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Calf sleeves are elastic garments worn over the lower half of the leg that provide support, warmth, compression, and cushioning to the calf and shin area. The calf compression sleeve slides over the foot and fits around the calf from the ankle to just below the knee.
The calf sleeve puts gentle compression over the calf muscles and shin improving blood circulation, which helps reduce pain and swelling and recovery from calf injury or post-surgery. Some people wear calf sleeves as part of their injury management regime, and others during workouts or for runs to prevent calf injuries.
Compression calf sleeve applies gentle pressure on the veins, thus helping blood circulation in the calf and shin area. Improved blood circulation has numerous benefits. The muscles work better because they get more oxygen and nutrients. More oxygen-rich blood flows to the lower extremities, which helps push out deoxygenated blood, lactic acid, and other waste products that can contribute to muscle soreness, inflammation, and swelling. Thus, compression increases the runner’s recovery rate and decreases muscle soreness.
Compression calf sleeves are often worn by runners, hikers, cyclists, basketball, and soccer players. Calf sleeves support injury prevention, recovery, and performance enhancement. Following are the benefits of a calf brace:
While buying calf sleeves, the circumference of your calf matters the most. To determine the right size, measure the circumference of the largest part of your calf and compare it to the size chart given by the manufacturer. A calf compression sleeve should be a snug fit; wearing something too tight can restrict blood flow while wearing something too loose will not provide effective compression.
Another important thing that matters when deciding calf sleeve is the fabric. The most common materials used in calf sleeves are nylon and spandex, but some calf sleeves are made of cotton, neoprene, polyester, bamboo, etc. Nylon is a bit more sturdy, spandex is more stretchy, while cotton, neoprene, and bamboo are soft, smooth, and breathable.
Compression is quantified by the amount of pressure applied to the body part, measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). The higher the number, the greater the compression. Typically, calf compression sleeves deliver between 20-30 mmHg of compression. Different level of compression helps to deal with different medical conditions and are prescribed accordingly.
Compression sleeves are usually made of a blend of fabric materials such as nylon, spandex, and polyester.
Calf compression sleeves are mostly worn during workouts and sports activities because that is when the muscles most need increased blood flow, oxygen, and energy. One can also wear compression sleeves after a workout to support recovery. The increased venous return reduces exercise-induced inflammation, removes lactic acid buildup, and minimizes swelling. People also wear calf sleeves during long flights to prevent swelling and fluid retention due to blood pooling.
Calf compression sleeves stimulate blood flow and support the sore area of your shins. Increased circulation to your lower calf facilitates recovery and reduces shin splint pain. Shin splint sleeve also increases proprioception, so your muscles work more efficiently and get less sore over time.
Many people use compression sleeves to treat varicose veins, but there is not enough evidence of their effectiveness.
Sleeping in a calf sleeve is not advisable as it can restrict blood flow, causing the calf to become swollen, numb, and uncomfortable. Additionally, a calf sleeve may bunch up, causing discomfort or pain. It is important to monitor the comfort level while wearing the compression sleeve, which is not possible during sleep.
Rehab Store carries a wide range of high-quality and durable calf sleeves and shin sleeves that provide compression, warmth, and protection for lower limb injuries. These best calf compression sleeves are from leading manufacturers like McDavid, Patterson Medical, Breg, etc. Shop today, and they are ready to wear for pilates, barre, yoga, dance, martial arts, marathon, fitness, hospital, rehab, body balance, and more.