Tandem Tom

I was on a ride this weekend and a number of people were wearing compression socks.
Has anyone here had any experience with them? Benefits??

mtbikerinpa

It is said that compression aids blood flow when used during activity(and following). I have noted some improved feel from compressive shorts and knee covers, so compressive socks could be beneficial. They are used with diabetic patients for that purpose, but I would also note the effect diminishes without activity to work off of.

Velo Dog

I've worn them daily for two or three years because of a circulatory problem, and I'm more comfortable after a day on my feet than without them. As far as cycling goes, though, I don't notice any difference. YMMV, though...

JanMM

Have worn Reebok compression stockings most of my cycling miles since a commute fall in July left me with a shin contusion/hematoma that is gradually becoming less obvious. Hope to be back to wearing 'normal' cycling socks by Spring. They are very helpful but can't say I see any effect on my performance. I still have the occasional calf cramping if I break past my fitness level, just like without compression socks.
The Reebok stockings at $25 look to be about half the cost of some of the stockings I've seen advertised aimed at cyclists.
Not sure about the evidence in support of routine use of these as a performance enhancing footwear. Don't see any harm, though, unlike PEDs.

Machka 

I wear compression socks when I fly or if I happen to have to stand or sit for long periods of time. I developed DVT on a flight between Los Angeles and Melbourne in 2009, and that's one of the many preventative suggestions.

I don't, however, wear them while cycling.

marqueemoon

I bought some Swiftkick socks when the LBS was blowing out the large sizes. I mainly just like the fit. They're not lumpy or bindy. Will probably give their arm warmers a shot at some point.

WingSuit

I just read a study where the finding was that compression socks seem to work for runners by reducing the amount of "jiggle" in the tissue while running, lessening muscle damage and speeding recovery. dont know of this translates to cycling or not. funny, they get used for inactivity (flying, after surgery, etc) and for athletic activity. I recently got some socks and calf sleeves because of a lingering calf strain. dont know if they are helping but they make me feel like I am trying to do something. so they were worth it. warm, too.

Tandem Tom

I was at a bike shop while we are in Florida and saw the socks. After talking with one of the sales people who is a runner and also cycles she said she has had good results. So I thought I would give them a try. We will see.

Rowan

I am not so sure about this. The reason why compression stocking are used generally is because there is a problem with blood pooling in the veins at the bottom of the legs -- something caused by the fact that unlike like arteries, veins don't have valves in them to stop the backward flow of blood.

This problem is caused by inactivity of the calf muscles. In the normal course of exercise, including walking and running, the calf muscle is contracting and that action is assisting in moving the blood back up the veins to the heart -- ie, it is preventing the blood from pooling and then running the risk of clotting.

If you are walking, running or pedalling, the calf is doing some work (albeit, at different rates depending on the level of activity).

I believe that compression stockings also are used in rehab after medical procedures involving removal of material from the legs for heart bypass surgery and for burns. But the function is different from that discussed above.

The question of muscle support and warmth are two other issues that may have some value, hence the increased use of compression tights among elite athletes.

I am also interested in the idea that they might increase the removal of lactic acid in exercise. But for normal cycling, from my understanding, the transfer out of lactic acid in low to moderate exercise is in balance with its production by the exercising muscles anyway. And just about all lactic acid, even after anaerobic exercise, is flushed out within 15 minutes of the end of exercise.

It should be noted that not all compression stockings are the same, and in cases of DVT referred to a circulatory specialist, a prescription specifying different points of compression within the same stocking might be issued. Then that becomes a really tricky one for pharmacists/drug stores, because some just don't know about compression stocking prescriptions.

So, to the OP, it's up to you. You probably won't do any harm so long as the compression stocking isn't so tight as to reduce blood flow to your lower leg. But you probably won't get much, if any, benefit from it, either.

JohnDThompson 

Actually, arteries lack valves and veins have valves. The problem is that as we get older, the valves in our legs -- the most highly stressed venous valves -- become less effective. That, in conjunction with atherosclerotic plaque build-up (particularly a problem with diabetics, who also may suffer neuropathy that prevents them from sensing a problem in their extremities) means that venous stasis and clots are a risk. Activity, as you note, helps prevent venous stasis, but for someone with advanced peripheral vascular disease it may not be enough.

Rowan

My apologies. You are right about the valves being in the veins. I must have had a mental mist moment when we discussed all this with the circulation specialist and I thought he said they were in the arteries.

Thanks for the correction.

zandoval 

Don't really like them but man when you put them on and your legs feel better... Well then you know its something good...

Wear them daily for varicose veins (I was a runner and cyclest in my 20s) - And yes I wear them when I ride... Give them a try you'll know if they are worth it...

(Kinda like in the Army - When you are older and you put your old combat boots on and they feel good - Well then you know your feet are really messed up)

Tandem Tom

Yesterday I went out with the Florida FreeWheelers in the Orlando area. We rode about 26 miles , because of the crummy weather, but I wore these new socks. I have to admit I like the feel and though it was a short ride we did ride at about 18-21mph and my quads felt different after the ride.
When we get back home , to Ohio, and if there is some decent weather I will do some longer rides and see how they feel.