Are you a fitness freak, adrenaline junkie or sports enthusiast? Have you considered how much pressure you put on your feet and legs, or how to protect them from blisters, infections and nasty odors? Do you wonder if there’s any way to safely boost muscle performance?
Compression socks could be just what you need. They are designed to improve blood flow by applying graduated pressure along their length. You can find them in different lengths, styles, thicknesses, sizes and compression levels to suit every need (mostly because all types of people use them now, from expecting mothers to diabetics).
Let’s look at why compression socks are your perfect companion if you’re into:
Sports and Athletics
No matter whether your favorite sport is a weekend indulgence or a full-time career, you’re far more likely to pay attention to health and fitness trends than most people. If you’re enthusiastic about basketball, football, swimming, running or gymnastics, you probably also have specific sporting gear you swear by.
However, you also face greater risks in some regards. Contact sports often lead to injury and muscle strain, while excessive sweating can cause foul body odor and encourage the growth of bacteria and fungi. Choosing the right clothing and accessories can help you prevent these issues, and perhaps even improve your performance.
Compression wear boosts circulation and speeds up muscle recovery. Look for compression socks made with copper infused fabric, which offers antimicrobial protection, sweat and odor control, as well as other benefits. If you’re using public pools, showers or locker rooms, a good pair of copper compression socks can help you keep toenail fungus, Athlete’s Foot and other infections at bay.
Adventure Activities
If you spend a lot of time in the great outdoors, you need the right clothing and gear. Whether you’re hiking and camping in the woods when the weather’s warm and sunny, or heading up the slopes for a weekend spent rock climbing, snowboarding or skiing, it’s important to protect yourself against potential dangers. Since compression socks are designed to boost blood circulation, they can help to regulate your body heat and keep you comfortable even in freezing temperatures. They also ensure that you aren’t risking excessive muscle strain and cramps while hiking down a jungle trail, climbing up a mountain, or kayaking down the rapids.
Depending on the kind of adventure activities you enjoy, you can choose between light and heavy compression, moisture-wicking or heat-retaining fabrics, even antimicrobial and anti-odor materials such as copper. Look for socks that will dry quickly or don’t need frequent washing, especially if you’re heading away from civilization!
Frequent Travel
If you sometimes feel like you’re living at the airport (like Viktor Navorski in The Terminal) and barely ever touch the ground between flights, you’ve probably dealt with your share of aching and swollen feet. Sitting or standing for too long affects circulation in your feet and legs, leading to a wide variety of painful issues.
Other than aching legs, feet, and shoulders, frequent flying also raises the risk of DVT or Deep Vein Thrombosis, a.k.a. Economy Class Syndrome. Most travelers assume they’re just tired or jet-lagged when the silent killer makes legs or feet swell up suddenly, but you can die within minutes if blood clots in your leg make their way into the lungs!
If you want to reduce this risk and keep your legs healthy while flying, compression socks are for you. By applying varying amounts of pressure, they ensure that blood flow remains normal in your lower limbs even when you’re stationary. They’re especially useful in cramped flights where you can’t move around or stretch your legs too well.
When you’re shopping for compression socks, take your time to find a pair that meets your requirements perfectly. It also makes sense to combine the benefits of compression with the protection of antibacterial or antifungal fabrics, so look for socks that are infused with copper ions and other natural antimicrobials.
People with active lifestyles have always been vocal supporters of compression wear, for a wide range of reasons. If you haven’t started wearing compression socks for your active lifestyle, it really is time you considered giving them a try!
Guest Blogger
Kunal is a young and passionate entrepreneur, fascinated by the workings of the human body and natural solutions for common health problems. He’s single-minded in his aim to make Copper Clothing a brand that’s recognized across the globe, by partnering with global brands to make these high-tech materials easily accessible for everyone.
