Compression socks

Compression stockings, until now mainly used in the medical field (to prevent varicose veins, avoid tourist class syndrome or to promote circulation in hospitalized people), are spreading among athletes, which is why it is increasingly common See athletes wearing these knee length socks.

They are stockings made of nylon (88%) and lycra (12%) whose main characteristic is that apply decreasing compression to the leg (greater compression at the ankle and less at the calf) that improves blood circulation and facilitates the return of venous blood, thus promoting oxygenation of the muscles and the drainage of toxins accumulated with effort.

The matter seems to work and that it is not simple suggestion or placebo effect. Among its users are marathoners Paula Radcliffe (in the photo) and Martín Fiz, the skier María José Rienda, the basketball player Amaya Valdemoro, the NBA player Kobe Bryant and many others. Price? Around € 18-40.

They also have other advantages:

• expel sweat and humidity, since it is a highly breathable material.
• allow padding of certain areas such as the sole of the foot or the tibia.
• prevent blisters and chafing for being an elastic and non-slip fabric.

In sports they are used mainly for two purposes:

1. To compete or train: they improve performance, as they support the muscles (avoiding vibrations that decrease performance and minimizing the risk of impact injuries) and activate blood circulation, facilitating oxygenation of muscle tissue. Specific models are manufactured for numerous sports: athletics, football, basketball, skiing, snowboarding, mountaineering, tennis, cycling, etc.
2. Compression socks for athletics (left) and skiing (right)
3. To recover: allow faster recovery as they facilitate venous return and drainage, thus preventing cramps, overloads and stiffness. They are used for one or two hours after training, and they are simpler models that do not have reinforcements or padding since they are not for sports with them.