Sore calves can cause significant discomfort and make it difficult to walk, run, or participate in sports. Runners commonly experience calf soreness from training and opt for calf sleeves, which are a type of compression garment. Calf sleeves are worn during or after running or other physical activities. Manufacturers claim that calf sleeves increase circulation, relieve soreness and aid performance.
Function
Calf sleeves fit over your calf and are typically made of a blend of polyester and spandex. They're designed to provide compression around your calf muscle, which helps stabilize and support your calf. Manufacturers claim that wearing calf sleeves while running can help reduce calf soreness and expedite muscle recovery after long training sessions. You can find calf sleeves at sports equipment outlets for an average of $10 to $20.
Reduces Soreness
Researchers examined the effects of lower leg compression on active young females. The women engaged in plyometric exercise -- which consists of fast, powerful movements -- and then wore compression stockings immediately after. Another group of women performed the same exercises without compression interventions afterwards. The compression group experienced improved recovery and decreased muscle soreness, according to the study published in the August 2010 issue "European Journal of Applied Physiology."
Decreases Damage
Data suggests that compression intervention might aid recovery and decrease soreness by reducing exercise-induced muscle damage. Researchers examined creatine kinase levels following performance training. Creatine kinase is a liver enzyme that's typically elevated following strenuous exercise and associated with muscle damage. Those who didn't wear a compression garment after exercise experienced higher creatine kinase levels and greater muscle soreness than those who did, according to the study published in a study published in the September 2009 issue of the "Journal of Conditioning Strength and Research."
Considerations
Although more research is needed, limited data suggests that calf sleeves can help reduce post-exercise soreness. However, data examining the effects of calf sleeves on current muscle soreness are lacking. In addition, the claims that calf sleeves can aid performance have proven untrue. If you're currently experiencing calf soreness, wearing a calf sleeve might help aid recovery. The RICE method of rest, ice, compression and elevation is essential for sore, strained calves, according to the Sports Injury Clinic website.
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