Which calf guards

Hi I'm new on here, I have been running for over 2 years, i got to a good distance within the year but the following year I go out and 9times out of 10 my calf pull, I do plenty of stretching and but they still pull. Someone has told me to buy some calf guards not socks they will help but the problem is there are that many to chose from could any one recommend any and will they help me ? I'm currently injured through a calf pull its so frustrating.

Comments

  • JT141JT141 ✭✭✭
    If it's happening with such regularity the best advice is probably a prolonged rest and let any underlying injury fully heal. As for calf guards Compressport and Orca are very good. Orca fit particularly tight. Reducing the vibration and increasing heat in the calf may well help.
  • Hi JT, I've iced it for 48 hours then applied heat treatment and then used a massage stick to help the injury and leave running for 20-30 days, it's very frustrating.
  • bought the compressport ones last july........was a but skeptical.......wore then that weekend for an ironman and was really impressed....I always run and cycle in them now.....love them...only problem is that give me silly tan lines image

  • Great, which ones did you buy because I have seen r2 and ur2 !
  • JT141JT141 ✭✭✭
    That's a long time to be applying cold treatment. Personally I wouldn't be icing anything for more than a couple of hours. I've had persistent niggles myself. When they just wont go away the best course of action is visit the GP who's sympathetic and clued up enough to get you in with a specialist. Or spend the money and go see a sports therapist direct.



    Compression guards will help to stabilise the muscle during and post exercise, but it's no guarantee that will resolve the problem. Hope you find a resolution.



    Regarding Compressport, the plain R2 are better. The ones with the gel beads and/or oil infusions (or whatever it is) wont help any.
  • Hi Lebo,

    If your calves keep pulling its a sign that something is not right with your body. You can try straps, painkillers, massage and guards but they are all temporary measures and mask what your body is trying to tell you.

    You've got to remember the calf muscle is one of the strongest muscles in the body, responsible for lifting your entire weight onto your toes. They don't injure lightly unless they are being put under abnormal strain.

    So the question has got to be why are they under abnormal strain?

    Very often it's that there is some misalignment in your posture, and kinetic chain, so that you are not using your hips, knees, ankes and feet the way they were designed too. Basically, they are out of position so that when you run or walk your calves are becoming overworked, chronically strained and 'give out'.

    Stand in front of a mirror and test your own posture using this video:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DN6aQ_xx2k8

    And then try these 3 exercises to bring some alignment back to your hips, knees, ankles and feet.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mv0EG-ofx8Q

    Good luck and don't give up!

    Ameet

     

  • Thanks for that great advice
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