Compression Socks Speed up Recovery and Relieves Pain
A sprained ankle is a common injury that can occur during physical activities or even simple everyday movements. It typically involves stretching or tearing of the ligaments around the ankle joint, resulting in pain, swelling, and limited mobility. While proper rest, ice, and elevation are essential for healing, compression socks can be a valuable addition to your recovery routine.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of compression socks for a sprained ankle and compression socks can aid in the healing process.
Reducing Swelling with Compression Socks
Compression socks are designed to apply graduated pressure to the affected area. “Graduated Pressure” means applying a uniform pressure from the foot upthe leg in different grades of pressure as a way to move blood back to the trunk of the body and to stop it from pooling in the legs.
This pressure helps to improve blood circulation and prevents the accumulation of fluid in the injured ankle. By reducing swelling, compression socks can alleviate discomfort and promote faster healing.
Compression socks from Sox Solutions also have the added benefit of providing stability around the ankle. This extra tension supports the ankle and keeps it from further injury, almost like kinesiology tape would do for athletes.
Enhanced Stability and Support
A sprained ankle is often accompanied by instability and a feeling of weakness in the joint.During the first few days after an ankle injury, support is critical. The ligaments in the ankle are sensitive to furtherinjury, so adding some level of support is a good way to promote healing.
Compression socks provide that added support and stability to the ankleand can help in recovery. They can also provide a gentle compression around the arch of the foot, offering additional reinforcement.
Can compression socks help with sprained ankle pain?
Yes! Compression socks can help alleviate pain associated with a sprained ankle. Compression socks apply gentle pressure to the affected area, which can help reduce swelling by preventing the accumulation of fluid. This is particularly important in the early stages of a sprain when swelling is common. The compression also helps to stimulate the release of endorphins or natural pain-relieving hormones produced by the body. By reducing pain, compression socks can improve your overall comfort during the recovery process.
The socks can also improve the range of motion for the ankle, again helping to keep the ankle from being stiff and hurting. After a sprained ankle, the joint may have alimited range of motion. Compression socks provide a gentle compression that can aid in maintaining flexibility and mobility. By promoting blood flow and preventing stiffness, they contribute to a quicker return to normal activities.
Improved Blood Circulation: Compression socks promote better blood circulation, which can aid in the healing process. Improved circulation helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to the injured tissues, facilitating the body’s natural recovery mechanisms.
An Aid to Post-Activity Recovery
Once you’ve progressed to the stage where you can engage in light physical activity, compression socks canhelp yourpost-activity recovery. Wearing them after exercise or physical therapy sessions can help reduce muscle soreness, inflammation, and the risk of re-injury.
The change of re-injury is always high with a sprained ankle and should be taken seriously. Investing in a pair of compression socks can greatly speed your recovery by reducing your chances of further injuring your ankle.
Summary
Compression socks offer several benefits for individuals recovering from a sprained ankle. However, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate compression level and duration of wear for your specific condition. At Sox Solution, we often suggest that you wear compression socks for no longer than 8 hours at a time. This helps to promote healing without inhibiting blood flow.
Remember, compression socks should complement a comprehensive treatment plan and should not replace proper medical care.
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FAQs
The Benefits of Compression Socks for a Sprained Ankle
Are compression socks good for a sprained ankle? ›
Yes! Compression socks can help alleviate pain associated with a sprained ankle. Compression socks apply gentle pressure to the affected area, which can help reduce swelling by preventing the accumulation of fluid. This is particularly important in the early stages of a sprain when swelling is common.
What is the benefit of compression ankle socks? ›
Wearing them helps improve your blood flow and reduces pain and swelling in your legs. They can also lower your chances of getting deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a kind of blood clot, and other circulation problems. They come in different lengths and tightness, and you can get compression sleeves, which don't have feet.
How many hours a day should you wear compression socks? ›
You can wear your compression socks all day by putting them on when getting dressed in the morning, and take them off before bed (unless your doctor advises otherwise).
How long should you keep compression on a sprained ankle? ›
Mild pressure that is not too uncomfortable or too tight, and does not stop blood flow, is ideal. Depending on the amount of swelling you may be advised to remove the bandage for good after 48 hours. This is because the bandage may limit movement of the joint which should normally be moving more freely after this time.
Do compression socks stop ankle swelling? ›
Compression stockings are made to help control swelling in the feet, ankles and lower legs. Benefits of compression stockings include helping to squeeze these areas to prevent the buildup of fluid in the tissue. This buildup of fluid can be very painful.
Do compression socks help healing? ›
Compression garments also improve lymph drainage. Your lymph vessels transports waste products away from the cells and dumps it back into the blood so that it can be excreted in your urine. If you can improve your lymph drainage you can usually also improve recovery and healing.
Is it OK to wear ankle compression socks to bed? ›
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, it's OK to wear compression socks while you are sleeping, preferably not the same pair you wear during the day. There are even some conditions that are helped by wearing compression socks at night.
Is there a downside to wearing compression socks? ›
As with any treatment option, there are some potential risks of wearing compression socks. Compression socks can cause: Discomfort: At higher pressures, compression socks can feel really tight and uncomfortable. Skin irritation or damage: Signs of irritation may include tingling, itching, redness, or bruising.
Should I wear compression socks if I sit all day? ›
Compression Socks and All-Day Sitting
If you're sitting at home or at a desk all day, compression socks can help prevent problems. You don't have to wear them all the time. But even keeping them on for a few hours while you sit could help.
The leg can be so edematous (swollen) that once the sock is on, it will squeeze fluid out of the tissue to above the sock. When the circumference of the leg covered by the sock is reduced, the squeeze becomes less and the remaining fluid in the leg remains.
Should you elevate your legs when wearing compression socks? ›
Compression stockings and elevation work together to reduce the venous pressure and increase the return of venous blood to the heart. You certainly cannot elevate your legs at all times. I tell patients to elevate when they can and stockings can be kept on with elevation.
What happens if you leave compression socks on too long? ›
Decreased circulation: Decreased blood flow to the legs for extended periods of time can lead to a condition called "compartment syndrome" which can be serious and even life-threatening. Skin irritation: Prolonged wear of compression stockings can cause irritation, itching and redness on the skin.
How to heal a sprained ankle fast? ›
Typically, the RICE approach—rest, ice, compression, and elevation—is advised in the first 24 hours following an injury to reduce swelling and protect the ligaments from further damage. Ice, elevation, and compression will help reduce swelling. Rest can ensure no further damage happens to the ankle.
Can walking on a sprained ankle make it worse? ›
In fact, walking on the sprained ankle can actually improve recovery and stimulate stronger healing of the injured ligaments and tendons. One important thing to keep in mind is that ankle swelling can last 2-3 months after the injury, even if the pain has completely gone away.
How long does it take to heal a sprained ankle? ›
How long does a sprained ankle take to heal? The recovery time for a sprained ankle varies depending on the severity of your injury. It may take anywhere from two weeks to heal a minor sprain and anywhere from six to 12 weeks to heal a severe sprain.
Should you wear socks with an ankle sprain? ›
For the first 4 weeks after your injury:
wear your boot when standing and walking if needed – it will protect your ankle and make you more comfortable. wear a long sock in your boot. take the boot off at night, when resting at home and when doing your exercises.
Is ice or compression better for a sprained ankle? ›
Ice may be necessary for the first few days following an acute injury to prevent swelling. Another reason to prevent swelling after an injury is to minimize pain, sensitivity, and also shorten the recovery time. Compression reduces inflammation by preventing blood and other fluids from accumulating around the injury.
Should you put a compression brace on a sprained ankle? ›
In the early stages of your injury recovery, you may need a brace that limits your ankle range of motion and provides firm compression. But, as your rehab progresses and you heal, you may need a brace that allows more ankle movement with less compression.
How long should I wear an ankle support after a sprain? ›
For a grade 1 sprain this may only be for a few days. For a grade 2 sprain perhaps up to 2 weeks and for a grade 3 sprain you are recommended to use an ankle brace for 4-6 weeks.
