Compression socks

[Rustytin]

Hi

I have completed the C25K and I am currently trying to improve my times for 5k, my question is do compression socks work.

Cheers

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Compression socks can aid recovery and I know of one runner who did not run for nearly a year, despite physio input, because of tight calf muscle issues, which was cured by wearing compression socks for each run and for a few hours afterwards.

[Rustytin Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

That's great, I know my calfs get tight and I don't want to have to stop running

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to Rustytin]

Stretching immediately after every run, nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/h... while muscles are still warm and supple, pulls out contractions, avoiding carrying tensions into the next run and also improves recovery by improving blood flow, as recommended in the guide to the plan.

Many people do not hold their stretches for long enough or put enough effort in. Hold post run stretches for 30 seconds and make sure the pull is strong enough to be on the verge of discomfort.

[Rustytin Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks very much for the advice.

[Pugwash Graduate in reply to Rustytin]

Posted my thoughts under Ianodatruffe so just posting this "reply" to ensure you get the chance to see it.

[Pugwash Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Couldn't agree more with @Ianodatruffe here - as someone previously guilty of paying insufficient respect to stretching (and paying the price with Achilles Tendonitis and torn calf) I've learned to do my calf, tendon and hamstring stretches and hold them both pre and post run for long enough (30-60 secs) and several reps (no less than three). It's boring/uncomfortable but soooooo worth the time believe me!