Nowadays, compression socks are needful stuff that a cyclist should have. So, wearing compression socks after cycling plays a major role in your recovery process. It enables you to relax and recuperate faster for your next cycling session.
But how long should you wear it? How does it work? The majority asks so. Mainly, a cyclist’s performance heavily depends on their legs, waist, knees, ankles. Therefore, socks are pretty effective in enhancing blood circulation and improving muscle recovery.
However, you can wear compression socks during and after your cycling sessions. But if it makes you uncomfortable, you can swap them with calf guards. Read along for more information on compression socks and their effects on cycling.
How Do Compression Socks Help Cyclists?
Well, compression socks use fabric technology (graduated compression) to boost blood flow. It works by applying varied pressure on various sections of the leg. As a result, they are tighter at the ankles and give minor fitting to the knee.
So, the pressure enables the blood to flow against gravity and back to the heart. This is how compression socks help a cyclist and improve their cycling experience & performance.
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Should You Wear Compression Socks While Cycling?
Experts say wearing compression socks in the riding provides limited benefit. However, it is more popular as recovery socks. Besides the compression, these socks also give leg protection on a hard racing track.
So, no doubt, wearing compression socks while cycling improves your cycling performance.
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How Long To Wear Compression Socks After Cycling?
Since cyclists rely on their legs, waist, knees, ankles and, it is related to blood activity. So, poor blood flow leads to lactic acid build-up, which causes muscle pains.
Therefore, experts recommend you keep compression socks on for at least 2 hours post cycling. But for professional cyclists, 6 to 24 hours is ideal. This also rings true for cyclists who engage in intense, whole-day cycling.
Tips- Which Socks for Cycling:
We recommend picking above the ankle or mid-crew length socks for riders. Also, in winter or chilly morning weather- merino-wool socks are very popular.
Benefits Of Wearing Compression Socks After Cycling
Compression socks help prevent the accumulation of lactic acid, especially in long-distance cycling. Efficient blood circulation is critical in preventing leg swelling and muscle fatigue. What’s more?
Muscle Recovery:
Blood can pool around your ankle and calf muscle after cycling. Compression socks will help you avoid this problem. Studies show that wearing compression socks for 15 minutes enhances blood oxygenation by 15%. It also helps with the fast removal of toxins, hence preventing muscle soreness.
Improved muscle oxygenation and fast removal of toxins equal quick recovery. Wearing compression socks after cycling also minimizes muscle fatigue.
Temperature Regulation:
Compression socks contain special fibres that aid in temperature regulation. In addition, the moisture-wicking properties help absorb sweat, which in turn creates a cooling effect.
If you are looking for a warmer effect, then merino-wool socks are the best. They are ideal for winter or chilly morning weather. They are breathable, have a natural crimp and a layer of dead air (heat-zone).
Leg support and injury prevention:
Cycling exerts a lot of strain on feet and leg muscles. It also causes shaking of the calf muscles, which can cause tiny muscle tears. Wearing compression socks gives extra support to your muscles and tendons.
This minimizes muscle shaking by 32 percent, which decreases the risk of injury—wearing compression socks after cycling aids in reducing fluid retention and muscle soreness.
Related content: Can Wearing Compression Socks Be Harmful?
Conclusion
It is every cyclist’s dream to achieve their best performance. But, to do so, they need to have the right gear and equipment. Compression socks are one of those gears that every severe cyclist should have. They aid in preventing muscle injury, reduce recovery period and decrease muscle soreness.
For better recovery, wear compression socks for at least 2-hours post-cycling. So, choose your compression socks and get the best out of yourself.
