So I’ve been recovering slowly from posterior tibial tendonitis and thought I’d give compression socks a go. I thought they might give me a bit of support and maybe even boost my performance which is slow. I saw an ad on Facebook for stox socks and had a look on trust pilot and took the plunge.
No problem on my 5 minute warm up but I had to stop in the 8th minute of running. My calves were in agony. Shoes off, socks off, hobble home.
Now I’m laying around in my gear wondering if I’m brave enough to have another go without the socks or just have another rest day. Legs were SORE.
Today was supposed to be run 1 of wk 3 10k training plan and I’m reluctant to fall off schedule so early. Nothing’s ever straightforward! 🤨
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Yellowshade
Graduate10
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It always seems wrong to "like" a post like yours.I've never tried compression socks and from your experience I don't think I ever will. They sound terrible. I do hope you feel up to having another go later today or tomorrow.
I’ve been dealing with posterior shin splints myself and my compression socks really help me! I’ve tried rest, massage, stretching, running more on grass instead of concrete, alternating run/walk with 1/2 of the time walking. With my compression socks I don’t even feel it, or at worst it’s like a 2/10 pain whereas without them the pain is more like 8/10.
I’m trying not to rely on them, I’m walking half my runs still, and sometimes skipping the run altogether and walking the whole distance, trying to give myself some healing time without completely stopping the running, but my compression socks have been a lifesaver!
Probably the wrong size, like running shoes if your normal shoes are size 7, running shoes should be size 8, I am not sure if you can get different sizes of compression socks, if so, get a size a little larger than your shoe size.
Maybe the sizing is a bit off for you.You need the right combination of foot size and calf circumference/width. Too tight around the calves and they will be unbearable.
Have you considered calf compression sleeves?
I have some that I use on longer runs. That way I can still wear my favourite running socks. Plus I like the little bit of extra ventilation you wouldn't get with socks.
This sounds like a good way forward actually as I am quite fond of my padded running socks and the compressions are so thin. I’ll have a scout about, thanks.
At my local running shop I once asked for some compression socks, they said they don't sell them because the sizes are too uniform in proportion, based on foot size not calf size, and people aren't uniform. Instead they sold me some calf sleeves. They measured around my calf first. They had two brands, one which came longer than the other (better for tall/skinny people, or for dumpy shortarses like me respectively) and each came in four sizes.
I don't know when running shops can reopen, but if you can't make it to one then I'd e-mail your nearest one with your calf circumference at the thickest bit and ask them what they can offer you, they all do mail order at the moment.
Thanks, I’ll look into these. I ordered the socks based on foot size and now I know they’re far too small on my calf. Ooft. Oh well, at least I know for sure they do something.
Hi yellowshade. Sorry to read about your issues with your compression socks. I used to use sleeves but stopped this year, for no good reason except my calves seem fine with or without them now. Out of interest can you tell me what you have done to manage your tibialis tendinitis as I have been suffering a similar injury for the past few weeks. Thanks.
Hi Brian, I had three sessions with a sports physio which helped me get a handle on it. I’ve only been running a year so I appreciated his expertise. First of all he identified a mild pronation that gait analysis in the shoe shop had missed so I bought generic insoles to support that. Then lots of massage and strengthening exercises. I found these guys useful (think someone here may have pointed me in their direction) youtu.be/jWGNwgQgBFk
Hope you can knock it on the head quickly. It’s taken me some time and I’m still not convinced it won’t come back as I extend my distances.
That’s really useful. Thank you. I’ve been using an off the shelf orthotic since and also slowing down and shortening my runs. It’s a strange one as some days it seems fine and others much less so. 🤷♂️ Very frustrating though isn’t it.
Very! I saw someone on here say they wouldn’t still be running had they not forked out for customised orthotics. So I suppose that would be what to think about if all else fails. I did notice a quick improvement with the strengthening exercises though so hopefully you will too. Here’s to recovery!
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Socks!
Advice on socks please!
Interrupted Run 1 of NRC 10k plan!!! (Or “BOOO” to ankle socks!)
I’m upset - I have lost a sock.
