When you watch a major race such as the Boston Marathon, you may notice that the gear the elite runners wear differs from the shorts and tank top you throw on for a casual run. In particular, compression socks and calf sleeves have become a popular part of the elite runner look. Adopting these compression garments could give you an advantage in your running training.
When you watch a major race such as the Boston Marathon, you may notice that the gear the elite runners wear differs from the shorts and tank top you throw on for a casual run. In particular, compression socks and calf sleeves have become a popular part of the elite runner look. Adopting these compression garments could give you an advantage in your running training.
What Are Compression Garments?
As their name suggests, compression socks or sleeves are tight garments that are worn while running. These socks are typically made of breathable materials such as polyester, nylon, Lycra, Spandex or Coolmax. This ensures that the gear compresses your body without making you a sweaty mess. Compression socks typically climb partway up the leg (or sometimes all the way to the knee). In contrast, compression calf sleeves are slid over the leg to compress the calf without including the foot. These can be worn with regular running socks.
Advantages of Compression Socks and Calf Sleeves
For years, our orthopedic doctors have been recommending compression socks for people recovering from surgery. The rationale behind these socks is that they gently squeeze the legs, promoting stronger blood flow. For runners, this increased blood flow can result in greater delivery of nutrients to muscle tissue as well as a reduction in the buildup of lactic acid.
People who use compression running garments say that they improve running performance. Some people use compression socks during a run while others wear them following a run to improve recovery. Regardless of when you choose to wear them, compression garments may reduce the swelling that occurs following a long run.
Disadvantages of Wearing Compression Garments
There are no real disadvantages of wearing compression garments while running. It simply comes down to personal preference. Some runners find the sensation of compression garments distracting, particularly if they have been training intensely without these garments. However, it cannot hurt to give compression socks or sleeves a try. Simply find a pair that feels tight without squeezing your legs to the point of discomfort.
Of course, compression socks or calf sleeves are just one part of a balanced approach to running. Without proper training practices and running form, you significantly increase your risk of a running-related injury. If you have an injury that has been bothering you, it is best to get it checked out immediately. Our sports medicine orthopedic specialists are trained to understand runners’ unique orthopedic needs and to help you prevent future injury.
How Strength Training Can Help Reduce Sports Injuries
Most athletes focus on aerobic exercise to build their endurance, but some athletes neglect an equally important area of exercise: strength training. Even for sports such as swimming or running in which packing on muscle mass is undesirable, strength training can be tremendously beneficial. One of the biggest benefits of strength training is its ability to reduce sports injuries.
Exercises to Relieve Arthritis Pain
Approximately 52.5 million Americans have been diagnosed with arthritis, representing nearly 1 in 4 people, according to figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This figure jumps to about 50 percent among adults older than 65 years of age. Although arthritis is a more common condition among older adults, it is possible to experience arthritis at any age. One of the most effective ways to treat arthritis pain is to engage in physical therapy or other exercises that lengthen muscles, diminish bone-on-bone contact and promote healing. Consider the following exercises to relieve arthritis pain.
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Questions You Should Ask Before Choosing a Physical Therapist
Physical therapists are experts in treating pain and restoring your functional abilities after surgery or an injury. If you have an injury, visiting a physical therapist can actually decrease recovery time or prevent you from needing surgery in the future. However, it is important to get the best physical therapy services possible. Asking questions of
your physical therapist before making an appointment will ensure that you have an excellent physical therapy experience.
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Can You Do Anything to Help Prevent ACL Tears?
More than 200,000 people experience a torn ACL each year, according to the University of California San Francisco Medical Center’s Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. Not only are ACL tears painful, but they also must be repaired properly to prevent future problems. Learning how to prevent ACL tears can help you stay active and avoid costly injury. (more…)
Orthotics: Helpful or Useless?
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Treatments for Hip Arthritis
Millions of Americans, many of whom are older adults, develop arthritis at some point in their life. In fact, hip arthritis affects 1 in 4 people over age 85, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Not only is hip arthritis painful, but it also affects your ability to perform everyday activities. Many patients automatically think that they need a hip replacement when they develop osteoarthritis. Although hip surgery is an appropriate and safe treatment for many people, there are other treatment options that should be explored before you make a treatment decision. (more…)
