Wearing compression garments, like calf sleeves and calf compression socks, has been shown to improve circulation, promote healing and reduce swelling and pain. But how do they do this?
what does a calf compression sleeve doImproved circulation
Most calf compression sleeves apply a graduated pressure up your calves. 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.
Blood flow
Calf sleeves gently increase the pressure in your veins and help increase blood flow back to the heart. 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.
In muscle injuries like calf strain, the more oxygen you have in your muscles, the better they heal. If you choose to continue wearing calf sleeves once your muscle strain has healed, the benefits will remain. 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.
Lymphatic flow
Calf sleeves increase the pressure in your lymphatic veins too. The lymphatic system drains away waste products released from your muscles. It also clears the area of old or injured cells to make way for new ones.
Improved lymphatic circulation reduces swelling and pain. It also promotes the healing of the injured tissues during and after exercise or injury.
Muscle oscillation
Compression sleeves can reduce muscle oscillation – the vibration that occurs in your muscles as your foot strikes the ground when walking or running.
In calf strain, your calf muscles will be sensitive to most movement. Even walking can be painful. 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.
During your return-to-running program, having less vibration in the calves can reduce muscle fatigue, micro-injuries and post-exercise soreness. The same is true after your calf strain has healed.
Warmth
Compression sleeves can keep your muscles warm during exercise. Warm muscles have better blood flow and are less prone to fatigue and injury. If you run in colder temperatures or climates, calf sleeves may benefit your training. They can also help prevent calf strains or calf re-injuries.
Sensation
Calf compression sleeves can improve your reflexes and body position sense while running.
Better sensation and reflex responses in your legs improve your posture and balance – making you more stable on your feet and better at responding to sudden changes in your environment.
Being more stable in your movement lowers your risk of further injury while you’re recovering from a calf strain. It also reduces your chances of re-injuring your calf once you return to running. Especially over longer distances when fatigue may affect your form.
