By Rob Vreenegoor, RunX Haarlem
Which runner does not suffer from it regularly; a pain or an actual injury to the lower limbs. Despite a good training build-up and the necessary years of training, I regularly suffered from calf pain in the past. Not only during competitions or intensive training sessions, but sometimes also just during a quiet endurance run, it could just shoot.
It is frustrating for a runner when you are regularly out of action due to injuries and are thrown back in terms of condition. And I am not even talking about dropping out of a competition or having to miss training sessions and the company of your running buddies. Visiting a sports doctor and physiotherapist did not really give a clear diagnosis of what exactly was wrong. Initially, you will look at adjusting your training, more exercises, running training and a better work-rest ratio. Then it went well for a while until it suddenly went wrong again.
The beginning of compression stockings
After I found a sports masseur with golden hands, who did some kneading on my calves, things went a lot better. I had fewer (calf) injuries, but unfortunately things still went wrong with some regularity and I had an unruly calf again. Then the compression stockings from Vitasan came into the picture, the predecessor of the current compression stockings from Herzog. Yes, really, compression stockings. In the early years, people looked at them strangely; they were strange stockings that you associated with the church and with old people. You wore them under long pants so that others didn't see it? What did these stockings do for athletes?
Bram Som
The stockings were initially tested and used by a number of elite runners from Bram Som's training group. There were significantly fewer injuries to calves, shins and Achilles tendons. So there was convincing evidence from practice that the compression stockings had a preventive effect. The medical evidence only followed over time. In the beginning, the stockings were also referred to as the "Bram Som stockings". In the store you would then get requests for Bram Som stockings without people knowing which brand it was.
Better blood circulation, fewer injuries
I started wearing the Herzog compression stockings and tubes and have benefited greatly from them. I personally found through trial and error that the stockings improved my blood circulation, improved waste removal and reduced injuries. Finally being able to train freely again, without having to think about aches and pains, felt like a breath of fresh air to me. Just like with my running shoes, I keep track of how often I wear them and replace them after six months. Regular wearing, washing and putting them on and taking them off reduces the compression and therefore the effect. I use the tubes for longer because they are easier to put on and take off and they don't have to be washed as often.
Different operation
Over the years, high stockings have become more and more accepted and no one looks at you strangely anymore when you wear them. However, there are quite a few differences in the way the stockings work. There are three types of compression stockings:
1) High socks, especially for warmth;
2) High stockings/tubes with moderate compression;
3) High stockings/tubes with a lot of compression.
The type you choose for running depends on your susceptibility to injuries, resilience and training intensity. So get good advice! Also in the choice of socks with foot or tubes. For people with standing professions (think of hairdressers, shop staff, catering staff etc.) and people with bad blood vessels/veins, compression stockings are also a solution. active socks from Herzog is a good choice here.
I have tried the necessary stockings and tubes of different brands and noticed that stockings with a lot of compression are the best for me. Stockings with less compression do not do enough for me during sports and the experience is that they quickly sag. I do regularly use stockings with less compression for walking, when I have to stand a lot, during long car journeys and on the plane. This prevents fluid accumulation in the lower legs and ensures better blood circulation.
Anecdote: a true Amsterdammer with a nice accent once said to me: “Herzog compression stockings work better than Viagra”.
Curious about what compression stockings can do for you? Come visit a RunX store close to you .
Frequently asked questions about compression stockings
What do compression socks do when running?
Compression socks improve blood flow in your lower legs while running. As a result, waste products are removed more quickly and your muscles receive more oxygen. This can help reduce fatigue and support your performance. Additionally, many runners experience a reduced risk of problems with the calves, shins, and Achilles tendons.
Do compression socks help with injuries?
Compression socks can help prevent injuries, especially to the calves and Achilles tendons. The targeted pressure reduces muscle vibration and provides extra support to the muscles. This makes them particularly interesting for injury-prone runners or during intensive training and races. They do not replace proper training or running technique, but they are a valuable addition.
When do you wear compression stockings?
You can wear compression socks while running, but also before or after. During the run, they support your muscles, while afterwards they aid in recovery. They are also often used during long days of standing, traveling, or walking to prevent fluid retention and stimulate blood circulation.
What is the difference between compression socks and tubes?
Compression socks cover your entire lower leg, including your foot, while tubes only support your lower leg. Socks often offer more complete support, whereas tubes are easier to put on and take off. Which one suits you best depends on your preference, susceptibility to injury, and how intensely you train.
