Why Cyclists Choose Compression Stockings
Compression stockings and socks are made of a tight elasticized fabric designed to exert pressure on the leg. The tightest pressure is exerted at the ankle, with the pressure decreasing as the fabric goes up the leg. The stockings are designed to increase circulation in the limbs by forcing blood to return to the heart. This prevents blood pooling in the limbs or feet, thereby preventing edema and swelling in the legs and feet. Compression stockings, often referred to as support socks, go from the foot to the thigh or waist.
For many years, compression stockings were mostly used in hospitals for patients who spend a lot of time in bed. Over the last several years, more people have started wearing them. The latest trend is that athletes in general have adopted compression garments in an attempt to improve their athletic performance. Now, cyclists have discovered the benefits of wearing these socks.
Cyclists find that they promote blood flow to the heart from the lower extremities. This, in turn, creates a better return of oxygen to the legs which decreases lactic acid build-up. Lactic acid build-up is the cause of muscle soreness and fatigue; therefore, preventing this build-up by wearing the support socks decreases the occurrence of sore muscles. Fatigue is also minimized and increased endurance is the result.
Compression socks for cyclists and other athletes are often made with a temperature-regulating material which increases comfort. Legs are kept cool as the body warms up during the course of the exercise. The garments provide padding to the feet, which prevents blisters and also provide protection for the Achilles tendon by adding extra support to leg muscles.
Cyclists have discovered that keeping the stockings on during a period of rest or recovery after the ride helps to decrease swelling and edema and results in less muscle soreness. These benefits allow the cyclists to train harder and more frequently, increasing their overall performance.
When a cyclist decides to buy compression stockings, he or she needs to consider several factors. For example, the legs must be accurately measured so that the graduation in pressure is appropriately distributed. Unlike traditional stockings or socks, compression stockings may be designed to fit specifically the right or left foot, so accurate sizing is important. Different levels of compression are available, as is a choice of colors. The fabric eventually loses its elasticity and the will need to be replaced, usually every four or five months, depending on the frequency with which the cyclist uses them.
For many years, compression stockings were mostly used in hospitals for patients who spend a lot of time in bed. Over the last several years, more people have started wearing them. The latest trend is that athletes in general have adopted compression garments in an attempt to improve their athletic performance. Now, cyclists have discovered the benefits of wearing these socks.
Cyclists find that they promote blood flow to the heart from the lower extremities. This, in turn, creates a better return of oxygen to the legs which decreases lactic acid build-up. Lactic acid build-up is the cause of muscle soreness and fatigue; therefore, preventing this build-up by wearing the support socks decreases the occurrence of sore muscles. Fatigue is also minimized and increased endurance is the result.
Compression socks for cyclists and other athletes are often made with a temperature-regulating material which increases comfort. Legs are kept cool as the body warms up during the course of the exercise. The garments provide padding to the feet, which prevents blisters and also provide protection for the Achilles tendon by adding extra support to leg muscles.
Cyclists have discovered that keeping the stockings on during a period of rest or recovery after the ride helps to decrease swelling and edema and results in less muscle soreness. These benefits allow the cyclists to train harder and more frequently, increasing their overall performance.
When a cyclist decides to buy compression stockings, he or she needs to consider several factors. For example, the legs must be accurately measured so that the graduation in pressure is appropriately distributed. Unlike traditional stockings or socks, compression stockings may be designed to fit specifically the right or left foot, so accurate sizing is important. Different levels of compression are available, as is a choice of colors. The fabric eventually loses its elasticity and the will need to be replaced, usually every four or five months, depending on the frequency with which the cyclist uses them.
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