Do leg compression sleeves work?

[pittguy1984]

Has anyone tried leg compression sleeves (such as Zensah)? I'm thinking about trying some but they can be a bit pricey, just wanted to get some feedback on if they are worth it or not. Thanks!

[dontknowwhy]

Just wondering, what are they supposed to do?

[pittguy1984]

Just wondering, what are they supposed to do?

I think theyre suppose to keep the swelling down on your calfs while running. I've read that research actually shows no benefits to them, but for whatever reason people claim they decrease soreness, shin splints, etc. so i'm kind of loston the whole concept of them.

[Item9]

My wife said they relieve her shin splints and her calves feel more comfortable during and after a run. She won't run without them anymore. I've never used them.

[pittguy1984]

Thanks everyone! I think i've seen them for $40 so I might as well give them a shot. Trying to boost my miles by alot this week so i'm preparing any way I can.

[stpdpny]

I got really bad posterior shin splints and tried them after resting a week. I tried to do a slow jog to get back into gear and used these sleeves. I put them on before and left them on after and while I used the foam roll. It definitely helped keep them from flaring up and getting worse. I'll continue to use them in conjunction with strengthening and stretching exercise I found that are helping.

[SHU]

I bought them for shin splints years ago and they did not do a thing for me.

[Narco]

i wear them on long runs...i like them. even if its just placebo, its worth it of it stop the calves from hurting

[SLCchick]

Yes, they work! They were a life saver for me when I was in the academy. I had a ton of issues with shin splints and compression sleeves were just what I needed. I also had to ice my shins a lot after running, but the key is to wear them after running, that's when they work the best.

[pfcdennisc]

I just bought a set to hopefully help my shin splints. For those of you who do or have worn then, do you just wear them while you run or do you wear them along with icing your shins? If so how my times a day and for how long?

[pittguy1984]

I just bought a set to hopefully help my shin splints. For those of you who do or have worn then, do you just wear them while you run or do you wear them along with icing your shins? If so how my times a day and for how long?

I've been wearing them on my runs, and whether it is all mental or not, they seem to work wonders. I typically will only wear them during my run, and keep them on for maybe 20-30 minutes after I finish. However I don't ice after my runs.

[lilyWA]

pittguy1984-I am glad they are working out for you.

For future reference; there is a website that stocks several brands of compression socks that are very affordable. www.supporthosiery.com

Icing will definitely help with any associated pain.

While treating shin splints, always try to incorporate some stretches into your regime. For a visual, here is an example of some very effective stretches:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kv6ycmOWnq0