Who needs to wear compression socks during training and how to choose the right pair

Phlebologist of the First Professional Network of Orthopedic Salons ORTEKA

How to choose compression socks for sports? Who should wear them?

How do medical socks differ from sports socks?

It is worth distinguishing between knitwear with medical compression and sports compression. The first improves the venous system of the legs, and the second helps the muscles to work more efficiently.

Venous blood returns to the heart from bottom to top against the force of gravity. Venous valves are responsible for directing the blood in the right direction. When you move, your muscles contract, putting pressure on the veins and forcing blood toward the heart. The valves open and let it pass through. If a person is in a static position, the muscles do not contract and help the blood flow out. Then the valves close and prevent it from traveling in the opposite direction from the heart.

Regular static loads often lead to swelling, provoke the development of varicose veins or aggravate its course. Working in an office or on your feet, sedentary lifestyle and frequent long trips can negatively affect the venous system. Therefore, with such static loads, it is recommended to wear medical compression knitwear. Products create maximum pressure in the ankle area, which is reduced at the level of the shin or thigh, depending on whether it is socks, stockings or tights. Thanks to this effect improves venous blood flow, pain, heaviness and fatigue in the legs at the end of the day.

Sports knitwear has a zoned pressure, due to which the blood circulation in the muscles improves and their performance increases. This increases the effectiveness of training. Products relieve and protect from injury Achilles tendon, heel area and ankle joint. Sports knitwear reduces the risk of tearing ligaments and tendons, and also promotes recovery after intensive training, helping to avoid fatigue and muscle pain.

In which cases should I wear what kind of socks?

Medical knitwear

Needed for static loads, sedentary lifestyle and during pregnancy. It must necessarily be worn by those who are diagnosed with varicose veins or other diseases of the venous system of the legs. Also, such products can be used during strength training to avoid problems with veins. This is especially true for people with diseases of the venous and lymphatic systems in the initial stages.

Sports knitwear

Useful during any workout. It helps the body to cope with intense loads. Such products are excellent for running, crossfit, cycling, playing basketball, tennis, soccer, etc.

What to choose for training: socks, socks or stockings?

Medical compression knitwear is used to make tights, stockings and socks. The latter are perfect for training – the products promote the work of the lower leg muscles. They stimulate the outflow of venous blood from the lower extremities to the heart.

The doctor will advise what products are better to wear during training, as it directly depends on the nature of physical exertion and the state of the venous system. He will also help to choose the right size. Before you start training, be sure to consult with a specialist. For example, in the later stages of vein diseases, intensive physical activity is contraindicated in principle.