Subject: RE: Compression Calf Sleeves I recently got a pair of the CEP men's size IV compression sleeves. My calves are just shy of 18". That put me between size IV and V, but the store only had up to IV in stock so that's what I went with. I decided to go with sleeves since I run with toe socks and wanted the option of wearing compression during a run and not be stuck with a regular style sock. After a couple of weeks of use, I've got mixed feelings about them. First, they are NOT comfortable while running. I tried them on a few easy, 3 mile runs and each time my calves seemed to be mildly cramping the entire run. Not pleasant, and I'm guessing not performance or recovery enhancing. Based on those experiences I decided not to try them on any intermediate or longer runs, not wanting to adversely effect my training during the build up to my first 1/2 marathon. I've also worn them during recovery - for hours post-run, and even for a bit the day after a longer run (for me right now that's 8 or 9 off-road miles). My calves seem to be fairly free of soreness with the CEP sleeve use, but I can't tell if it's the sleeve making the difference or another variable (ex. I'm getting fitter and my recovery is improving). I still have a bit of ankle and achilles soreness, and I wonder if having a full length sock vs. a sleeve would've helped with that. My guess is probably not, but since I bought the sleeves and not socks I'm have a little buyers regret since I'm not using them during runs. For now I'll continue to use the sleeves I have as a recovery tool only, and hope they're doing something. I feel a little silly even writing that. If I were to do it over I would probably size up since it's possible the size IV is too tight and that's what's causing the cramping during a run. Take all the above with a grain of salt since my issues may be caused by wearing miss-sized sleeves. But based on my experience I definitely would not recommend large calved individuals buy any compression with generic sizing, such as one size fits most or small/med & large/Xlarge. I would really like to get a look at some suggested protocols for compression sleeve/sock use for healthy individuals, does anyone know if there is some good, legitimate (peer-reviewed, research-based) information on the web? |