Leg compression sleeve how to#

What additional calf sleeve features do you need? Size:Įach brand of compression sleeve will give you a clear guide on how to measure for size. These include the sleeve size, compression level, type of material and a few other factors. It’s natural to want an extra level of protection for your calf when you start getting back to running after a calf strain.īefore you choose your calf compression sleeve, there are a few things to consider. Calf compression sleeves and your return to running: Choosing the right ones It’s best to follow a ‘try it and see’ approach and find what works best for you. Problem solved!Īs you can see, there isn’t much science to this part. You simply choose a sleeve that fits your calves and then wear any socks that fit your feet. If you are dealing with these types of issues, calf sleeves may be your answer. Others want the calf compression benefits but also want to be able to wear their own anti-odor, specially padded or even lucky socks! Some people struggle to find the right size socks because they have smaller feet and larger calves, or vice versa. Lastly, calf sleeves offer more customization because you can mix and match them with any socks. By choosing a well-fitting sock or sleeve, you can prevent this issue altogether. Unlike calf sleeves, which can shift up or down on the calf. Staying in placeĬompression socks tend to stay in place better than calf sleeves because they can only move down. Compression socks don’t have this problem because they compress your whole foot, ankle and calf and the fluid isn’t able to sink back down the leg. Potential problems with swellingĬompression sleeves may cause problems with swelling and fluid build-up at the base of your ankles because of where they start compressing (at the ankle). Whereas a sleeve starts at the level of your ankle and only covers your calf. The differences include: What it coversĬompression socks fit over your whole foot, ankle and calf. Choosing one over the other usually comes down to personal preference and comfort. They can also help prevent calf strains or calf re-injuries.Īlthough calf compression sleeves and socks use similar graduated compression technology, there are a few small differences between them. If you run in colder temperatures or climates, calf sleeves may benefit your training. Warm muscles have better blood flow and are less prone to fatigue and injury. WarmthĬompression sleeves can keep your muscles warm during exercise. The same is true after your calf strain has healed. In this case, a calf sleeve helps ‘splint’ the injured area, reducing the vibration in the muscles and protecting your calf from further injury as you move around.ĭuring your return-to-running program, having less vibration in the calves can reduce muscle fatigue, micro-injuries and post-exercise soreness. In calf strain, your calf muscles will be sensitive to most movement. Muscle oscillationĬompression sleeves can reduce muscle oscillation – the vibration that occurs in your muscles as your foot strikes the ground when walking or running. It also promotes the healing of the injured tissues during and after exercise or injury. Improved lymphatic circulation reduces swelling and pain. It also clears the area of old or injured cells to make way for new ones. The lymphatic system drains away waste products released from your muscles. Lymphatic flowĬalf sleeves increase the pressure in your lymphatic veins too. The increased blood flow and oxygen (which fuels your muscles) can help keep your muscles working well, and this may help you run faster and further, for longer. If you choose to continue wearing calf sleeves once your muscle strain has healed, the benefits will remain. In muscle injuries like calf strain, the more oxygen you have in your muscles, the better they heal. This stimulates your circulatory system as a whole, and in turn, ensures your calf muscles have a constant flow of ‘fresh’ (oxygen-rich) blood in and ‘old’ (oxygen-poor) blood out. Blood flowĬalf sleeves gently increase the pressure in your veins and help increase blood flow back to the heart. This ‘tighter at the bottom – looser at the top’ design, helps direct the flow of fluid away from your calves and up to your heart. Most calf compression sleeves apply a graduated pressure up your calves.

Leg compression sleeve