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Leg Swelling: Do I need Compression Socks?

Nate ParadyNate Parady
in General Training Discussions

Part of October OS and training for IMLP.  I've recently been experiencing some lower leg swelling mostly felt on the front of my  leg below the knee.  No pain, just tightness.  Feel it in the morning when I wake up and a few hours after I work out typically.  I don't really feel injured and this isn't stopping me from training in any way It's just uncomfortable. 

Never worn them, but is this what compression socks are for?  What's the strategy with wearing and using them?

Thanks

Comments

  • ghernandghernand

    hello Nate,

    one leg or both?

    good that you currently have no discomfort.  at this point, (rest ; yeah right!), ice, compression, elevation and massage towards the heart will help.

    however, keep an eye out for pain, skin color changes, tingling sensation, or weakness in that area.  these symptoms ARE serious (i.e. anterior compartment syndrome) and you should go to the ER or urgent care and definitely stop training should these symptoms arise, until it gets sorted out.

    DrGH

  • Nate ParadyNate Parady
    seems equal in both legs...I did the "lay on the floor with my legs on the bed" thing this morning for about 5 minutes and that seemed to help.

    Thanks for the warning signs of something more serious. I'll be sure to watch out for those.
    Thanks Doc!
  • Michele CellaiMichele Cellai
    Nate- is the swelling along the lateral part of the shin? (Meaning if I was looking at you from the front- the shin parts farthest from each other left to right)
    Do you get any discomfort there when running?
    Tightness in the calf muscle can ultimately cause tightness in the anterior(front) muscles of the lower leg.
    Stretching and massaging the calf, foam rolling the front - along with the above suggestions, may help.
  • gedpaynegedpayne

    I would get checked for compartment syndrome from your doc, if only to rule it out.  I had surgery on my right leg in March last year and was basically out for almost the entire year.  I am seeing a PT for ART now for the left leg since I saw someone early about it so that I can hopefully avoid surgery again.  The ART is working well and both the doc and the PT told me to not wear compression socks to train in but it was Ok for recovery.  I let it go for a couple of years because I was being told it was really bad shin splints until I called that docs bluff.  The surgery is not bad and my doc was great.  The recovery is just a pain in the ass.  Sitting around for two months on crutches is a ton of fun.  At least with the ART you can still train.  The treatment is about 4 to 5 weeks and I am already running much better.  It is worth getting that checked at least to make sure. 

  • Nate ParadyNate Parady
    @Michele, yes it is along the lateral part of my shins and doesn't really bother me when I run or bike.
    I think I'm going to do some serious calf stretching and foam roller work. I'll see if that makes the problem go away.
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