Whether you are walking on the golf course, out for your regular workout or running a marathon, often times your legs and feet will feel swollen or achy when you are finished. There is an easy solution that can help your legs and feet feel better: compression socks. Wearing compression socks can help increase blood flow, more evenly distribute muscle strain and help legs feel less fatigued.
These products used to be considered only for people with medical conditions or circulatory problems but are now becoming more widely used by people who are catching on to the benefits. They can help those who practice more moderate exercises. Surprisingly, research shows athletes are at a higher risk than others for DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis), a potentially fatal blood clot that forms in the deep vein system of the lower leg and can occur from sitting in the same position for an extended period of time. Trained athletes have a lower resting heart rate which can cause blood to stagnate and become thicker which could lead to problems like DVT.
Athletes should stay hydrated with both water and an electrolyte replacement. Dehydration from extended athletic activity causes glycogen and water to be pulled from muscles, and blood becomes more dense. Immediately following an endurance event, the body compensates for this by pulling water and glycogen back into your muscles. Better circulation drains lactic acid out of the blood system and legs. This is why a cool-down is necessary – it allows the blood in your working muscles to gradually move back to your internal organs instead of pooling in your legs.
Compression socks apply maximum pressure at the ankle and systematically decrease up the sock length, which maintains proper venous blood flow in the leg. This improves circulation and provides support. For runners, this helps to prevent the tightening of the calf muscles and helps the muscles recover much more easily.

A cushioned cotton support sock like AmesWalker.com E-Z Walker Sport (15-20 or 20-30 mmHg) will help improve circulation. E-Z Walker Sport have superior moisture wicking effects to keep feet cool, dry and prevent bacterial growth. The padded foot guards against blistering and skin lesions from foreign objects in the shoe and the double sole cushions the foot during strenuous activity. You should check with your doctor to see which firmness is best for you.
For more information on compression products, including athletic socks, visit AmesWalker.com. The website has great information on compression values and how to select the right compression sock.
AmesWalker sent me a pair to try and I wear them when golfing. I found that my legs have not felt as tired – and interestingly, my feet subsequently feel better too. If you use compression socks, I’d welcome your opinion on how the socks have helped. Drop me an email.
This post is the result of my asking them to send me an article I could use in this blog. I’d like to thank Danielle Robitaille from AmesWalker for her help. I have always said we need to keep our feet happy. Here’s a case where keeping our legs happy will also keep our feet happy!