Compression socks

louubelle16

Hi all,

I have been reading a fair bit about shin splint prevention, as I often suffer with them when running. One of the suggestions I have read is to wear compression socks/sleeves and I wondered if anyone has had any experiences with them which may indicate that they work.

Oh, and if so, can anyone recommend a brand?

cheshirecatastrophe

I've not had luck with them for shin splints while running. I do, however, get *super* tight calves in the evening after I run, which can sometimes also stress the bone (shin splints), and the sleeves help with that. I use fancypants CEP ones, which are tight and STAY tight, unlike other brands which kind of expand and loosen as you wear them (a la the stretch jeans diaper effect).

I did have some luck with the Pro-Tec shin splint compression wrap, which works on the same principle but provides more targeted and solid pressure (there's a plastic piece in the neoprene). It allowed me to keep running 2x/week with only occasional pain while I worked on strength and flexibility in my legs to actually cure the problem.

For shin splints, the best thing for me is honestly more cushioned shoes. Of course a lot of people have the same luck by switching to more minimalist options.

meshashesha2012

shin splints can come from picking up mileage too soon. since in starting run again i'm getting them but it's getting better. i find it better to use the compression sock after the run to help work recovery.

for me the issue is tight calves (thank you sedentary lifestyle). stretching during the day works well too

louubelle16

I already know why I have shin splints (and it isn't too much mileage) but nothing else is helping. Thanks for the recommendation @cheshirecatastrophe, I will check those out

BrianSharpe

I use compression socks for my loner runs but not for shin splints (I'm happy to say it's been years since they were a problem), it can't hurt to try them (or calf sleeves).

One thing that helped me enormously was getting more consistent with my strength training and diligently doing my calf raises.

louubelle16

Thanks for that @BrianSharpe, that's exactly what I have been doing with my PT. I will potentially look for some calf sleeves instead of full socks though, as that is the area to target.

ffbrown25

louubelle16 wrote: »

Hi all,

I have been reading a fair bit about shin splint prevention, as I often suffer with them when running. One of the suggestions I have read is to wear compression socks/sleeves and I wondered if anyone has had any experiences with them which may indicate that they work.

Oh, and if so, can anyone recommend a brand?

Wearing compression sleeves on my shins completely took care of my shin splints. And I had 'em BAD. I mean, I couldn't walk for an hour after going for a run. Now I just wear the compression sleeves when I'm on a long run.

ETA: I don't know what brand they are. I think I just grabbed a pair from a pharmacy.