Compression: It Really Works!
I used to be a compression skeptic. Sure, the tight, bright colored compression sleeves *look* cool, but do they work? Are tight socks worth the hassle of getting them on and off? Aren’t they hot? How will I get tan? All of these questions gave me pause when going for compression socks in the past, until the “Shin Incident of 2021.”
I never had issues with my shins. I have been running for years on hard surfaces, but always had good shoes so I never dealt with sore shins or shin splints. In 2021, I started training for a triathlon. I would run 2-3 times a week, along with multiple bike rides and early morning swim sessions sprinkled in. Even though I was running less (or maybe because I was running less?) my shins started to hurt at the beginning of every run. To combat the shin issues, I would try the advice I dish out to customers daily. I stretched before and after each run. I tried to start the run at a slower pace or even a walk to warm up. When those didn’t work, I decided to try calf sleeves.
The OS1 Knee Compression Sleeve brings down swelling naturally while adding support.
Terra Running Company carries OS1st compression products, and they really are some of the best compression on the market. I tried the plain black calf sleeves and I cannot overemphasize how impressed I was. I was an instant compression convert. I wore them after my run a few times, and then when I felt that my shins would be really sore, I would wear them during a run. A few months later, when I fell hard on my knee trail running, I got a OS1st compression knee sleeve to bring down the swelling naturally. It was a lifesaver!
Even though it was the heat of the summer, the calf sleeves didn't make me any warmer than I would have been without them. According to their website, ”OS1st uses top-quality, high-performance, moisture-wicking materials with a silver-ion anti-microbial treatment. Materials include Lycra Spandex, micro-nylon, nano-bamboo charcoal, and Merino Wool treated with silver-ion for moisture-wicking and anti-microbial.” All that to say, these aren’t cotton socks. These aren’t even cheap polyester socks. These are meant to sweat in, so don’t let the fact that they cover up your skin scare you away.
You may be wondering what makes OS1st different. I’m sure you’ve seen ads for other brand’s “Buy 1 get 45 free” compression socks, or something that seems too good to be true. Well, it probably is. Not all compression is created equally. Their website states that, “unlike some compression products, all OS1st products are 100% medical grade compression. We apply our compression with our patented Compression Zone Technology ® which targets specific joints and muscles so you can be active and pain-free.” These aren’t just tight socks. They use targeted Compression Zone Technology, which varies the compression based on where on your body it is. The compression knee sleeves, for example, have a tighter compression above and below the knee cap to stabilize and give support.
Terra Running Company carries compression products from OS1st for all sorts of body parts: quads, knees, shins, plantar fasciitis (a popular one!), elbows, and more. If you are interested in learning more about how compression can help you stay active, stop in and let me, Tiff, Asher, or Brennan measure and help you find the best compression for your issues! Avoid your own “Shin Incident of 2022."