specialized socks carry, they miss out on adhering to some essentials of the socks, making them incapable of getting all the benefits. To ensure the same doesn't happen with you, here we are with some vital tips on how to get maximum comfort and performance by using compression socks.
1. Choose The Right Size And Fit Of Compression Socks
You need to choose an appropriate pair of compression socks for yourself if you are serious about getting the intended benefits. Using the wrong-sized compression socks for working out can make your workouts almost ineffective and, in rare cases, might even harm your leg health. On the other hand, using an ill-fitting pair of socks would make you feel uncomfortable all the time. This is why it’s recommended to use the right size and fit of compression socks during exercise, as doing so would directly impact your workout’s effectiveness. By selecting the rightly fitting socks, you allow your legs to get the required pressure that supports recovery while preventing muscle fatigue.
2. Wear Them The Right Way
While almost all compression socks share some commonalities, they might be different in certain aspects. You need to see what type of compression socks you are going to use. See whether they are closed-toe ones or open-toe ones. To begin with, sit down and roll the socks inside out to your ankle. Now see where the heel pocket is and slip your foot in with the heel aligned. Then gradually roll them up to the legs while making sure you don’t miss out on any wrinkles. Smooth out the fabric to avoid the snags (if any). Ensure they are fitting you well without feeling overtight or loose at all. Doing so is crucial, as these elasticated socks are bound to lose their compression and elasticity quality over time as you continue to wear them.
3. Use Moisturizer or Lotion
A common complaint of most people who use compression socks is irritation and dryness. Many of them even find it challenging to wear compression socks, especially when wearing them for the first time. To get through this inconvenience, you can opt for using a moisturizer or lotion. While many people use these skin-hydrating measures before putting on the socks, it’s advisable to not do so and use them after removing the socks after exercising or completing your workout. Applying lotion before wearing these socks might weaken the compression mechanism that these socks have. Plus, this approach might have detrimental effects on the sock’s material. For the lotion choice, use a silicone-based one.
4. Duly Care For The Socks
Just like any other clothing of yours, you need to care for your compression socks too. With continuous usage, they are bound to lose their quality over time. Plus, using compression socks for exercise results in the release of sweat that causes the fabric to become saturated and reduces the sock’s ability to provide compression. This is why it's advisable to regularly wash your socks and care for them to keep them in good condition for a longer period. By doing it, you would not only keep them clean but will also be preventing bacteria and odor buildup in them. To reduce your maintenance effort for these socks, you can choose a high-quality pair of compression socks like the ones we offer at SNUG360. Made using premium high-grade material, caring for them is quite unchallenging, as you just need to wash them using mild soap and lukewarm water and then air-dry them.
5. Choose Socks Made Using Moisture-Wicking Material
Not just for athletes but for all users, it’s good to go with compression socks based on a moisture-wicking material. It’s normal for the body to sweat during workout and exercise sessions and it’s something you can’t avoid at all. But this natural affair might affect your skin health. The caused moisture buildup might increase the risk of skin irritation, especially when you do not properly care for them. Moisture-wicking material-based compression socks pull away moisture from the skin’s surface and place it outwards the sock’s surface to prevent issues like discomfort, blisters, and odor, all while offering the required benefits.
6. Go For The Right Compression Level
While compression socks bearing a compression level of 15-20 mmHg are suitable for daily wear, actually, a compression level of 20-30 mmHg is deemed ideal for maximizing performance and recovery. Using them allows your leg muscles to get moderate compression that supports optimal blood flow and adequate muscle recovery without being too intense. Because of this, athletes involved in activities like hiking, running, cycling, and team sports use these socks. But if you are just getting started using these elastic socks, go for using the ones based on a lower compression level and slowly increase the elasticity level.
7. Determine Your Purpose Of Usage
For those who get involved in strenuous workout regimes regularly, there are two choices: wearing the compression socks during their workout or exercising session or wearing them afterward doing so. Wearing them during exercise facilitates a healthy bloodstream and reduces the chances of facing the problem of muscle soreness. This aids the user to exercise for longer durations without getting too tired or feeling exhausted. On the other hand, putting them after your workout session helps your legs’ muscles get the required oxygen that fastens the recovery process and also reduces the instances of swelling. Not only this, these socks also provide ample muscle support to the legs.
8. Don’t Wear Them For The Whole Day
The duration for which you will be wearing compression socks depends on your purpose of use. To yield the maximum benefits out of your exercise or workout session, go for wearing as long as you are engaged in these activities. After you’re done exercising, you can put them off and let your legs rest for a while. It’s only in cases wherein an individual might be struggling with varicose veins, poor circulation, or a risk of blood clots that the doctor may advise wearing these socks for the whole day, even at night as well. To better care for your legs, it’s recommended that you use a lotion after you’re done removing the socks after exercising.
In Summary
These elasticated socks apply firm pressure to your legs, providing you with just the right amount of compression to help you alleviate issues like pain, soreness, and swelling that might be inhibiting your performance. Additionally, by wearing them, athletes can reduce their chances of incurring an injury. If you are searching for a trusted supplier for compression socks, you can rely on our brand—SNUG360, as we offer an extensive range of compression socks made using advanced, high-quality material. They are sure to provide you with unmatched comfort and care, guaranteeing maximum comfort and performance for your athletic endeavors.