Tennis may appear low-impact, but it’s actually high-risk. Players cover 1.5 to 4 miles per match, with legends like Novak Djokovic running around 3.1 miles in three rounds. The strain extends beyond running; frequent jumping, landing on hard surfaces, and sudden turns lead to injuries like ligament tears, Tennis Leg, tendon ruptures, and muscle fatigue. And this is where compression tennis socks come in handy. Now the question arises, “Are Compression Socks Good for Playing Tennis?” Do they increase the peak performance of a player? Or can they improve the overall tennis game?
Continue reading this guide to understand the importance of compression socks for Tennis and get the answers to the questions you seek.
What are Tennis Compression Socks?
Let’s start by understanding the science behind compression socks. So, what are they? Like other compression garments, these specially-made socks are tighter than the usual ones. The tight nature allows an increased blood flow in your legs by gently squeezing your leg muscles. This gentle pressure and increased flow reduces the overall pain and allows a drop in the swelling of the legs.
Not only that, but tennis compression socks also lower a player’s chance of getting circulation problems such as varicose veins or DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis), which can cause serious performance issues in athletes. DVT occurs by the formation of blood clots due to straining the legs. So, in short, these socks are crucial for healthy blood circulation, especially for a high-fatigue sport such as Tennis.
Choosing the Correct Compression Socks for Tennis
Now, the thought that might come to mind is what type of compression tennis socks would be the best choice for you? There are quite a few options to choose from, but the basic categories are Graduated Compression Socks, Nonmedical Compression Socks, or Anti-embolism Compression Socks. Read below to make an opinionated selection.
Graduated Compression Socks
The advantage of using graduated compression socks for Tennis is that the pressure remains focused on the ankles. This means that the socks provide a compression gradient with the highest pressure on the ankles, and the pressure reduces as the socks travel up the leg. The graduated compression socks aid in reducing the peripheral swell and drop in blood pressure, which is caused by standing for longer periods.
Nonmedical Compression Socks
Nonmedical compression socks are the most commonly used option in this category. Players who usually have tired legs or need to reduce overall swelling opt to wear these compression socks while playing tennis. It’s mainly due to the reason that the pressure is equally distributed throughout the legs, which improves overall blood circulation and reduces swelling.
The beauty of these socks is that you do not require medical prescriptions or a trained official’s advice while buying these compression socks tennis.
Anti-Embolism Compression Socks
Here comes the third type of compression socks that are also generally used for multiple significant reasons. Players choose these socks to avoid getting diagnosed with diseases such as DVT. They are also beneficial for those who have DVT as they greatly help to improve the recovery process. Anti-Embolism compression socks for Tennis also follow a pressure gradient, but in this case, the pressure is set according to the player’s needs. It is highly advisable to go to a professional before purchasing as they need to be fitted according to your conditions.
These are the basic types of compression socks from which you can choose. As advised, it is better to consult a professional and discuss your concerns. They will then guide you in getting the best compression socks for tennis by properly examining your condition.
Benefits of Wearing Compression Socks for Tennis
If it wasn’t enough to portray why tennis players need compression socks, let’s take a deeper look at some of the key benefits of wearing them with your tennis shoes. The following points break down the advantages of wearing compression garments (socks) by giving a summary of each one of them.
1) Allows Increased Blood Flow
While playing on the tennis court, it is essential to have proper blood flow throughout the body. This not only helps to reduce swelling, lessens the chances of blood clots but also allows your heart to work more healthily.
Wearing compression socks during the game provides increased blood flow and helps your muscles receive ample oxygen. With more oxygen supply, the muscles will not tire up quickly, and this way, you will be able to perform much better.
2) Allows Ankle Stability
It is vital to have ankle stability, especially in tennis. Often tennis players keep jumping up and down and have to change the direction of movement while returning the ball quickly. These movements put an immediate load on the ankle, and studies have found that by using compression ankle socks, there is an unlikely chance of an injury.
The traditional ankle braces will only support your ankle externally, but compression tennis socks secure your ankle “internally” as well. Occasionally, you can find an arch support in your compression socks that is beneficial for stabilizing the arch of the foot, which then provides extra support to the ankle.
3) Reduces the Muscle Oscillation
The tennis game is played on a hard floor and the player keeps constantly jumping up and down. When the feet touch the ground as the player lands, there is an uncomfortable vibration that travels from the feet up the entire length of the leg. Jumping once or twice will not create muscle soreness or fatigue, but playing a complete match will increase the risk of microtrauma for the muscular tissues.
Here, the benefit of compression for Tennis is that it will reduce the chance of getting fatigued as compression socks balance out the impact of the jump. It is essential to allow the muscle activation to take place.
Source: https://www.pebbleuk.com/graduated-compression/
4) Additional Support Benefits
Most compression socks tennis come with additional benefits such as foot support, just like ankle stability mentioned above. Other types of foot support include but aren’t limited to supporting the heel, sole, reduced pressure, Achilles, etc.
Some might even have fabric that allows less sweat build-up, which helps strengthen the grip and allows swift movements for ultimate comfort.
What to Look for in Compression Socks for Tennis?
Not every pair of socks is suitable for every individual. While making a purchase, you need to look for certain key aspects, and the basic ones are listed below:
The Material
A good pair of compression socks will last you easily more than five months on average, but it also depends on your usage and maintenance. The other aspects include checking the moisture-wicking materials and seeing if you are not allergic to a certain fabric. Allergies might create rashes and will induce irritation. Compression socks are offered in a variety of materials, and you need to select the most suitable one according to your requirements.
The Fit
It is advisable to refer to a professional before purchasing compression stockings for Tennis, as they will suggest the socks that will fit you perfectly. A loosely fit pair will be of no use as it will fail its purpose. On the other hand, a pair that is too tight will reduce blood flow, and a pair that is too loose will not serve its purpose during the tennis game.
Generally, while purchasing, look for compression socks that are around 15-40 mmHg, as that is the standard value of compression tennis socks 70.
The Build Purpose
Many options are available in the market, but the best tennis compression socks will be those manufactured solely for this sport. Intensive testing is carried out, and they are guaranteed to support in a tennis match.
How Long to Wear Compression Socks for Playing Tennis?
There is no definite answer to this question. However, players usually wear socks for a maximum of a few hours. This value varies by the physical traits of the player. The added benefit is that one can wear compression tennis socks even after a match. They help the recovery process and speed it up by keeping up the blood flow rate.
Final Thoughts
So, are compression socks good for Tennis? Well, yes. Many legends wear them as they have many benefits and allow a steady blood flow while putting the body in a state of immense stress. This tiny investment will help you increase the likelihood of having a healthy tennis career.
Above all, people who play tennis as a hobby should add compression tennis socks to their accessories. Then one might ask, will they improve your tennis skills? No, but they will certainly give you an edge over your opponent by moving more swiftly without worrying about fatigue or muscle teardown and ultimately provide a safeguard against the commonly known tennis injuries.
🧐FAQs about Are Compression Socks Good for Playing Tennis?
1. Do compression socks genuinely make a difference during a tennis match?
Many tennis players find that compression socks for Tennis lessen leg fatigue and boost blood flow. They’re like your secret stamina booster on the court, helping to delay fatigue, ward off cramps, and reduce muscle soreness.
2. Can compression socks improve my tennis skills?
While they won’t make you a tennis champ overnight, compression socks can enhance your overall game performance by supporting your muscles, reducing fatigue, and speeding up recovery. It lets you focus more on perfecting your technique and strategy.
3. Do I need to wear compression socks as a tennis player?
They’re not a must, but many tennis players swear by them for performance and recovery. The benefits of less muscle fatigue, better circulation, and quicker recovery make compression socks a great addition to any tennis gear.
