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Compression Socks

in4nomz
in4nomz Posts: 230
in Social Groups
Hi guys!

I'm curious about views on compression socks (the knee high ones). Do you think they are worth using? I did a half marathon this past weekend and about mile 7 my left calf started to tighten up and it definitely hurt my run. Would the socks help out with that kind of thing? Considering I've got a marathon on the 6th I'm looking to make it as much as a "comfortable" run as I can :happy:

Replies

  • ekat120
    ekat120 Posts: 407 Member
    I got some compression sleeves when I felt the beginnings of some calf issues (knots, shin splintiness). The calf issues turned out to be due to my new shoes, but I still wear the sleeves. I feel like they help "keep everything together." I wear them during the day to help recovery, too. But it might be all in my head :laugh:
  • ABabilonia
    ABabilonia Posts: 622 Member
    I just resumed my runs after a long hiatus and I've also been experiencing calf problems. Like ekat120 I am also wearing compression sleeves and that's helping a lot. I also bought a foam roller to massage my calves before and after each run. I felt some discomfort first, but definitely helped a lot. Good luck in your marathon.
  • GiddyupTim
    GiddyupTim Posts: 2,819 Member
    ^^^ I agree with the guy above who suggested rolling out your calves with a hard or foam roller. Or getting someone to massage them.
    I used to see the socks a lot. They used to claim that the socks helped make you faster or stronger by about 30 percent because they helped your venous return.
    I do not see them as much anymore. I do not hear people raving about them much anymore.
    I expect the claims made for compression socks were overstated. But then, I think the rationale does make sense for running. Compression socks are worn by older people and people with compromised circulation because they do not have venous return. The valves in their veins are broken down and that has led to their veins becoming stretched out. But that is not the case with runners. Moreover, when you run, your muscles squeeze your veins and your arteries, and that helps with blood flow. The socks would be redundant.
    Course, if you just want to wear them to keep your calves warm......
  • jturnerx
    jturnerx Posts: 325 Member
    I wear the sleeves to keep the poison oak at bay.
  • ekat120
    ekat120 Posts: 407 Member
    The foam roller actually bothers my calves, but a lacrosse ball works wonders.
  • RenewedRunner
    RenewedRunner Posts: 423 Member
    My grandfather had a leg problem which affected his blood circulation. His doctor gave him a prescription for compression socks (no joke). If it can help the man with a medical problem, maybe there is SOME smidgeon of benefit????

    So they may not endow me with magical running abilities, but I need any small extra boosts I can get.
  • ATT949
    ATT949 Posts: 1,245 Member
    My grandfather had a leg problem which affected his blood circulation. His doctor gave him a prescription for compression socks (no joke). If it can help the man with a medical problem, maybe there is SOME smidgeon of benefit????

    So they may not endow me with magical running abilities, but I need any small extra boosts I can get.

    Many people have compromised venous blood flow in the lower legs. Compression sock can be very helpful in reducing the chances of varicose veins and, in some cases, reducing the chances of blood clots.

    In that a significant percentage of women have reduced venous blood flow, much of it brought on during pregnancy, and something like 10% of Americans > 60 years of age, this is situation is not uncommon.
  • ATT949
    ATT949 Posts: 1,245 Member
    Hi guys!

    I'm curious about views on compression socks (the knee high ones). Do you think they are worth using? I did a half marathon this past weekend and about mile 7 my left calf started to tighten up and it definitely hurt my run. Would the socks help out with that kind of thing? Considering I've got a marathon on the 6th I'm looking to make it as much as a "comfortable" run as I can :happy:

    The medical evidence indicates that there is little/no physiological benefit during running but there is a reported, repeatable benefit during recovery.

    As others have posted, if you like them, try them out.

    As of July, I will probably be wearing compression sleeves for the rest of my life (venous insufficiency in both calves). I tried, and liked, CEP a few years back but they're $40 a pair (+/-). My most recent purchase was for Meister brand (Amazon) which are only $20 per pair but I'll warn you that they run small - buy one size up, at least.

    The fact that your calves were "tightening up" could be a function of venous insufficiency (highly unlikely) but I suspect it's more of running too hard//not being sufficiently trained.

    Medical evidence indicates that calf cramping is caused overexertion in the vast majority of situations. If you're running in extreme conditions (marathons or ultras in the heat), it's not water, it's not electrolytes, etc. it's just overexertion. Read Noakes' "Lore of Running" and a few other medically based sources.

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