Ive had calf strains hit me 3x this year. I recognize that there are many factors at work in causing these. So I started wearing compression calf sleeves after the first time, thinking it would provide some protection. But, after two more episodes, I am seriously doubting that they are helping and am wondering if they are actually exposing me to the injury. Anybody think compression calf sleeves actually are counterproductive and may induce calf strains during workouts?
Calf strain - Calf compression sleeves help or hurt?
- Thread starter suvnvolly
- Start date
StoicBoxer
New User
I don’t think it’s a placebo.
Why would they put it in RICE for injuries?
Rest
Ice
Compression ###
Elevate
Why would they put it in RICE for injuries?
Rest
Ice
Compression ###
Elevate
That's for injuries. he's wearing them while playing.
Thanks for the feedback. I am about 10 weeks out from my previous tear, and played few light matches 3-4 weeks out after the last tear - though w extreme caution. Then about 4,5 weeks ago, began playing fully ready and played about 5-6 matches, mostly about 1, 1.5 short matches, but once was an almost 2.5 hr session couple weeks ago. Still, I had no warning signs that I wasn't fully back. Then on Sunday, it hit me again very early in the match, as I was springing to approach a bouncing ball with a forehand shot.
I know I have rather tight muscles overall, but wondering if the compression sleeves are juat a factor that might not help me in particular. I did have a deep tissue body massage the night before, maybe that wasn't the best idea either. I drink tons of water generally, and was drinking a lot before and during this match.
Another note is I wear a somewhat large, hinged knee brace on that same leg due to a previous ACL issue many years ago. (Had the surgery) Been wearing this type of brace for 20 years, and with very minimal knee issues from my tennis sessions. Ultimately, along w cooler temperatures (40s) the last 2 incidents, I think I will have to deal with a number of personal factors that expose me to this calf injury danger, but I am just trying to reduce the unhelpful variables moving forward and have been evaluating the benefit (if not harm) of the calf sleeves.
I know I have rather tight muscles overall, but wondering if the compression sleeves are juat a factor that might not help me in particular. I did have a deep tissue body massage the night before, maybe that wasn't the best idea either. I drink tons of water generally, and was drinking a lot before and during this match.
Another note is I wear a somewhat large, hinged knee brace on that same leg due to a previous ACL issue many years ago. (Had the surgery) Been wearing this type of brace for 20 years, and with very minimal knee issues from my tennis sessions. Ultimately, along w cooler temperatures (40s) the last 2 incidents, I think I will have to deal with a number of personal factors that expose me to this calf injury danger, but I am just trying to reduce the unhelpful variables moving forward and have been evaluating the benefit (if not harm) of the calf sleeves.
socallefty
G.O.A.T.
I generally wear a calf sleeve for a few weeks after resting and healing from a calf strain. If nothing else, it keeps the muscle warmer when it is cold. You can also spray IcyHot on your calf before playing.
Spyderdan56
New User
I always wear calf sleeves during our two weeks of "cold" temps each year in Tampa FL.
ollinger
G.O.A.T.
Look up "The RICE Protocol is a myth: A review and recommendations" published a few years ago in The Sport Journal. It describes how Dr. Gabe Mirkin, who published the RICE protocol in 1978, has since retracted his endorsement of his own protocol citing a lack of any evidence to support it.
SystemicAnomaly
Bionic Poster
Dr Gabe Mirkin rejected his own RICE protocol some years back. He indicates that rest & ice may very well delay recovery. It may be warranted, short term, in some cases. Not sure what his current take on compression is. It may be of some use for some injuries but is not necessarily a recommended action for many injuries.
There currently appears to be a number of different protocols that have replaced RICE. Dependent on the nature of the injury. Some alternatives:
MICE
MOVE
MEAT
METH
LOVE
PEACE
POLICE
MOVE an injury not RICE | This Changed My Practice (TCMP) by UBC CPD
MOVE an injury: Movement, not rest. Options: offer other options for cross training. Vary rehabilitation with strength, balance and agility drills. Ease back to activity early for emotional strength.
thischangedmypractice.com
A Guide to Treat Minor Injuries: The Alternative to RICE Method
Learn why physical therapists have expanded their thinking about using the RICE methods and alternative options to RICE.
www.hingehealth.com
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Rather than recovery treatment protocols, my initial question was how to prevent the injury in the first place.. The compression sleeves that I have been wearing definitely does apply some pressure, and I wondered if it was little bit much. I know that I have tight muscles overall, and apparently, tight calf muscles. So I wondered if wearing them just cut off a little circulation that might be tipping me over to a greater chance of injury rather than being a positive. I guess I sort of doubt they are a real significant factor, but maybe a small factor. Still, if it is a factor, I wish I could know.
Anyhow, I will probably try without wearing the sleeves next year, and just wear warm socks, long pants in colder, night conditions. Last two tears were on cool fall night conditions. Think I really need to figure out a prematch routine as well. Just annoyed, because I had spent a good 20-25 min warmup with dynamic footwork and then some rigorous hitting before the last match had started.
Anyhow, I will probably try without wearing the sleeves next year, and just wear warm socks, long pants in colder, night conditions. Last two tears were on cool fall night conditions. Think I really need to figure out a prematch routine as well. Just annoyed, because I had spent a good 20-25 min warmup with dynamic footwork and then some rigorous hitting before the last match had started.
