Runners...thoughts on compression sleeves?

dare2love81
dare2love81 Posts: 928 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Okay....so has anyone tried compression sleeves to help treat/prevent shin splints while running? I'm curious if there's something to them or if they'd just be a waste of money.

I'm not an avid runner (yet) :huh: but I'm training for a 10k this fall and have been sidelined a few times from shin splints - which sets me back in the training schedule (obviously). So I'm just wondering if the compression sleeves will help.

And yes - I've been fitted for running shoes a number of times, have the right pair, and have been slow to increase mileage. I've also been focusing on my stride and corrected my foot strike. But alas, the shin splints return. :noway: :grumble:

So - long story short, any feedback on compression sleeves is welcomed!

Replies

  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    I haven't tried them personally but know a number of distance runners who use them to aid recovery, hadn't heard of them being used for shin splints.
  • brandyk77
    brandyk77 Posts: 605 Member
    i have some socks and use them for recovery and when my calves are achy. They do seem to help with relief of shin issues and I have heard of them recommended for support.
  • tri10806
    tri10806 Posts: 192 Member
    I haven't heard of them helping shin splints either. I do wear them in long races (50K's) and on long training runs and they help with muscle fatigue. I also use the recovery socks after races and runs.
  • redhousecat
    redhousecat Posts: 584 Member
    what about that tape that I see runners wearing now? I know it's a hip and trendy thing right now, but I hear it might actually have some benefit.

    sorry I don't know details, I just see folks wearing it and saw some at the running store the other day. I'll try to google it

    ETA: here: http://www.kttape.com/what-is-kt-tape/
  • rachgolds
    rachgolds Posts: 75
    I have really bad shin splints and I have found that the compression sleeves don't help. With that said, I know a lot of people who say that they do help. For me, the only thing that is helping so far is changing my stride. Good luck!
  • dare2love81
    dare2love81 Posts: 928 Member
    Well - I'm hoping they help more with preventing them as opposed to helping them heal. I know I just need to ice the shins and stick to low impact cardio until they heal, but I'm hoping that once they do heal, that maybe the sleeves will prevent them from reoccuring. I guess I could just try them and see if they help. Seems like the consensus is that they help some and don't do a darn thing for others. :noway:
  • natty_34
    natty_34 Posts: 20
    I had shin splints pretty bad in the beginning too, as well as occasional Charley-horses in my calf muscles. The only thing I found that help with either was consuming more water than I thought possible. I realize this makes sense for the muscle issue, but it also reduced my shin splints if I drank 8-16 oz about an hour before my runs. Other than that, I just had to "run them out" so to speak. It DOES get better though so keep at it! :wink:

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