If you’ve had an injury, you may have heard people suggest that you use the RICE method for recovery: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Today, we’d like to talk about the compression piece and how that can help you with foot and ankle injuries.
It’s mostly athletes that you will see wearing compression clothing and socks to help them with reducing muscle soreness and healing any injuries. Some may even believe that compression items can help improve performance while playing sports. Others just use it for providing a tight, warm layer of clothing that does not get in the way of athletic activity. Whatever reason you may use it for, it is helpful to know how it works and when it is truly beneficial to your body.
In trying to understand compression’s efficacy, there have been studies of athletes who use compression. The results showed that there was no necessary improvement of performance during athletic activity, but there was increased blood flow and reduction or prevention of swelling when worn after activity. These studies used small samples, which may be the reason for ambiguous results.
Still, compression is certainly known to help treat and even prevent edema. Compression works by squeezing the area to help veins return to normal size from being dilated. This increases blood flow through the area, which brings healing nutrients but also takes away excess fluids. Those who are afflicted by edema would benefit greatly from compression.
Diabetics, especially, experience issues with edema in the feet, ankles, and legs. Additionally, those who have jobs where they stand all day or even sit all day can use compression sleeves or socks to prevent swelling and feel more comfortable throughout the day. Those with injuries can also take advantage of compression for faster recovery and relief. In fact, compression is so effective in facilitating blood flow in the legs that the American Heart Association Journal says that for 2 years after a blood clot, patients should wear compression stockings to prevent reoccurrence.
While compression socks have benefits for everyone, if you suffer from edema in the feet and ankles, make an appointment with us at Crofton Podiatry. Our board-certified podiatrist, Brad Toll, DPM, can assess and diagnose your edema issues and possible underlying causes. Call our office in Crofton, MD today at (410) 721-4505.