- COMPRESSION SOCKS -
I would like to know more about compression socks. After reading a little bit about them, I have learned that they are designed to increase blood circulation throughout the legs and help stabilize muscles. Some runners wear them during a run, after a run, or only after really rough runs.
Other than that, I really don't know much about them! I never even heard of them until I started reading running blogs. I will be honest... when I first saw compression socks, I thought they were REALLY ugly. But now that I am more accustomed to seeing them, I don't think they are ugly anymore.
So I have a few questions for my fellow runners who wear/have worn compression socks! I'd rather hear from people with actual experiences with them rather than random articles on the internet...
Why do you wear compression socks?
When do you wear them?
What is the biggest benefit you have experienced from wearing compression socks?
Do you experience a significant difference in your running/recovery if you wear compression socks?
What is your favorite brand?
Are there different types that do different things?
Anything else I should know?
Leave your answers in the comments!
I have them and mostly wear them if I run and then am going to be sitting for a long time (like if I run before we get on a plane). I also wear them if we are going somewhere that might be chilly (no one can see them under my jeans but they keep my legs warm). When I first came back to running from my injury, my calves seemed a bit tight & sore so I wore them but honestly don't know if they helped or not....
ReplyDeleteSo I am not sure if it's a mental sort of placebo effect or not for me, but a friend of mine told me to try them out when I was experiencing calf cramping/spasms during long runs or marathons. Knock on wood!*** Each marathon I've run since using compression socks I've not had calf cramping! :0 Yes, I've clearly had other issues and they are not the magical cure for all marathon pain, but now I'm too scared to run a marathon without them. I also have used them on some shorter distance runs to keep my KT tape stuck to my shin/calf area. It's super annoying when it peels off from sweat on the run. :( I have pairs from Pro Compression, Zensah, CEP and Lunatik Athletics. They all feel tight, lol...but I like that Pro Compression has the sock of the month deal so that you can get them for $37 instead of $50!
ReplyDeleteFrom what I've read, the actual science behind compression socks speeding recovery is not really there; HOWEVER if your legs or feet swell after a run they can help with that in the same way they work for people who have diabetes. I bought my first and only pair a while ago and never noticed any difference after wearing them... until the marathon. When I get off the plane after the marathon my calves and feet were so swollen... they were like double their normal size! When I got home I put on the compression socks and they did their job perfectly!
ReplyDeleteI think this is a good article:
http://runnersconnect.net/running-tips/the-science-of-compression-gear-for-runners/
I wear compression socks primarily after a long run or race. I have actually never worn them during a run, but would definitely consider it. Sometimes I wear them during the winter under my jeans or boots, both for warmth and compression. I always wear them when I am flying longer distances. Last year when I went to Africa I wore them during the entire flight (two flights, 23 hours) and they helped with swelling. They definitely help with blood flow. CEP are my favorite, but super expensive.
ReplyDeleteI love my compression socks/sleeves. I wear the sleeves for long distances. I notice my calves don't cramp up when I wear them. I wear full socks for recovery; sometimes I sleep in them, even though you're not supposed to. I also wear the full socks to school sometimes the day BEFORE a long run (because being on my feet so much can fatigue my legs).
ReplyDeleteI wear ProCompression exclusively but I've heard Zensa are also good! I really love mine...and PC often has sales on their socks for 40% off.
PS, the code right now is FB40.
DeleteI was like you and had never seen compression socks before I started reading blogs. I have several pairs and love them when I do really long runs or back to back double digit runs. I know lots of people wear them for recovery but I don't wear them after running very often.
ReplyDeleteI hope that you will be able to share a video from your dancing tonight - I would love to see it!!!