Why Runners Should Consider Wearing Compression Socks During & After Workouts

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As a runner, you put a lot of strain on your body. While exercise is good for you, mile after mile of pounding on hard surfaces can take its toll on your legs and feet. So, it's important to take some steps to keep your body healthy and happy and to prevent injuries. One small but effective step you can take is to wear compression socks before and after your run.

Compression socks are socks which are made from a sturdy, elastic material. They're breathable, and in many cases, they wick moisture away from your skin. They fit tightly around your ankle and calf, but not so tightly that they're uncomfortable. Companies make socks that are mainly intended to be worn during workouts, and they also make dress compression socks that you can wear out and about after your runs. Here's a look at some of the benefits you may experience if you integrate compression socks into your routine.

Faster Recovery

Compression socks prevent blood from pooling in your lower legs, especially after a run when your muscles are fatigued. As a result, they keep your legs from swelling up, and this seems to speed recovery. In one study of 33 marathon runners, half wore compression socks after their marathon, and half did not. Two days after the race, the athletes were put through a treadmill test. Those who had worn the socks performed better than those who did not, which indicated that they recovered faster.

When you're training for a race, the faster you recover, the faster you can get back out there and train hard again. Wearing compression socks may speed your recovery time, allowing you to pack more workouts into your schedule and ultimately perform better.

Reduced Risk of Injury

Running on legs that are still swollen and sore from your last workout can increase your risk of injury. Sore, swollen muscles may not contract and relax properly. This can put strain on ligaments and tendons, leading to strains, sprains, and injuries like plantar fasciitis. When you wear your compression socks to keep swelling at bay, you reduce your risk of developing these overuse injuries. For the maximum benefits, make sure you're wearing compression socks both during and after your runs.

Fewer Abrasions and Scratches

When you're focused on meeting your target time or gutting it through that last mile, you may not pay a lot of attention to the brush on the side of the road or the long grass sweeping against your calves. At the end of the run, you may find yourself with some scrapes and abrasions. Wearing tights or pants can surely help, but who wants to wear pants in the middle of summer? Arming yourself with compression socks will allow you to avoid abrasions and scrapes on your calves without making you too warm.

Fewer Blisters

Blisters are more likely to form when your feet swell slightly, altering the fit of your shoe. They can also form when you wear socks that absorb moisture rather than wicking it away from your foot. Compression socks help keep your foot more compact so your shoe continues to fit properly throughout your run. Since they fit so tightly against your foot, they eliminate a lot of the friction between your shoe and foot, further reducing your risk of blisters. And sport compression socks are specifically made to wick away moisture.

More and more brands are jumping on the bandwagon and making compression socks as runners become aware of their benefits. Invest in a few pairs for workouts and some dressier pairs to wear afterwards. You won't regret it.

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12 April 2017

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