Running Compression Socks
Running Compression Socks Importance and Advantages
Running compression socks are quite different from the usual socks worn everyday, even though the look is pretty similar. Upon a casual glance, you would find it difficult to tell the difference. Other than the look, the similarities end there. Regular socks are used to cover the lower part of the legs, but the main purposes behind using compression socks are therapeutic, preventative, and comfort. For these reasons, many people wear their running compression socks as regular socks every day. During some specific medical conditions, for speedier recovery, the affected person may be advised by the therapist or physician to wear the compression socks for one of the above three reasons.
The main idea behind running compression socks is to use the compression effect to help improve blood circulation within the lower part of the leg. The effect is the same as for therapeutic reasons. In many cases, anecdotal and clinical testing, wearing running compression socks leads to better running performance for the wearer. When the leg area, ankles and feet are compressed, better blood flow is promoted. The increased flow goes through the lower extremities and then to the heart for redistribution. The additional flow rate tends to help those that wear running compression socks avoid some soreness and cramping problems in the area of the feet. For many, long distance running leads to soreness in the feet and ankles, caused to some extent by blood pooling. It leads to reduced performance as the runner cannot perform as efficiently for the longer time periods required. This problem generally happens because the blood is pulled towards the lower part of the leg due to gravity and not effectively pumped back to the heart.
For runners and joggers, the excessive pooling of blood in the lower legs has been noted as the cause of serious illnesses like thrombosis, phlebitis and edema. It can also lead to mild up to severe leg cramps and fatigue. The “fatigue factor” is really an efficiency drain that prohibits the athlete from performing optimally. Yes, that means more time required per mile. It is here that the advantages and usefulness of running compression socks are realized. Wearers of these socks notice that they no longer feel the same pain and soreness which affected them while wearing regular running socks. Many runners and triathletes, including Lornah Kiplagat and Paula Radcliffe among others, maintain that running compression socks work exceedingly well for them and are an essential piece of equipment during competition.
Running compression socks are generally made using special elastic materials like spandex, special rubber or Lycra. The elastic property of these materials causes a gripping or compression effect on the area where compression socks provide coverage. This not only compresses the skin but also the arteries, muscles and veins. The blood is forced to flow through narrower channels leading to increased arterial pressure. The resultant increase in pressure effects less blood pooling in the foot area. As a general rule, running compression socks are very tight near the ankles area but less gripping as they go up towards the knees, known as gradient compression. Most designs of these socks have some kind of padding. This ensures the impact is absorbed more so than a thin foot covering.
Running compression socks help individuals avoid the muscle fatigue that occurs as a result of long duration of walks or standing without aggressive motion. These special socks are especially useful for athletes who have to practice long distance running every day. A problem noted by athletes is that of muscle soreness that frequently accompanies their aggressive and extensive training sessions. The ache and soreness issue they face reduces relative performance levels because they lose some percentage of their ability to run as efficiently as they could pain-free. The use of these special socks allows runners to routinely cover long distances with much less discomfort. Additionally, they need less time to recover from their muscle soreness.
Running compression socks help avoid the problem of blisters that are frequently experienced by those who wear regular socks for running, jogging or walking. Offsetting the normal weaker circulation in the limbs, running compression stockings wearers note better oxygenated blood circulation throughout the entire body. This means the muscles get that better supply also. Longer use of these socks helps prevent formation of blood clots and varicose veins in the lower leg area.
Many professional athletes use running compression socks to improve their body’s blood circulation. They find improvement in their endurance level and running time. The improved blood circulation realized results in the person feeling more energized. Feeling better during and after running or general exercise helps running compression socks wearers enjoy the running, jogging or walking activities more. These compression socks are easy to wear and feel very comfortable. Such special socks are designed to be more of a functional item than a fashion statement. Running compression socks can be found easily in stores or through online retailers. For more aggressive compression, a prescription from a physician is required.
