Compression socks/tights for recovery--do they work?

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2008-09-26 7:57 AM

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Expert
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Southern Pines, NC
Subject: Compression socks/tights for recovery--do they work?

So I've been getting increasingly curious about all this compression clothing. I've been looking at some of 2XU's stuff, having been very happy with their tri suits. Now I'm curious about the recovery socks and compression tights. It seems like there would be a bit of science behind it, in that compression does help decrease edema and promote venous and lymphatic outflow, but I haven't found a lot of good data anywhere about whether this actually helps athletes with recovery.

I usually work standing up, and tend to get the tired/achy legs, especially on days after a long run. So I think I'd probably feel better with some compression anyway, and I'll probably try the stuff out, but I was just wondering if anyone has a personal experience they'd like to share...

2008-09-26 3:03 PM
in reply to: #1698015

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Elite
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Subject: RE: Compression socks/tights for recovery--do they work?
I notice a difference, I will sometimes put them on after a run in the AM, wear them to work and sleep in them. My legs feel fresher. Most people will say they are junk, but they do help promote bloodflow like you said. Diabetics wear them.
2008-09-26 3:31 PM
in reply to: #1699515

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Cycling Guru
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Subject: RE: Compression socks/tights for recovery--do they work?

You pretty much don't see professional/elite runners or cyclists using them.  Guess the triathlete's scientists are that much more ahead of the curve. Tongue out

My opinion is that they are a tri fad and will be back off the radar in another season or so.  But feel free to experiment with them all you want.

2008-09-26 5:02 PM
in reply to: #1698015

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Subject: RE: Compression socks/tights for recovery--do they work?
I wear them hiking. Definately helps with the edema. NO clue if they really work for racing and recovery but I know it doesn't slow recovery down any.
2008-09-26 5:25 PM
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Subject: RE: Compression socks/tights for recovery--do they work?

I have been having a lot of calf tightness this week.  I only have two days worth of anecdoctal data but I think my soccer socks (knee high) seem to work pretty well.  I work in the OR for a few hours a day and the socks are def going to be my new thing.

 

similar to these Nike Compression socks 

http://www.nike.com/index.jhtml?l=nikestore,grid,_grid,f-10002+12001+4294967061/ip-100/pn-1&re=US&co=US&la=EN#l=nikestore,grid,_pdp,cid-1/gid-177379/pid-177377,_grid,f-10002+12001+4294967061/ip-100/pn-1&re=US&co=US&la=EN

 

 

2008-09-26 6:05 PM
in reply to: #1698015

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Subject: RE: Compression socks/tights for recovery--do they work?
I wear compression stockings at work quite often (TED hose actually), especially when I'm on call or know I'm going to be in the OR for long periods of time. My legs do feel better at the end of the day and I don't get that feeling like my calves are going to cramp up like I do sometimes. I've never used them for recovery though, just more preventitive.

2008-09-26 6:10 PM
in reply to: #1699942

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Subject: RE: Compression socks/tights for recovery--do they work?

btchance - 2008-09-26 7:05 PM I wear compression stockings at work quite often (TED hose actually), especially when I'm on call or know I'm going to be in the OR for long periods of time. My legs do feel better at the end of the day and I don't get that feeling like my calves are going to cramp up like I do sometimes. I've never used them for recovery though, just more preventitive.

Yeah, I have a pretty strong family history of varicose veins, and I already have a couple showing up. Long cases definitely give me the tired/heavy legs too. I've been thinking about getting a pair of Jobst stockings to try out but just haven't gotten around to it.

2008-09-26 6:49 PM
in reply to: #1699951

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Subject: RE: Compression socks/tights for recovery--do they work?
DrPete - 2008-09-26 7:10 PM

btchance - 2008-09-26 7:05 PM I wear compression stockings at work quite often (TED hose actually), especially when I'm on call or know I'm going to be in the OR for long periods of time. My legs do feel better at the end of the day and I don't get that feeling like my calves are going to cramp up like I do sometimes. I've never used them for recovery though, just more preventitive.

Yeah, I have a pretty strong family history of varicose veins, and I already have a couple showing up. Long cases definitely give me the tired/heavy legs too. I've been thinking about getting a pair of Jobst stockings to try out but just haven't gotten around to it.

From what I have read in another forum if you really need them get the medical grade ones not the fashionable ones made by tri clothing companies.

2008-09-26 7:07 PM
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Southern Pines, NC
Subject: RE: Compression socks/tights for recovery--do they work?
If the levels of compression advertised are real, then many of the tri clothing companies are making their compression garments to the same level of compression as the ones I usually prescribe for people, i.e. 15-20mmHg or 20-30mmHg. 30-40 is usually a bit much.
2008-09-27 12:43 AM
in reply to: #1698015

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Veteran
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Subject: RE: Compression socks/tights for recovery--do they work?
They seem to be well loved is all sports:
http://www.revelsports.com/oxysox.asp
http://runningtimes.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=13830

And I Slipstream seemed to have used them on the tour, I am guess, as recovery.

http://beakerconcepts.com
2008-09-27 3:26 AM
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Master
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Subject: RE: Compression socks/tights for recovery--do they work?

There are a few professional runners who wear them - Paula Radcliffe, Mo Farrah - so presumably they must think they work.

I was talking to a guy at the local running shop about them and he said he used them after workouts and felt that they helped.  I've been thinking about trying them myself, they certainly can't do any harm.

2008-09-27 6:28 AM
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Master
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Subject: RE: Compression socks/tights for recovery--do they work?
There was a university study in a recent issue of Bicycling that showed that wearing compression tights after a hard workout helped the legs feel better and produce a peak performance sooner afterward than without the compression.
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