Speaking of shin splints . . .I have a few pair of compression socks that I rotate through when I’m in serious training mode. I don’t wear them while actually running, I use them for recovery.
Look, I’m no doctor, but I can’t see how restricting blood flow in my calves, ankles and feet can be healthy when completing a long run.
Plus, I think they look ludicrous. I mean, come on, I look around Central Park on a busy weekend and see people running with coordinated outfits – right down to the colors of their compression socks. I guess there’s a time and a place for that, but it seems to me that some people are out there to be seen rather than the pure joy that I (and my friends) feel just by running. And why should that bother me? I know it shouldn’t, but sometimes it does.
I can’t help but wonder if these folks are wearing the color-coordinated compression socks as a fashion accessory or out of need? Clearly, it feels to me like the former rather that the latter.
But I get side-tracked (and a little too judgmental – sorry).
As I was saying, I use compression socks for recovery. I don’t know the science behind it, but I can tell you that nothing helps me recover from shinsplints, or makes my legs feel better after a long run then wearing a pair of compression socks overnight.
I wear them under my jeans – lest I be accused (by people just like me) of trying to be a running fashionista.
