How Compression Socks Help with Shin Splints

There is no denying that being active is good for your health. Whether you run, hike, play sports or do anything else on your feet, motion is essential. Sometimes, active lifestyles can lead to injuries. One of the most common injuries for people who run is shin splints. The pain can completely shut down your exercise, and a great frustration to face. The good news is that you can fight back against shin splints simply by upgrading your socks. If you were wondering “is there something you can wear for shin splints,” we have the answer.

What Are Shin Splints?

The term shin splints is not a medical diagnosis or issue. Instead, it’s a common phrase that refers to the pain you can get in your shins that comes as a result of running or other physical activity. The pain can come from a number of causes, with the most common being medial tibial stress syndrome.

This is a medical condition where inflammation arises in the shins from exerting too much pressure on the connective tissues. Running is a common source of that pressure. The inflammation leads to pain, and rest is the only real cure.

Still, there are interventive measures that can help with faster recovery and lower the risk of recurring cases of medial tibial stress syndrome.

How Do Compression Socks Help?

Compression socks interact with the most common form of shin splints in interesting ways. Specifically, they can help with medial tibial stress syndrome. The inflammation that arises can lead to swelling and sustained internal pressure. Compression socks push back against that pressure in order to help relieve some of the tension and pain that comes with it.

 Additionally, the socks help to maintain good blood flow and lymphatic fluid movement. The blood vessels and lymphatic system carry fluids related to inflammation away from the affected area in the body. When copper compression socks help to keep those systems open and efficient, they can help you speed up your shin splint recovery. The compression socks can also help provide relief from pain and discomfort by pushing against the inflammation in a medically safe way. 

You can also help prevent shin splints with compression socks. The compression from the socks provides counter-pressure against the impact that wears down shins during a run. Combined with the improved blood and lymphatic flow, the compression socks make it harder for inflammation buildup to occur in the first place.

If you combine the use of compression socks with strength training, regular rest and additional preventative measures like icing the shins, you can prevent the problem from recurring. You can enjoy your physical activities with less stress and worry.

Picking The Right Compression Socks

If you want to use compression socks to help relieve or prevent shin splints, there are a few ideas to keep in mind. The first thing to consider is the level of compression. If you don’t have a prescription for compression socks, then you probably want to stick to the mild-medium range for your socks. These would be socks with compression between 8 and 20 mmHg. This level of compression will help with shin splints and still leave plenty of flexibility and freedom of movement for your activity.

The second thing to consider is length. Compression socks come in many different sizes. Consider a knee-high or calf sleeve for the best fit. It will provide pressure where you need it and reduce the effort you have to put into using your socks every time you are active.

If you want the best compression socks for shin splints, check out our Sports Collection. You’ll find that there is something for everyone, and you can get just the right socks that help your shins stay healthy and keep you moving.

Disclaimer: This article provides information solely for educational purposes, including but not limited to text, graphics, images, and other materials contained herein. This article is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.