Compression socks not only support your feet and legs, but they also help reduce fatigue, increase endurance, and aid proprioception (muscle and joint awareness) for higher performance levels
For optimum performance in a soccer game, maintaining healthy feet and legs is essential. These compression socks can also be a lifesaver for those who play the beautiful game regularly.
You’ve probably seen compression socks before, but if you’ve never had to use them, there’s probably a lot you don’t know about them.
There is much to learn about compression socks, from their medicinal benefits to the misconception surrounding age-appropriate use.
This article will explain everything as well as the benefits, drawbacks, and how best to wear compression socks in soccer. So whether you’re a fan of the beautiful game or just curious, keep reading to find out more.
What Is Compression Socks?
Compression socks are specialized socks designed to help reduce the occurrence and progression of venous disorders such as edema, phlebitis, and thrombosis.
They are elastic stockings that are worn around the leg to compress it.
This lowers the diameter of dilated veins while increasing the volume of venous blood flow and the effectiveness of the valves.
“The key intention is to promote better blood circulation in the legs.”
Compression soccer socks apply a modest pressure to the legs to press the veins and force the blood to flow in the leg.
There are several sorts of compression socks that work for different bodies, so make sure to choose the appropriate one for your need.
According to Healthline, a doctor may prescribe compression socks to help with:
- To boost circulation in your legs
- To support veins
- To help prevent blood from pooling in your leg veins
- To help stop the leg from swelling
- To reduce orthostatic hypotension, which causes lightheadedness or unsteadiness when you stand
- To help prevent venous ulcers
- To prevent the development of deep vein thrombosis in your legs
- To help lessen the pain caused by varicose veins
- To reverse venous hypertension
- To improve lymphatic drainage
Those that wear compression socks include;
- Women who are pregnant
- Air hostesses and pilots
- Athletes and others who stand all-day
Compression socks are normally associated with the elderly or travelers. Athletes are, however, listed, and soccer players depend on their legs to play the game.
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Can A Player Wear Compression Socks To Play Soccer?
The short answer is yes!
Pre-existing injuries can be avoided with compression soccer socks.
They encourage healthy blood flow, which aids in normal blood flow back to the heart. This improves an athlete’s performance and protects against any incoming injury.
Compression socks are an absolute necessity for athletes, particularly soccer players. And they are also cushioned on the sole of the foot to prevent blisters from forming.
Research was conducted on female soccer players and the result came positive, meaning wearing compression soccer socks during a game could reduce fatigue afterward.
Compression socks have many benefits, which both the medical community and academic research acknowledge it.
Different Styles Of Compression Socks
We’d recommend you choose compression socks that are well tailored to your needs from the three available types. If not, it might have negative effects on your mobility and performance.
Graduated compression socks
This type of sock exerts more pressure on the foot’s ankle and less pressure up the leg. They are carefully measured to fit your needs and fit up to the knee.
Anti-embolism socks
These types are designed for players with mobility issues. They are made for people with DVT and feature graduated pressure.
Non-medical support sock
These are typical compression socks that are normally worn on airplanes and do not exert as much pressure as the other two types of socks.
Can Soccer Socks Be Used As Compression Socks?
Absolutely NO!
Soccer socks are made to be a little bit lose compared to compression soccer socks. They typically fit more closely around your calves and are more form-fitting.
Soccer socks may be a little too loose if you wish to wear them as compression socks.
It’s important to note that soccer socks are often thinner than compression socks. Because they need to provide compression, they are made from thicker material.
The only kind of material used to make soccer socks is thin, like cotton or synthetic fibers.
Soccer socks aren’t meant to be compression socks; they’re meant to be worn with shoes.
They might give your legs and feet some relief, but they won’t have the same qualities as compression socks.
For optimal support, though, you can wear both compression and soccer socks at once. Soccer compression socks are also sold over the counter because they fall under the category of non-medical compression hosiery.
Compression socks will ultimately boost your game performance.
Since compression fundamentally improves blood circulation, which prevents swelling, muscle exhaustion, and blood pooling in the blood vessels, your legs won’t quickly feel tired.
How To Wear Compression Socks And Shin Guards?
Roll up the sock so your toes go straight to the bottom, then roll up the sole of your foot, then roll up to the top of your leg.
Make sure the sock’s cushioning is placed on your foot so that it fits comfortably. Some players roll down an inch of their sock’s top to make it more comfortable and to keep it in place.
Shin guards come in two different types. One features a strap that goes over your foot and an ankle brace attached to the guard.
You must put on the shin guard first, then the soccer socks, for this particular type.
Because the second kind of shin guard slips into the sock, you put on your socks first and then pull them forward to insert your shin guard.
- Choose the Suitable Shin Guards
You must get the proper fit for your soccer shin guards in order to avoid discomfort and keep them from shifting around.
When you play, they will probably slip down if you get ones that are too large. On the other side, if you get shin guards that are too short, your legs may be cramped.
To ensure optimal shin protection, get soccer shin guards that are well-fitted.
You should also take the design of the shin guards into consideration. Slip-in shin guards are preferred by soccer players because they are more lightweight and allow mobility.
- Put on the Right Socks
It’s ideal to wear slip-on soccer shin guards with the right socks. Choose long compression soccer socks to help keep your shin guards in place. Quality compression socks can provide an extra layer of protection and improve circulation.
- Protect the shin guards.
As a general rule, never enter the pitch without your soccer shin guards fitted. Without being secured, they can slide down and get in your way since you’ll be doing a lot of running.
Furthermore, if they are not well-fitted, they won’t be able to protect your shins as intended.
Make sure the strap fasteners on your shin guards are tight if they have straps. However, if you wear slip-in shin guards, you should try taping the shin guards to your legs to keep them in place.
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Best Compression Socks
PRO Compression Marathoner
Zensah Tech+ Compression Socks
Sockwell Elevation Graduated Compression Socks
What Kind of Socks Do Soccer Players Wear?
Most soccer players switch between compression and soccer socks for either training sessions or for a game. Both types of socks should be worn for comfort, as well as for performance and to prevent blisters and injuries.
However, it may be overwhelming for them to wear two socks with their shoes on.
Of course, they deploy some creative techniques, such as cutting the bottom of the socks off and taping the cut part to keep it in place. They do take all necessary precautions to enable optimal performance.
Essentially soccer players don’t have to stick with a specific pair of socks as long as they can protect them and enhance their performance.
How Can You Know Whether Compression Socks Are Necessary?
For soccer players who have ankle, foot, or leg issues, compression socks are highly recommended.
They can also be used by those with limited mobility due to illness or injury, as well as kids. Compression socks provide ankle and foot support by minimizing fluid buildup and edema.
Use the manufacturer’s recommended sizing chart to choose the best pair of compression socks that fits well. The sock shouldn’t be compressed over your calf.
Alternatively, press the sock’s inner edge on your lower shin bone to create a little pool of fluid around your ankle.
You shouldn’t wear them if they aren’t helping you.
Final Thoughts
Compression socks are recommended for soccer players. since they create a healthier blood flow, which facilitates the return of blood to the heart.
They are the ideal gear for boosting athletic performance. If you sustain an injury, compressive therapy, whose work is effective in enhancing the internal structures of the foot and calf, can help you recover quickly.
