I recently tried wearing compression stockings to run because my legs fatigue and become heavy. The odd thing is that when I wear the hose while I run, my legs feel twice as heavy than they did without them. Is this normal? Is there an adjustment period I need to push through?
Properly-fitted compression stockings should alleviate some of your heaviness. I would start there and also have a duplex ultrasound to correctly diagnose chronic venous insufficiency versus other etiologies.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
You need to be evaluated.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
There should be no adjustment period. I would double-check to make sure your stockings were properly fitted and that the prescribed strength is correct.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
There are 3 possibilities: The compression stockings are not fitting properly, the compression stockings are too heavy or compressive, or you need to acclimate to them. I would recommend you systematically pursue a solution to your problem in the above order. I hope that helps.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Try calf-length compression hose.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It sounds like the stockings may actually be inhibiting your circulatory return. That said, since your legs get really heavy with fatigue, you may want to just have your legs evaluated by a board-certified vein specialist to see how bad your vein issues actually are. Addressing your vein issues may be the more prudent way to go instead of wearing compression stockings while you run.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It is unusual for someone's legs to feel heavier when wearing compression socks while running. Maybe the hose do not fit correctly. Were you measured for them, or did you purchase them over-the-counter?
Published on Jul 11, 2012
I would not expect your legs to feel twice as heavy with compression stockings. I would suggest you see your physician to be evaluated and make sure that you do not have peripheral arterial disease.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
We typically don't recommend regular compression for very active exercise such as running. However, many reputable companies (Bauerfeind, Sigvaris) make excellent runners socks. These have support in the ankles and lower calf but there is minimal compression around the calf. The calf muscles are pumps and should be able to contract and expand. I'm not a big fan of the "cuffs," which don't encompass the foot into the hose. A good quality runner's sock will give arch support, padding in the foot, decreased compression around the calf muscles and will help prevent friction.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Your legs should feel better with compression and not worse when you wear them while running. First, make sure that they are not too tight and that the compression is not too high. You should have around 20-22mmHg compression and, certainly, no more than 30. If this is what you are using, then give it a little more time. If you are using greater than 30 mmHg, you should reduce the compression. You should also see a vein specialist to have a venous reflux exam, if you haven't had one already.
Published on Jul 11, 2012