Athletic compression has really taken off. People love them for boosting circulation and reducing muscle fatigue. You’ll find many top athletes swear by them.
Yet athletic compression socks and medical-grade compression socks have different purposes, even though they work on the same principle of graduated compression.
Athletic compression socks: helping with soreness and recovery
Athletes wear these to reduce aches and swelling after a big game or workout. And are effective on their legs and/or arms. Designed to help muscles bounce back and so help prevent stiff joints and general soreness the next day. Used in conjunction with other post-sport recovery activities, for example, ice baths. Like medical-grade compression socks and stockings, they’ll provide graduated compression, which means the pressure is greatest at the ankle and looser up the leg. The compression is not as strong as with medical grade ones, to make sure you can still move around comfortably.
Compression socks and stockings: helping the body heal
Compression stockings we fit patients with after varicose vein treatment, and for many other conditions such as leg swelling, are different.
Being specifically designed to help the body heal, help prevent blood clots and reduce swelling, heaviness and tiredness. The level of compression is higher than with athletic compression. Meaning for athletes they would restrict movement, feel like the circulation is cut off and otherwise feel too tight.
Patients wear compression socks and stockings most days while standing or sitting or recovering from surgery.
Compression socks: for the patient versus the athlete
Medical-grade compression socks go to the knee, like athletic compression socks. Designed to help prevent blood clots and provide relief for tired and puffy legs. Rather than being for an athlete post workout.
Getting the right fit is key. Too tight and you probably won’t wear them as they’ll be too uncomfortable; too loose and they won’t be effective.
We do fittings in our clinics. Book your appointment.
Medical-grade compression socks are the ones for wearing on long journeys or for those who have standing jobs. As they are effective in relieving swollen legs and ankles and help keep blood circulating when you’re inactive.
So, athletic compression socks and stockings are not suitable for people immediately after varicose vein treatment or an operation, and medical-grade compression socks are not suitable for athletes during or after their game.
