I have posted in the past that I seem to be plagued this year by calf pain, something I have not experience in the past. So, I have been experimenting with a number of compression socks/sleeves to try to prevent this situation.
Here is what happened last week: I had a 2 hour run planned for Wed. It was about 34 degrees, sunny, very little wind. I wore Zensah calf compression sleeves, CW-X stability tights, and wind pants. I was running on a flat surface, on the shoulder of a road, packed gravel. At exactly the 1 mile mark, I felt a “ping” and had a stabbing pain in my R calf, up toward the knee, on the outside of the “meaty” portion of the calf. Felt like I was stuck with a pen knife. Tried to walk it off, tried to massage it out, nothing. Had to walk home. It is still tender, a little sore when I run, no problem when I walk or bike.
This was my first long run with compression socks/sleeves. And, it was cold. I have no definitive evidence to support this thoery but, is it possible that the compression sleeve actually caused (or contributed to) my injury? Should you not wear compression in cold weather? I have had no problem with my R calf before this. All my soreness and/or pain was in the L calf, which has been fine for the last couple weeks.
Is it just me or is this type of injury getting a lot more common as of late?
I’ve had this issue with my right calf since Dec. For me wearing compression socks seem to have HELPED it. In the last few weeks when I’ve done 100% of my runs wearing compression socks it’s been fine, no problem as of late. I don’t see how compression could cause this injury but I guess it’s possible.
I don’t think the compression socks had any direct cause. You may have had some chronic posterior muscle tightness, soreness like almost all triathletes/runners. The compression socks may have allowed you to run more than you should (or perhaps just wanted to try them out) and that alone complicated it.
Now, if you actually have a little plantaris rupture, they should actually help some.
Did your legs actually feel cold? Looks like you were fairly bundled up. If I were wearing that gear in those temps, I don’t think I could attibute much to the weather. The footing and your muscular warmup may have been some contributors, though.
Just anecdotal evidence to add: I’ve been wearing the same CW-X tights outside this winter for running, skiing and snow-shoeing and I’ve enjoyed the warmth and support.