In addition to well-fitting footwear, wearing specially designed sportswear can also help you to relieve the pain of shin splints. Compression socks work by adding another form of support for your lower legs. So when your running buddies ask you “do compression socks help with shin splints”, you can tell them that they are certainly worth a try!
By exerting pressure on the calves and shins, compression socks are designed to increase oxygen and blood flow to the parts of the leg that can suffer from shin splints. The increased blood circulation not only aids in pain relief but also improves muscle efficiency and endurance.
What is a Shin Splint?
The term “shin splint” refers to pain along the shin bone (the big bone on the front of your lower leg). People with very active lifestyles such as runners, athletes, dancers, and soldiers often suffer from shin splints.
There are around 3 million reported cases of shin splints every year in the U.S. alone with shin splints accounting for between 13 to 17 percent of all running-related injuries.
Known in the medical profession as “tibial stress syndrome“, shin splints are often seen in people that do rigorous exercise (such as jogging) and in those that drastically change up their training routines. A sudden increase in activity can overwork the tendons, muscles, and bone tissue.
The good news is that shin splints are easily treatable with rest, icepacks and compression wear such as socks. Wearing the correct kind of footwear and adapting your workout program can also help to prevent shin splints.
What are the Symptoms of Shin Splints?
People with shin splints have reported the following symptoms:
- An ache around the tibia bone (the front part of the lower leg)
- A pain that gets worse with exercise
- A pain on each side of the tibia
- Severe muscle pain
- Tenderness along the inner part of the lower leg
- Swelling of the lower leg
- Loss of feeling in the feet
If you have a lot of pain along the frontal lower leg area, it’s quite possible you have a shin splint. While there are reports of people suffering from shin splints while doing regular activities, most of the cases are in those that are involved in higher-impact pastimes. In fact, many pro athletes have suffered from shin splints at one time or another.
While considered a minor issue by some, if shin splints are not treated by a health professional, they can get much worse culminating in stress fractures so medical advice is strongly advised.
What Are The Causes of Shin Splints?
- Beginning a new workout/running program
- Lack of warm-up and stretching before hard exercise
- Jerky and sudden movements such as repeated stopping and starting
- Using incorrect form while exercising
- A sudden increase in the volume of exercise
- Participating in sports with a lot of jumping such as basketball
- The wrong size or low-quality footwear
- Bad diet and not drinking enough water when exercising
Does Diet Affect Shin Splints?
Research suggests that shin splints can be worsened by low levels of Vitamin D and Calcium. Dr. Goglia suggests that “from the nutrition side, you should check your Vitamin D and calcium levels to make sure you are getting adequate sources in your diet. Foods rich in vitamin D include fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel. Egg yolks and fortified cereals are other options, but sometimes a supplement of Vitamin D is recommended.”
A high-sodium diet can also increase the risk of inflammation so lay off the salty snacks. Eating a healthy and balanced diet gives your muscles the nutrients that they need to perform at their best. And don’t forget to drink lots of water to avoid dehydration.
How To Prevent Shin Splints
Whether you are an NBA basketball player or you just play the occasional game of tennis with your friend, you must warm up properly before partaking in any kind of exercise. This warm-up should last for about 6 minutes. The implementation of a good warm-up will increase your strength, endurance, and flexibility, and it will be a good step toward preventing shin splints.
Ease into a new exercise regime gradually while slowly intensifying your physical activity. If you are in any doubt about your abilities, you should meet with your therapist or GP before starting a new exercise program.
Choose footwear with good arch support and enough cushioning to relieve pressure from your shin musculature. Most good sports stores have staff that are trained in the mechanics of the foot and can help you to choose the best shoes for shin splints.
And our final piece of advice If you are suffering from symptoms of shin splints is to try using a massage roller massage for 5 or 6 minutes before starting your exercise.
Do Compression Socks Help Shin Splints?
Yes, they do but if you are experiencing moderate to severe pain, have a quick chat with your doctor before taking any other action. Please don’t ignore any pain because your body is trying to tell you to alter your routine or maybe stop completely for a while.
Don’t forget to stretch to warm down, too. This will minimize the risks of other injuries. Adopt a thorough dynamic stretching routine to properly warm up and warm down.
Avoid low nutritional value food, do your best to eat a balanced, nutritious diet, and drink plenty of water for better muscle performance.
And most importantly. don’t overdo it! Increase your exercise routine slowly and if you experience any pain, reduce your exercise levels.
If all else fails, take some time to research the latest compression wear such as compression socks for shin splints, which can be a great solution.
Best Compression Socks for Shin Splints
Zensah Compression Socks
These support socks for shin splints (compression socks) are our choice for the top spot because they have all of the benefits of compression socks without the problem of trying to squeeze your foot in and out of them.
Zensah Tech+ Compression Socks, Black, Large
- PREVENT INJURY AND ALLEVIATE SHIN SPLINTS: Compression helps stabilize muscles and provide support to the shin and calf areas. By improving blood flow and providing support to the lower leg, shin splints are relieved and calf cramping is prevented. Compression in the ankle area helps to stabilize muscles to prevent injuries. Whether suffering from a calf strain or pain in the lower leg, the Zensah Tech+ Compression Socks allow you to get back to your favorite activity faster.
- PREVENT INJURY AND ALLEVIATE SHIN SPLINTS: Compression helps stabilize muscles and provide support to the shin and calf areas. By improving blood flow and providing support to the lower leg, shin splints are relieved and calf cramping is prevented. Compression in the ankle area helps to stabilize muscles to prevent injuries. Whether suffering from a calf strain or pain in the lower leg, the Zensah Tech+ Compression Socks allow you to get back to your favorite activity faster.
- SUPERIOR COMFORT: The compression socks feature a seamless toe, which prevents chafing and blisters. An anatomical fit means the socks are designed specifically for the left and right foot to ensure a perfect fit. The socks are made of Zensah Fabric, making them lightweight, moisture wicking, and thermal regulating. An elastic band goes around the foot to help support your arches for added comfort and to prevent fatigue.
- TRUE GRADUATED COMPRESSION: Graduated Compression means that there is the highest amount of compression in the ankle area and less in the calf area. This helps promote blood flow by pushing the blood back to the heart through the veins. Not only does this prevent cramping and swelling, but it also helps improve muscle recovery time, as muscles receive a greater amount of the oxygenated blood they need to recover.
- WHO SHOULD WEAR ZENSAH TECH+ COMPRESSION SOCKS: Everyone from runners, basketball players, fitness enthusiasts, travelers, and those on their feet all day like nurses are able to benefit from wearing compression socks. The compression socks feature graduated compression to help improve circulation and blood flow, reduce leg fatigue, and support muscles. Use while running or working out to help take your sport to the next level or while on your feet or traveling to prevent swelling.
- MADE IN ITALY AND EXTRA-DURABLE: The Tech+ Compression Socks are made in Italy of a polyamide and elastane blend to ensure superior quality. The compression socks are also engineered using a 200 needle count construction. This results in a more durable and advanced compression sock that provides you with compression in the areas you need it the most.
Engineered to imitate leg-taping methods, the Zensah leg sleeves gently squeeze your lower leg and help your muscles faster. Runners and sufferers of shin splints love the no-slip cuff, which holds the sock in place, no matter how quickly you run.
Happy customers love the seamless toe & anatomical fit which does an awesome job of preventing blisters and chafing. Reviewers are also raving about the Zensah fabric which is lightweight, moisture-wicking, and thermally regulating for maximum durability and muscle relief.
Available in neon pink, black, white, and electric blue, they are made from 82% Polyamide and 18% Elastane. They feature graduated compression for improved circulation which means faster recovery, reduced fatigue, and better performance.
DonJoy Performance Anaform Shin Splint Sleeves
Compression is useful to increase blood circulation and oxygenate the calf muscles. If you have the money, the DonJoy Performance Anaform Shin Splint Sleeves are probably the best compression socks available today.
DonJoy Performance ANAFORM Shin Splint Compression Sleeve: Camo, X-Small
- Foam buttresses add pressure and help to relieve pain from shin splints
- Compression helps to increase circulation and oxygenation to the calf muscle
- Stretch webbing to accommodate a wide variety of ankle sizes
- Foam buttresses add pressure and help to relieve pain from shin splints
- Compression helps to increase circulation and oxygenation to the calf muscle
- Stretch webbing to accommodate a wide variety of ankle sizes
- Reinforced pull tabs for easy on/off
- Reflectivity for enhanced visibility in low light conditions
They are filled with a special foam that gives amazing support and reduces pressure for shin splint sufferers. They are also designed to reduce healing time, too.
Shin splints tend to linger and take ages to heal sometimes. The neoprene sleeve with vertical foam buttress pads gives both thermal compression and pain relief.
These shin splint socks also have a stretch webbing ankle closure system which means that they are the most comfortable and best fitting and the reinforced pull tabs make it easy to take them off and put them on.
Physix Gear Sport Compression Socks
Physix has a great reputation for making compression socks for soldiers, nurses, sports fans, and basically anyone that suffers from shin splints.
Physix Gear Compression Socks for Men & Women 20-30 mmhg, Best Graduated...
- Style And Confidence On Your Legs Finally! A Durable Compression Sock Designed To Last, Without Compromising Quality Or Comfort. Double Stitched Fabric Your Legs Will Thank You. Feel The Immediate Comfort And Remarkable Design Of Your New Stamina Long Sock Tights. The Perfect Work, Cycling, Or Ski Socks. Quality Stitched & Easy To Get On Even Though They Are A Compression Sock! They Wash Well Without Losing Compression Keeping All The Excellent Vascular Toning Benefits.
- Style And Confidence On Your Legs Finally! A Durable Compression Sock Designed To Last, Without Compromising Quality Or Comfort. Double Stitched Fabric Your Legs Will Thank You. Feel The Immediate Comfort And Remarkable Design Of Your New Stamina Long Sock Tights. The Perfect Work, Cycling, Or Ski Socks. Quality Stitched & Easy To Get On Even Though They Are A Compression Sock! They Wash Well Without Losing Compression Keeping All The Excellent Vascular Toning Benefits.
- Because Pushing Yourself That Extra Mile Matters! Get Your Legs Properly Geared Up For Work, Play, And Everything In Between! Great For Day And Night Use, And Perfect For Those Who Are On Their Feet Most Of The Time. With Our Socks, The Compression And Support Are Perfectly Located On The Heel Foot Calves So The Toe Area Wont Squeeze Your Toe Joints. Provides Instant Comfort Support, With Moisture Wicking Properties That Rapidly Air Dry In A Few Hours.
- Take Your Game To The Next Level Comfortable Material And Careful Construction. No Stitches In Places Where They'Ll Rub Or Rip Together. Stay Put Cuffs Soothing Feeling At The Bottom And Sides Of Foot With No Pinching Seen With Lesser Quality Socks Without Ankle Support. Fall In Love With Your New Stamina Socks Easy To Pull On. And They Breath! Use In Extremely Hot Weather Crossfit Through Mud Water Wall/Crawl/Rope Climbs And Half Marathons. Perfect For Extreme Races And Long Runs!
- Grab Control Of Your Wellbeing In Style An Excellent Compression Hose Very Durable With A Fashionable Look And Variety Colors Available. Washable Designed With Quality Lycra Fabric Built For Durability. Customers Agree The Comfort Is Amazing. Use Them On A Plane During That 9 Hr Flights Or During That 6 Mile Walk Your Durable 20 - 30 Mmhg Sleeves Work With Your Routine. Feel The Shock Absorption Effect Instantly That Really Helps Reduce Fatigue And Swelling In Your Lower Leg.
- Get Ready. To Become A Raving Fan! We Cut No Corners In Our Product And Will Cut No Corners In Our Support Of You! You Are Making A Very Intelligent Decision Doing Business With Our Company. We Know You'Re A Big Deal And We'Ll Only Provide You With The Finest Product And Service Around Or Your Money Back! Purchase The Stamina Compression Socks Now And Experience The Physix Gear Sport Customer Experience Phenomenon!
They have a graduated fit to please the runners among us and they are made from super-comfortable material. The clever engineers at Physix have also ensured that there is no stitching in places where it can cause discomfort to your legs.
The stay-put cuffs keep them in place on the bottom and sides of your foot and there is no pinching seen as we have seen with similarly priced compression socks.
If breathability is an important factor, you will love these stamina socks. They are the best choice for use in hot weather and are also suitable for extreme weather sports and long runs in the rain.
Physix makes some of the best lines of shin splints compression socks. Customers agree that they are among the best compression stockings available today, proving to be a very popular choice for long-haul flights.
The Physix 20 – 30 mmHg sleeves absorb shock effectively and can help to reduce fatigue and swelling in your lower legs and are available in 9 cool colors.
Thanks for the image to https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Shin_Splint_Syndrome.jpg, U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jhi L. Scott, and Jogging Couple by Ed Yourdon, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
