What are compression leg sleeves?
Compression leg sleeves are specifically designed to promote blood flow and provide warmth to fatigued calf muscles as well as prevent cramping.
They are mainly worn by those who are active in sports, particularly runners, whose circulation is poor enough to make their calf muscles sore and ache.
Similar in appearance to knee-length support socks, compression leg sleeves are thin and densely woven with their only difference being that a compression leg sleeve’s length extends from the knee and stops just short of the ankle.
Compression leg sleeves come in 3 compression levels, 15-20, 20-30 (the most commonly prescribed compression), and 30-40mmHg. The higher the number,the higher the compression.
Compression leg sleeves come with either an elastic or silicone dot band at the top of the garment. The silicone dot band is typically more effective in keeping your sleeve in place.
If you are allergic to silicone there are several brands such as Mediven, Zensah, Juzo, and Jobst sleeves that are made with a plain elastic top band.
There are several compression legs sleeves brands to choose from with Zensah Calf/Shin Recovery Compression leg sleeves being considered to be one of the best.
They are made using a seamless technology that is designed with 360 degree ribbing to give an equal gradient compression around the calf and shin. Zensah has developed recovery leg sleeves using a special knitting process and stretchy fabric composition.
Quoted by the Zensah manufacturer:
“Our Calf/Shin recovery sleeves are made with gradient compression which provides wide ribbing in the front for shin support, and tight ribbing in the back for calf support.
The sleeves are made with Zensah Fabric® which has silver helping regulate skin temperature, and fight bacteria. The sleeves can be worn during training to increase oxygen blood flow to the muscles of the lower leg.
The more oxygen the muscles receive the faster they recover allowing athletes to push the envelope in their training. The Zensah Calf/Shin sleeves are unique in that they provide pin point compression to the front and back of the leg.
The dual action support was developed by a professional athletic trainer.”
Zensah calf/shin recovery compression leg sleeves are available in various colors for both men and women and are sold in pairs only.
Sizes: XS/S: Calf Size 9.5″ – 12″, S/M: Height 5 9″ and below, Calf Size 11.5″ – 14.5″, L/XL: Height 5 10″ and up. Calf Size 14.5″ and up
Seamless compression thigh sleeves:
This type of compression thigh sleeve offers light gradient compression (typically 15-20, 20-30mmHg) that regulates body temperature to help relieve pain associated with swelling and lymphedema.
These are made of a spandex fabric that allows movement while at the same time controling moisture to help keep your leg dry and comfortable.
The sleeve transfers heat away from the body, while fighting against bacteria and odors with silver ions embedded in the fabric. The fabric is soft, seamless, and like some diabetic socks it is imbued with silver ions (provides anti-microbial protection that kills odor causing bacteria). Spandex allows more freedom of movement.
