I had been noticing some reasonable runners at Parkrun wearing long compression socks or calf sleeves. I asked one particular runner (in the 60-64 Year age group who does 5K in 25 minutes) what he thought of them and he said he was very happy with them - calf pain had gone away since using them. I don't really have many problems in this regard - but if I am ever going to hurt anywhere, it is always in my Achilles/calves -- so I thought I would do some internet research. A bit of discussion on the internet -- it seemed that most who used them liked them while those who didn't much like the idea didn't actually use them. I did find one person who said that they made their feet swell up.
So I thought - WTF , I've got $60 burning a hole in my pocket so I went up to Amart to get a pair of socks -- woops , no socks but do have the calf sleeves.-- expensive 2XU brand.
Put them on and proceeded to do a 12K run -- first few Ks they felt kind of OK, quite comfortable -- I was starting to have positive thoughts about them -- BUT got to 5ks and started thinking, my toes feel funny. 1K further, yes my toes are swelling up big time, a little further and this is not good - So I stopped the run, took shoes and calf sleeves off, instant relief of swollen toes and proceeded with the run without the sleeves.
As far as I can ascertain, I have the correct size - and although there are no instructions at all on how they are supposed to be worn, I think I put them on in the right way. I may have worn them a bit too high - trying to keep them clear from my ankle.
I think this may be just another example of -- if it's not broken, don't try to fix it!!!!
Calf pain!!!!
A tough Parkrun today in my sexy new compression sleeves!!!
W9R1 - calfs of lead and thighs of steel !!!
Advice on women's long sleeved running tops
Week 7 complete, niggly calf pain!
