Compression Sleeves: Health Benefits and Important Tips!

Using compression socks and sleeves are an effective way to treat leg pain and prevent venous diseases since they significantly improve circulation. To maximize the effectiveness, make sure to get the right size for you and don’t wear them to bed!

Want to know more about compression sleeves? Read on to find out about their benefits and some helpful tips while wearing them!

Health Benefits

One of the main reasons for sporting compression sleeves is because they are recommended for individuals with knee injuries and arthritis.

The compression helps enhance the amount of flow of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood to the knees, which can then minimize swelling and effectively manage pain.

The advantage one gets when wearing these garments are plentiful. Here are a few more:

1. Limits Future Damage

Compression sleeves help protect your legs, reduce the risk of major damage to the joints and limbs, and are a good preventative measure for those who consistently partake in strenuous physical activities. They allow the wearer to be mobile, despite any injuries or illnesses present in the legs or arms.

2. Assists Muscle Recovery

Athletes and active individuals such as a casual runner may exercise with a compression sleeve on their calf, arm, or thigh.

This is because they help by increasing the amount blood flow to the muscles, thus improving athletic performance and quickening recovery post-workout.

This had been highlighted in studies by sports science professor Billy Sperlich at the University of Würzburg in Germany.

Compression sleeves can continue to enhance the blood flow of oxygenated blood to muscle areas even when an exercise is over. As circulation is improved, this would help in the removal of lactic acid released in the muscles quicker and, thus, reducing muscle aches and inflammation.

Important Tips When Wearing Calf Compression Sleeves

1. Using Knee Braces vs. Compression Sleeves

A knee brace is typically recommended for individuals who have had a severe injury to the leg or knee, thus needing garment support in keeping the knee joint still during recovery.

Compression sleeves would be preferable if an individual requires support in the knee joints if they are weak, have been injured before, for activities involving heavy lifting, doing an exercise involving repeated bending of the knees, or just as daily wear inside or outside of work.

The materials used, such as neoprene, help minimize the movement of the patella in the knee without placing movement restrictions on the person wearing it.

2. Wear Them Daily

Knee compression sleeves can be worn daily, however preferably not for an entire day straight. Prolonged wear could result in discomfort or irritation and should be taken off immediately when this occurs.

Wearing them overnight is also not recommended.

3. Choose Quality Over Quantity

The quality of compression sleeves should be considered, as poor quality ones may tear easily, lose their stretch quality quickly, cause skin irritation or provide ineffective compression.

This can be done by purchasing from reputable manufacturers with positive customer reviews on their products.

4. Be Sure They Fit Well

In order to achieve effective results, a compression sleeve must fit well and comfortably.

Compression sleeves should allow you to move with ease and not make your leg feel constricted. If the sizing chosen is too small, this could cause you to lose proper circulation in the leg, which could lead to numbness or blood pooling.

5. Consider The Material

The material should be considered to make sure they are friendly on your skin and will not cause any allergic reaction or irritation. Materials that are hypoallergenic or natural can be suitable for individuals with sensitive skin.

Best Materials for Your Compression Sleeves:

Certain materials are breathable, such as cotton, and some hi-tech hybrid fabrics have moisture-wicking features. This is just a fancy way to say that the fabric is able to quickly remove sweat.

A breathable fabric would bring comfort, especially if the sleeve needs to be worn for hours, while moisture-wicking would prevent sweat from pooling in the same area.

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Summary

The above-mentioned benefits of calf compression sleeves are especially helpful for individuals with knee ailments. They’re also great at enhancing one’s blood flow to key areas of the body. The advantages of wearing them are plentiful! They are especially great for casual or serious runners and athletes.

Our various tips should help you decide if you need one, and if you do, consider the following tips when choosing your garment:

• Consider choosing the correct material for your compression sleeve and the benefit you hope to gain.
• Choose quality over quantity when purchasing your compression sleeve for maximum benefits.
• Measure your legs and consider the widest points of your calves, knees, and ankles.
• Don’t wear your compression sleeves to bed as studies show there is no added benefit to this practice. Your legs need some relaxation, too!
• Consider altogether if you need a knee brace instead for whatever ails you!
• And finally, if you’re interested in getting your own pair, visit ComproGear for its variety of compression garments!

This page last updated December 15, 2022