5 Reasons to Wear Compression Socks for Sports
Compression gear is red-hot at the moment, as everyday athletes look for better ways to boost post-sports and exercise recovery. Compression socks, in particular, have caught the eye of many runners and if you want an idea of just how popular they are, you just need to glance down at the sea of runners’ legs at the start of a race. There’s a good chance you’ll notice more than quite a few of them decked out with compression socks.
With the popularity of compression socks taking off, you may be wondering about the benefits of wearing compression socks for sports and recovery. So, I got my hands on a pair of Milkteds compression socks to see what all the fuss is about. Designed to be worn every day, rather than on odd occasions, Milkteds focuses on putting comfort first when it comes to compression wear.
Milkteds comes to SA:
Born in the UK and made to the highest standards in Italy, Milkteds is a luxury compression sock brand with a sock to suit every lifestyle and need. Up until recently, compression socks have been perceived as being a post-surgery medical accessory or something reserved for the elderly, but Milkteds is on a mission to bring them into the mainstream so that everyone can enjoy the benefits of regularly wearing compression wear.
Crafted using a yarn mix made from milk protein, these compression socks are super soft and offer mild-to-moderate compression, and all-day comfort. While some compression hosiery can feel unnatural, itchy, and difficult to put on or wear all day long, Milkteds feel soft, gentle and snug on the skin, causing no irritation or discomfort.
These compression socks for the modern era function ‘silently’ in the background using the science of graduated compression as they work their magic to prevent and revive tired legs, swollen ankles and achy feet. They are a pleasure to wear for long periods, and should ideally be worn daily as an everyday item or for a particular purpose such as sports, maternity, outdoor, travel or recovery.
After a few weeks with my trusty pair of Milkteds socks, I’ve put together the top five reasons to wear compression socks for sports and why Milkteds is a brand well worth considering.
Relieve tired legs & reduce swelling
Leg swelling usually resolves itself within a few days after a long run, and is not a major cause for concern. But, it can be uncomfortable and for regular runners, it’s often a daily struggle. Wearing compression socks, like Milkteds, during or after your run can help reduce swelling and relieve swelling faster after a long run. Compression socks are designed to provide gradual pressure on your legs, which helps counteract gravity and funnel fluid back up to the heart. That improved blood circulation keeps swelling to a minimum.
The level of support provided by Milkteds socks is considered to help prevent or relieve tiredness, early swelling (mild oedema), spider veins, and mild varicose veins. These socks are ideal for aiding post-exercise recovery, increasing circulation, and otherwise enhancing performance while you train. I struggle a lot with my feet swelling after exercise, particularly running or intense cardio, and wearing these socks after exercise has helped to reduce swelling and discomfort dramatically.
Assist with clearing lactic acid
Wearing compression socks can also help your body clear lactic acid a lot faster. The constriction of your veins when wearing compression socks also causes the velocity of your blood to increase, which means lactic acid also gets moved from your legs a lot faster.
Lactic acid can cause cramping, soreness and fatigue, so wearing compression socks can reduce these symptoms. Wearing compression socks can also assist with lymphatic drainage and decreased fluid retention in the lower legs. The gentle external pressure on the muscles works to push lymph through the system and away from the lower legs. As a result, you feel less swelling and inflammation. With the consistent wearing of compression socks, lymphatic flow toward the torso increases and may reduce feelings of discomfort.
Decreased chance of injury
Wearing compression garments may also help with injury prevention. Specifically, compression socks have been anecdotally reported as a good way to reduce blisters, shin splints, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendonitis. The use of graduated compression socks, like Milkteds can help to significantly reduce lower leg volume after running and other forms of intense cardiovascular exercise.
It’s easy to imagine how compression socks can help prevent minor injuries like blisters and even shin splints. As the foot swells, your once comfortable running shoes may rub start to rub against the skin, causing blisters. Similarly, the added water weight in a swollen lower leg may cause you to misstep while running, or result in poor running form, leading to shin splints. Compression socks prevent heavy, swollen legs, which may help you to maintain better form while running and therefore experience fewer injuries.
May help with your overall muscle recovery
While wearing compression socks may not help to improve your speed or endurance while running, it may help improve performance through faster muscle recovery times and reduced muscle soreness. The quicker you recover after exercise, the harder you can train in your next session, which can ultimately lead to improved performance. Many athletes swear they are less sore and recover functional strength faster when they wear compression garments, making it the ideal recovery tool for any sport.
I can definitely feel a difference in my legs and muscles on days when I wear my Milkteds compression socks after intense cardio sessions. The gradual compression brings immediate relief to my tired legs, and the next day I’m ready to tackle a leg session in the gym without that pre-workout stiffness I usually struggle with.
Got milk: where to get your Milkteds
Not just for sports, Milkteds can also be worn to help reduce post-surgery swelling, throughout pregnancy, and even as anti-embolism products, during outdoor and sporting activities or when travelling to avoid thrombosis. Even better news, unlike many other compression socks on the market, they come in many more colours than just beige. Milkteds have created a unique range of unisex compression socks in a range of fashionable colours that you will love.
Milkteds compression socks are available online from the Milkteds Africa website with Everyday Milkteds Compression Socks starting at R595 per pair.
