If you’re an avid runner, you’ve probably got all the gear. This means a high-quality pair of running shoes, high-visibility clothing, and maybe even some running headphones.
It might also include a pair of compression socks to help you out with blood flow and prevent long-term injuries.
This is not a recent technological development in the running world and people have been wearing compression socks for years.
In this article, we’ll be looking at just how they work, finding out whether they can be too tight, and what could happen if you wear them improperly.
How Do Compression Socks Work For Running?
Compression socks are designed to provide support to your legs by squeezing your lower leg muscles.
Essentially, it helps your muscles out with the task of compressing your veins to send blood back to the heart.
This might not seem like such a big deal for people who have an active and healthy lifestyle. For these kinds of people, blood circulation isn’t really an issue.
However, if you’re recovering from an injury or spend a lot of time sitting down, blood can end up pooling in the lower parts of your legs, which can eventually lead to injuries.
So, we know a little more now about just how compression socks are meant to be used by runners but are there any other benefits to using them? Read on to find out more.
Types Of Compression Socks
In general, there are two main types of compression socks that you can buy for running.
The most commonly used one is a knee-high compression sock while the less common variety is the ankle-high compression sock.
As you might expect, the knee-high compression socks are much better for preventing injuries and assisting with circulation in the whole of your legs, rather than just your feet.
Keep reading to work out which type of compression sock might be best for you, but it’s likely that the knee-high option will be best for most people.
Advantages Of Using Compression Socks For Running
There’s no doubt that compression socks can offer many advantages when it comes to running.
For starters, they can help reduce muscle soreness after a hard run.
They can also improve your performance because they increase blood flow to your legs and keep your muscles warm.
They can also help protect against shin splints because they compress your calf muscles and tendons.
Finally, they can help prevent injury because they force your muscles to contract and stretch properly.
Disadvantages Of Using Compression Socks For Running
Of course, there are disadvantages to using compression socks as well.
The biggest one is that they can cause blisters on your feet.
If you’re not careful, you may find yourself putting pressure on certain areas of your foot where the skin is thinner, causing small tears on the surface.
These tears can then become infected and turn into open wounds.
Also, if you’re going to use them for longer periods of time, you need to ensure that they fit correctly.
You should never wear them so tightly that they cut off the circulation to your toes.
What Could Happen If I Wear Them Improperly?
Now that we’ve covered the pros and cons of using compression socks for running, let’s take a look at what happens if you don’t wear them correctly.
When you put pressure on your calves, the muscles will start contracting and stretching.
As they do so, they pull on the ligaments and tendons that connect your bones together.
Over time, this can result in damage to your joints, especially if you’re someone who has poor balance.
So, if you’re planning on using compression socks for running or any other sport, make sure you follow the instructions carefully.
In particular, you need to make sure that you’re wearing them correctly.
You should always put them on before you go outside, making sure that they cover all of your ankles and knees.
You should also avoid wearing them while you’re lying down.
Remember, too much pressure on your legs can actually restrict your blood flow, leading to problems like leg cramps.
How To Choose The Right Size
Choosing the right size of compression sock for running is important. This is because different sizes will provide varying levels of support.
It’s important to select the correct size based on your needs.
If you’re looking for something that provides extra support, you’ll want to buy a larger size than if you’re looking for something with less support.
However, remember that picking a smaller size won’t necessarily mean that you’ll get better results.
Make sure you try them out first before buying them. That way, you’ll know exactly how tight they feel.
Once you have chosen the size that feels best, you should also be aware that some brands come in more than one size. So, if possible, buy two pairs of each size. One pair for training and one pair for racing.
And finally, when it comes to deciding which brand to buy, make sure that you read reviews from real people.
This will give you an idea about whether the product works for you.
Bluemaple 6-Pack Copper Compression Socks
One of the best-selling sets of compression socks on the internet is this one from Bluemaple.
Not only are these socks great for providing a good level of compression for you while running, but they have a variety of size options available. This means it’s always possible to find a pair that will suit your needs.
Similarly, there are dozens of color and design combinations to choose from to suit everyone’s sense of style.
Essentially, these socks will give you all the basic benefits of any compression sock for running, they’re very affordable, and they’re very versatile.
If you’re thinking about getting yourself some compression socks for running, you can’t go wrong with these!
Conclusion
Compression socks are a fantastic tool for runners. They help prevent injuries by reducing the amount of stress on your body.
They also improve circulation, allowing your blood to circulate more easily throughout your body.
But just because they work doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t still wear them properly.
Always make sure that you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and don’t overdo it.
Also, make sure that you keep track of your progress so that you can see what improvements you’ve made.
Finally, make sure that you choose the right size of compression socks for you.
The last thing you want is to end up having to return them after you’ve spent money on them.
So, do your research ahead of time and pick the right set of compression socks for you!
For the first year, I wallowed in my feelings and gained 50 pounds as a result. The next year, with the help of a professional or two, I began working on myself and seeing changes.
Surprisingly enough, I found running to be my main source of comfort in such a trying time. I began running once a day for five minutes, working up to 10, then 20, 30, 40 - until I was running for an hour each morning.
Running started my day off right and on the days where I ran, I found that I was more likely to excel in work and have a better day mentally.
So, that is why I have created Run In The Sun. I want to make your running journey as easy as possible so that you can feel these benefits too. I promise you, it will be so worth it!
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