Calf Guards?

[Doseone]

Has anyone used them?

I always struggle with calf injuries. My running is just getting back in to some sort of form and now I've got another calf strain. Nothing too bad, but my calf is starting to p!ss me off. Has anyone used calf guards for injury prevention and are they any good/ do they work?

They are not cheap and I think I'll probably look like a kn0b if I use them, but if they help and mean I can keep running without pulling my calf all the time then I might be prepared to give them a go.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

I run wearing 2XU calf compression sleeves. It just looks like you are knob wearing long socks. I used to wear them under long socks when refereeing rugby. I think they are amazing both for injury prevention and recovery but that's all anecdotal.

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

I have compresssport ones, really impressed by them, I use them when running big distances

 

[slowmotion]

This one?

 

[heliphil]

try the Red Venom ones - about £12 iirc - and they seem just as good as the expensive ones

 

[Doseone]

try the Red Venom ones - about £12 iirc - and they seem just as good as the expensive ones

Thanks, I bought a plain blue one from the local sports shop and it wasn't too expensive. Went for a run in it last night and my calf still hurt, so maybe I just need to lay off running for a little bit Shame, 'cos it's just starting to all come back together.

 

[Crackle]

Is extra stretching not doing it then. Have had a few calf strains and stretching has sorted it. Presumably not if you've posted this.

 

[fossyant]

Running, god invented the wheel to be used instead.

 

[Doseone]

Is extra stretching not doing it then. Have had a few calf strains and stretching has sorted it. Presumably not if you've posted this.

Thanks Crax, I don't stretch as much as I should, but am really prone to lower leg injuries from running. I think I probably need to take it fairly easy and build up distances and intensity slowly - I try and do too much too soon and always end up injured.

 

[Crankarm]

Don't stretch, massage instead. Stretching a muscle that is damaged, inflamed or torn will cause more damage and most certainly delay healing. Some tears will leave permanent scar tissue meaning muscle will be permanently impaired reducing it's performance. A rolling pin or similar is a good implement to self massage calf muscles. Also get some decent running shoes. Avoid road running as it is very hard on your body.