Have you noticed the knee-high socks being worn by fitness enthusiasts? They are known as “compression garments” and are typically worn on the lower limb, although there are many different forms worn; to the knees, on the entire leg, upper body, shirts and entire body garments. They are increasingly popular among athletes looking to reduce recovery time and improve performance. Over a hundred types of compression socks intended for use among athletes are currently available. The benefits of wearing these socks have not been clearly proven but anecdotally they have seemed to find their niche . At this point I should disclose that I wear them and I have found them beneficial for no other reason other than they make my legs feel better.
Let’s focus on the socks to the knees because of their popularity for this posting. The exact mechanism of how and why they work isn’t known. Researchers have suggested a few different mechanisms that could be beneficial. Some of the physiology while exercising has reported reduced muscular damage; reduced power expenditure required and improved comfort. Wearing compression socks after exercise has also been studied. The research has reported that the compression has improved venous return, accelerated metabolic waste removal, reduced swelling, increased arterial pulse blood flow and increased oxygen delivery to working muscles. It also has been reported that delayed onset of muscles soreness has been reported by users of compression socks. When comparing compression garments worn during exercise verse post-exercise the research suggests that wearing the garments after exercise is more effective that during.
In a brief review of current research the type of exercise performed, endurance or resistance, were not shown to influence the results. The main hypotheses which may explain the effects of compression garments worn during physical exercise are the decrease in vibrations, the decrease in muscular trauma and the reduction in edema. The effects of compression garments during recovery are purportedly mediated by an improvement in venous return and in blood waste clearance.
It should be noted that if you are considering the usage of compression garments you should evaluate your training status, age, sex, muscle mass, hydration, and any potential venous disease. Lastly, you may want to consider trying more than one manufacture of socks and determine your personal preference.