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They're all the rage among our marathoners here.
Supposedly, the compression gives better(read, perhaps, longer but maybe not faster) performance and regeneration, and I read instances where they help against shin splints (!!) - something I could use.
They are expensive as hell.
Opinions?
I tried googling for medical evidence on this. Didn't find any, but found this in a Pittsburgh Trib. article:
"The scientific premise behind the socks is that they use graduated pressure that is heavier at the foot and lessens as it works up toward the knee, aiding in blood flow back to the heart and lungs. Thus, freshly oxygenated blood can return more quickly to the legs, as well.
The socks are touted as helping to compress muscles, reducing unnecessary vibration and, thus, reducing fatigue and discomfort.
"As far as enhancing performance in healthy athletes, there's no scientific evidence that it does," says Dr. Bruce Thomas, a Melbourne, Fla., physician who practices sports medicine and primary care. "There have been a few studies, but ... the athletes say they feel comfortable.
"Radcliffe really swears by them; she says they make your legs feel fresh and less tired. So far, we're not able to (test for those factors) but mentally, it probably does help her."
As for blood flow ... well, wouldn't pressure strong enough to help blood flow upwards from the foot also be strong enough to offer resistance to blood flowing back downwards? :confused: Any PTs on the board have anything to say about that? Or other health professional folks trained in physiology? I'm a doctor, yeah, but not in a health field :o . I do use compression socks for long flights. Can't say I've really noticed much difference in ankle swelling, maybe because I've always made sure to do some walking and stretching in the aisles anyway, plus foot/hand/finger exercizes while seated.
I wear compression socks for my varicose veins. I don't wear them when I run, because I find them constrictive and annoying.
If you want to try them, you might find a pair at a medical supply store cheaper than at a sporting goods store. The ones I wear cost about $20-$30, which isn't too bad.
ETA: I love my socks for everyday... it's when I run that I find them annoying.
I really want to get a pair of Zensah compression sleeves but I can't buy them in Canada. There are two places that will ship to Canada but the shipping costs almost as much as the product itself ($60 a pair). I've heard great things about them and my PT thinks they probably work too. He says they accomplish the same thing as wrapping them but more efficiently and probably more effectively.Quote:
Originally Posted by alpinerabbit
I tend to make holy socks very quickly so I'd prefer sleeves too.
Interesting. I am not a jogger.
I remember my father was recommended to wear compression socks after some foot/leg problems (not sure of exact problems since I was already living outside of home). His job as a full-time cook required that he stand most of the time. He wasn't too thrilled to wear the socks for awhile..
They are definitely worth it. Especially when you find that your legs often become swollen due to prolonged sitting or standing with age, they can effectively alleviate this dilemma. It is also helpful for varicose veins and shin splints.;)Quote:
Originally Posted by alpinerabbit