Runner's compression socks are a new product on the market that can help you prevent leg damage when running. These socks are specifically designed to help your legs handle the stress of running and thus prevent and reduce injuries.
Tight, uncomfortable socks were once all we had for running. Then came fabric technology that offered better comfort, but also increased bulk.
Today, there is a new trend in performance apparel: socks that offer the benefits of both solutions without the drawbacks. These socks, usually made of nylon and spandex, provide support and compression, but they do so without being bulky or cumbersome. In addition, they're designed to be comfortable above and below the calf muscle, which reduces muscle fatigue and soreness.
Runner's compression socks are a relatively new product on the market. They were developed to combat one of the most common running injuries: shin splints. Shin splints occur when you overwork your lower leg muscles by running with inadequate support or improper form–in other words, from overuse. Compression socks aid in recovery from shin splints by increasing blood flow to the affected area and promoting healing of injured tissue.
Even though compression socks have become popular among runners over the past decade, there is still some debate about their effectiveness in preventing injuries. Some experts feel that compression socks don't do anything but provide a psychological benefit to runners. However, there are numerous scientific studies that show how effective compression socks really are for runners. These studies also show that wearing compression socks does not increase the risk of injuries when compared to traditional running shoes.
Dr. Paul Langer, chief of sports medicine at Winthrop University Hospital in Mineola, New York; says "compression stockings reduce muscle vibration and help clear metabolic waste from the muscles."