Do compression socks work?

By Manda

This March I ran/limped the LA Marathon. It was NO JOKE you guys. A few weeks before the race I tweaked my left knee, "the IT band connector got all pissed off" is my official Self Diagnosis, and I found myself at the race expo the day before I was to run 26.2 miles searching for something to instantly cure what ailed me.

I'd been hearing a lot about compression socks and sleeves since I'd been running more (I'd also seen them on a lot of people while out on long runs), and I'd always wondered if they helped. So when I found a pair at the expo for a decent price, I snapped them up and put them on, hoping for relief. And you know what? They helped!

(Photo from: me)

I don't know exactly how they work - I think they are similar to support hose and socks that are used for medical reasons like diabetes or circulation issues - but for whatever reason they really helped! They are super tight so you have to really work to get them on your legs, and after a few hours I have to take them off because they start to get uncomfortable. I didn't run in them (some people do!), but I got a pair of hot pink compression sleeves a few days after the race and they helped reduce some of the swelling in my legs and again offered some relief from the knee pain I was feeling.

Now that my knee is healed, I plan on using my compression sleeves on extra long runs to combat swelling (I'm now training for the Chicago Marathon in October. I know ... what am I THINKING?) and after runs to get the circulation going and help prevent lactic acid from building up.

Are you on the compression sock bandwagon? I have to say, I'm a believer!

Comments

[Sarah Lena]

So I'm no marathon runner - my longest distance is 5 miles - but someone recommended these for my shin splints/shin pains. They are awesome! They recommended wearing them while I run along with about two hours post-run (for recovery).

However - since they're a bit costly (and mine are hand wash only HAHAHAHA) - a runner clued me in on a way to fix the pain/recovery for shorter runs: tap your foot (like you're being impatient) about forty times each foot before you run. THAT has been miraculous.

(Bonus points: it's easy to spot yourself in race pictures in these socks!)

[Anita Thebo]

My husband uses them. What he was told by the person he buys his shoes from, if you are having other than "normal" aches and pains, it is time for new shoes. He goes through shoes quickly because he is a big guy. He bought new shoes and hasn't used the compression socks since. Yeah, new shoes every 3 months stinks!

[Anita Thebo]

He really likes them when he needs them though.