Traveling for a Race? Why Compression Socks Are Essential for Recovery

Traveling for a Race? Why Compression Socks Are Essential for Recovery

Traveling from one time zone to another is common for truly dedicated runners who wish to participate in a variety of marathons. However, there are several negatives that can happen when you travel from point A to point B for a race. Unfortunately, the two biggest issues involve your race performance and post-race recovery. 

The good news is that wearing TRUEENERGY® Targeted Compression Performance Calf Socks can help you avoid these issues. How is this possible? Read on to discover why compression socks for travel are one of the top travel tips for runners. 

The Science Behind Travel Compression Socks

Travel compression socks use graduated compression, which helps boost your circulation and ties into the recovery process. Graduated compression means that the pressure will be put on a specific area of the body such as your legs. The level of compression will gradually decrease as it moves up the leg.  

The application of graduated pressure helps the flow of blood going from your extremities to your heart. In turn, it’ll reduce your risk of blood pooling by promoting optimal circulation. Therefore, if you’re traveling and need race recovery tips, compression socks work especially well for people who need to remain sitting for an extended period of time. Other benefits of wearing compression include:

  • Reduced leg swelling while traveling 

  • Erased leg fatigue 

  • Decreased inflammation

Why Compression Socks Are a Must When Traveling for a Race

Whether you’re planning to use a plane, train, or car, it’s important to put on your best compression socks for travel. In this section, we’re going to take a closer look at each mode of transportation and what compression socks can do to help you become less fatigued. 

Air Travel 

Traveling by plane will get you to your destination faster, but it also comes with several risks. For instance, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) leads to a potentially life-threatening blood clot. The longer you remain seated, the higher your risk of DVT becomes. Plus, even if you don’t get DVT, your legs are likely to swell and become painful.

Wearing compression socks for flying is the best way to avoid issues like DVT. After all, compression will keep your blood flowing. Combine this with walking the plane aisle every hour or so, and you can keep your legs primed for optimal performance.  

Train Travel 

Traveling by train offers more legroom than a plane, but it’s still not as much legroom as you’ll probably want. Although most people equate air travel with DVT, the risk is about equal with train travel. Again, putting on compression socks for travel will keep your legs and general health in better shape. 

Car Travel 

Taking a road trip sounds nicer than being crammed into a plane or train, right? But before you decide on this option, it’s wise to learn the facts. Prolonged sitting in a car is a good way to reduce your overall mobility, and it might even worsen Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS). 

DOMS can affect you whether you work out too much or don’t work out at all. It is typically brought on by: 

  • New or unusual exercise activity

  • Intense exercise 

  • Not recovering properly 

  • Genetic predisposition 

  • Environmental factors 

If you suffer from DOMS, you can do the following to prevent it from becoming even worse: 

  • Wear compression socks 

  • Remain hydrated 

  • Use active recovery days 

  • Stretch appropriately

  • Sleep for 7-9 hours a night 

  • Do warm-ups and cool-downs 

  • Pay attention to what your body tells you

As you can see, one of the best ways to avoid issues with car travel is to wear compression socks for runners. 

After the Race 

When you cross the finish line of your latest race, you’ll most likely be dealing with sore, inflamed muscles. The good news is that if you keep your compression socks on, you’ll feel better much more quickly. That’s because of the many benefits associated with compression, including: 

  • Boosted circulation 

  • Reduced fatigue 

  • Less inflammation 

  • Reduced muscle soreness

  • Less swelling 

  • Reduced risk of blood clots 

  • Faster overall recovery 

The National Library of Medicine conducted a study into post-race recovery periods with and without compression socks. What they found makes it clear that everyone should be wearing compression socks to help with recovery after a marathon. 

  • After 24 hours: 34.6% – 42.3% less pain 

  • After 48 hours: 40.3% – 61.4% less pain

In other words, they found that compression socks offer a meaningful and significant recovery during the first 48 hours. Can you imagine how much faster you’ll be able to run with 61.4% less pain? 

How to Choose the Best Compression Socks for Travel and Recovery

You might assume that the higher the level of compression, the more it will assist you. This isn’t true, though. Instead, choosing a pair of compression socks that provide between 8 and 20 mmHg provides the perfect level of support for traveling. Also, it helps you combat aching legs, fatigue, and mild swelling. 

Here is a list of the different mmHg levels, along with what each one is good for: 

  • 8-15 mmHg – Offers mild support. Prevents fatigue and makes standing or sitting more comfortable during travel. 

  • 15-20 mmHg – Perfect for everyday moderate support. Wear for aching, mild swelling, or travel.

  • 20-30 mmHg – Medical grade compression. Typically used for after surgery or for varicose veins. 

  • 30-40+ mmHg – Strong compression. Used for serious conditions such as lymphedema and severe edema.  

Other factors that should come into play include: 

  • Moisture-wicking materials 

  • Odor reduction 

  • Mesh venting 

  • Seamless toe

  • Comfort welt top 

  • Expanded heel pocket 

  • Cushion footbed 

  • Breathability 

  • Arch band protection 

  • Infrared technology 

TRUEENERGY® offers Targeted Compression Performance Calf Socks for women and men. Out of all our compression sock options, we specifically recommend calf socks for travel and recovery. They provide support for calves, plantar fascia, and circulation pathways, all of which will help you reduce any swelling and inflammation. Without them, your recovery will be impeded and keep you on the sidelines for longer. Instead, by choosing our Targeted Compression Performance Calf Socks, you’ll be ready to run again! 

Bonus Race Recovery Tips While Traveling

Wearing Targeted Compression Performance Calf Socks enables you to recover more quickly. There are also several other tips you can put into practice such as: 

  • Hydrate frequently 

  • Walk or stretch at least once per hour during travel 

  • Utilize tools such as percussive devices or massage balls 

  • Wear compression socks for 12-24 hours after each race 

  • Prioritize sleep (at least 7-9 hours per night) 

  • Drink electrolytes 

  • Avoid alcohol and eat a balanced diet 

Rely on Targeted Compression Performance Calf Socks 

Traveling is difficult for everyone, but you don’t have to allow it to affect your performance. Instead, turn to TRUEENERGY® Targeted Compression Performance Calf Socks to help you during the race and your post-race recovery process. You’ll feel much better after 24 hours, instead of dealing with problems such as fatigue, muscle soreness, inflammation, and swelling. Plus, don’t forget that these socks will make the process of traveling go much more smoothly. Pack smarter and recover faster with TRUEENERGY® Targeted Compression Performance Calf Socks. Once you’ve felt the difference, you’ll never run or travel without them! 

Are you planning to travel to your next race? Choose TRUEENERGY® Targeted Compression Performance Calf Socks. They offer our proprietary Tru-X® Technology that combines the circulation and support benefits of targeted compression with the recovery power of Infrared Energy. These socks give you the most complete and innovative compression performance sock on the market.  

 

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