- What is the best calf compression sleeves for cycling?
- Video: Muscle calf anatomy
- Types of compression socks you should know about
- What are the most common injuries in cycling?
- Buying guide: Tips on how to buy the best compression socks for cycling
- Advantages and benefits of calf braces for cyclists
- Can compression socks really improve cyclists' performance and recovery?
Cycling is one of the most popular sports in the world. It can be practiced on different types of terrain and is also characterized by its numerous health benefits: It optimizes muscle tone, improves joints, increases calcium in bones, increases lung capacity, etc.
However, even cyclists are not immune to injuries in their sporting lives. Especially if they do not use the right protective equipment. For this reason, we will elaborate on the most common conditions caused by cycling and highlight the importance of wearing compression socks in this sport.
What is the best calf compression sleeves for cycling?
- Sizes: S-M-L-XL-XXL-XXXL-XXXXL
- Colors: 6 Options
- Material: Nylon
- Nº of Products: 2 Pack
- Type: Sleeve
- Graduated compression
- Quality materials
- Breathable
- Lightweight design
- Large sizes
- Thin material
It helps to combat the symptoms of tendinitis and cramps, thanks to its gradual compression design that allows better support in the weakest areas of the back of the leg. It is ideal for any sport, but can also be used to overcome a stage of achilles rehabilitation or muscle tear. Keep in mind that the greater versatility of the product, in its different unisex sizes, can generate inconveniences in obtaining good support in the soleus and gastrocnemius area.
- Elastic fabric
- 3 Pair per order
- Lightweight design
- Breathable
- Only one size
- Does not specify material
With a ZFiSt calf splint you will always have dry feet and free of bad odor due to the quality of the materials with which the calf protector is made. You can use it to run, play soccer or reduce the symptoms of varicose legs. Pay attention because in some users the fatigue of the feet did not disappear with the use of this elastic band for running.
- Sizes: S/M/6-9), L/XL(10-15.5)
- Colors: 14 Options
- Material: Nylon(85%) Polyester(15%)
- Nº of Products: 5 Pairs
- Type: Sock
- 5 Pair per order
- Breathable
- Quality materials
- For any activity
- Only two sizes
- Delicate wash
Logra maintain the right compression to stimulate blood when you go to work or are pregnant, you just have to choose the optimal size to start enjoying all the benefits of these socks. It relieves pain and deflates the affected area of ligaments, muscles or bursae, so they are suitable for use in summer or any time of the year. It is important for you to know that, the cuff may not be very effective in preventing muscle tears in too demanding activities.
- Sizes: S/M(5.5-8.5), L/XL(8-12.5), XXL(12-16)
- Colors: 12 Options
- Material: Nylon
- Nº of Products: 2 Pack
- Type: Sock
- Variety of designs and colors
- Breathable
- Elastic fabric
- For any activity
- Not machine washable
- Poor support
They are designed to be used by both men and women, and their material gradually compresses the lower part of the kneecap, muscles and Achilles tendon. In addition, it stimulates blood circulation in the foot and ankle, decreasing pain and symptoms of fatigue. Note that in some buyers the calf compressor did not contribute to rapid deflation.
- Sizes: S/M(4.5–7.5), L/XL(5–8), XXL(7–12)
- Colors: 4 Options
- Material: Nylon
- Nº of Products: 3 Pairs
- Type: Sock
- Good compression
- Lightweight design
- Delicate wash
The elastic material gradually compresses the tissues to stimulate blood circulation. In this way, it is very easy to obtain in the same garment the therapeutic benefits of heat and compression therapy. These socks are suitable for use during pregnancy. Some users recognized that the pain does not diminish with the use of this elastic splint.
- Graduated compression
- Additional padding
- Lightweight design
- Variety of colors
- Medium compression
- Thin material
The additional padding prevents blisters and improves comfort so that the gradual compression is not an obstacle to use. They are non-slip and can be worn by both women and men, but it is important to choose the right size for the socks to be effective. If you are looking for this compression sleeve to repair calf tears, be aware that in some buyers this did not work correctly.
- Sizes: S-L-XL(14-16in)-XXL(16-22in)
- Colors: 4 Options: Gray, Black, Blue, Pink
- Material: Breathable
- Nº of Products: 2 Pack
- Type: Sleeve
- Good compression
- Ergonomic design
- Variety of designs and colors
- Quality materials
- Not machine washable
- Does not specify material
The support provided to the calf by this compressive brace stimulates blood circulation, making it possible to combat foot fatigue and varicose vein pain. The double stitching of the lightweight fabric does not cause irritation, but it is important to know that, in some cases, the feeling of leg fatigue does not diminish with the use of this compressive garment in the short term.
- Sizes: S(13")-M(14")-L(15"-17")-XL(17"-19")
- Colors: 4 Options: Beige, Black, Blue, Pink
- Material: Nylon
- Nº of Products: 2 Pack
- Type: Sleeve
- Graduated compression
- Variety of designs and colors
- For any activity
- Quality materials
- Delicate wash
- Too bulky
The increased stability and compression are generated by the specially designed back support, with an adaptable fabric, which is located right at the calf. The fabric material, made of high quality breathable yarn, is prepared to cushion the impacts of jumps and avoid injuries to the Achilles heel. You should consider that, in some specific cases, the compression sleeve does not relieve pain or reduce cramps.
Video: Muscle calf anatomy
Types of compression socks you should know about
What are the most common injuries in cycling?
Cycling, by its very nature, requires athletes to pedal continuously for several hours, which, in addition to sufficient leg strength, requires a constant sequence of flexions and extensions of the foot, knee and hip joints.
As well as the stability of the lower back, trunk and abdominal region, and even the correct movements of the neck in extension and the appropriate cushioning measures in the arm and wrist. In other words, it requires a range of body structures to perform at peak levels.
Because cycling involves most parts of the body, various injuries can occur due to the repetitiveness of all the movements associated with pedaling. Also, due to the posture that the athlete adopts on the bike, the surface on which they train (mountain or asphalt) and the speed at which they cover the targeted distance.
Without further ado, here are the most common conditions that affect the cyclist's well-being and cause frustration:
Patellar tendonitis
This is an injury to the tendon that connects the kneecap to the tibia. This is the "patellar tendon" that works with the muscles at the front of the thigh to extend the knee. This condition is usually caused by heavy pedaling, improper saddle adjustment, sudden changes in pace, and pedaling at high speed for long distances.
The result is severe pain and inflammation of the patellar tendon and severe overuse of the knee joint. This prevents the athlete from performing movements such as pedaling or climbing stairs. Medication and physiotherapy exercises, stretching and maintenance are prescribed to treat this injury in order to restore the function of the tendon.
Chondromalacia
This is one of the most common injuries in cyclists. It is essentially a disease of the cartilage under the kneecap (which acts as a natural shock absorber). In this sport, patellar chondromalacia is often caused by long distances or very low cadence, as well as a low saddle that increases the pressure between the thigh and the knee.
The main symptoms of this pathology are severe pain in the anterior part of the knee, difficulty in fully extending the knee, and a feeling of stiffness in this area. Therefore, when the patient rides a bike, goes down stairs or does squats, the pain may increase acutely.
Achilles tendonitis
This is a tear of the Achilles tendon, which connects the heel bone to the calf muscle. The most common signs and symptoms include a latent pain in the back of the leg or in the upper part of the ankle, which increases exponentially when cycling. It also causes stiffness in the ankle and discomfort when walking, jumping or climbing stairs.
As for the causes, this type of injury is mainly triggered by overuse of the tendon, that is, when the athlete spends many hours on the bike and does all his training in this way. In addition, other factors such as sitting too high, incorrect foot position on the pedal or incorrect shoe cleat adjustment can also lead to Achilles tendonitis.
Lower back pain
Discomfort in the lower back of the body is also a result of poor cycling. They are usually diagnosed as the cause of severe pain in the lower back or what is known as the "lumbar area". In most cases, lower back pain in cyclists is due to the very high position of the saddle, which causes hyperextension of the lumbar spine.
In addition, lower back pain is also caused by poor posture on the bicycle, improper saddle and handlebar configuration, improper bicycle size, extremely long cranks, use of long gear shifts that result in altered pedal stroke, and an upright posture that causes compression of the intervertebral discs. Sometimes even genetic factors (e.g., dyssymmetry).
Neck pain
Another of the most common injuries in cyclists is neck pain, which directly affects the neck of the patient and causes severe pain. Therefore, cervical pain can be diagnosed as a result of overload in the neck, particularly affecting the nerves, vertebrae and muscles of the cervical part of the body.
In most cases, neck pain is caused by incorrect adjustment of the saddle and handlebars, as well as incorrect posture of the cyclist on the bicycle. However, there are other factors that affect the cervical spine and cause this injury, such as inappropriate saddle height, inadequate handlebar length, abnormal weight distribution due to the forward-facing saddle, etc.
Buying guide: Tips on how to buy the best compression socks for cycling
Since compression tights and socks are not only for cyclists, it is important that athletes dedicated to cycling know how to choose the most suitable compression tights for their sport. Therefore, we highlight the most important aspects to consider when buying compression socks and calf sleeves to get the most out of them in this discipline:
According to their function
Compression socks for cyclists can have different functions depending on the condition or need of each athlete:
- Promote venous return and prevent circulatory problems.
- Free the muscles from excessive stress.
- Contribute to the recovery of the area.
- Relieve pain and discomfort.
Material of manufacture
It is ideal to use compression socks that sweat without accumulating in this area. Therefore, it is preferable to buy those made of nylon, polyester or elastane. These are synthetic materials that simplify the breathability of the area. It is not recommended that they have seams.
Type of compression
In addition to the function and material, it is also important to evaluate the type of compression that the stocking offers. Most brands offer different levels of support, which is important to achieve the desired benefits. In general, we recommend a sock that provides a pressure between 15 and 30 mmHg.
Sizing
Make sure you buy the right size, whether it's S, M, L or XL. Remember that a sock that is too small can cause constriction, slowing or interruption of blood flow, while a sock that is too large may not compress properly. Also, it is not ideal to wear a one-size-fits-all garment.
Design
Depending on the length, the design of the stocking may vary to serve a specific purpose and cover the skin up to a certain height. These include:
- Socks that cover only the foot and tights.
- The short sock (or calf sock) that extends from the ankle to below the knee.
- The long sock that extends above the knee to mid-thigh.
- Compression tights that extend from the feet to the waist.
Price
Overall, compression socks for cyclists range in price depending on the brand, design and function. Although this may be expensive for some athletes, it is not appropriate to use fake or imitation socks. These are made from inferior materials and therefore may not be very effective.
Advantages and benefits of calf braces for cyclists
To prevent the various injuries that can occur in cycling, compression garments have been developed that not only provide protection, but also help to improve performance when used regularly. In particular, compression socks, stockings and calf pads are items that reach the knee or hip and exert a controlled force on the legs.
Many cyclists use this type of clothing for their training and competitions to benefit from the following advantages:
- They optimize the oxygen supply to the muscles.
- They contribute to the regulation of blood circulation.
- Improve the performance of the cyclist.
- Relieve muscle pain.
- Minimize the vibration of the calf muscles during the ride.
- Prevent various lower limb injuries.
- Accelerate the recovery time.
- Prevent heat loss in the area.
- Provide remarkable comfort.
- Decrease the accumulation of lactic acid.
Can compression socks really improve cyclists' performance and recovery?
Yes, they are. This type of compression garment promotes blood flow, which is the amount of blood expelled from the heart into the aorta per minute. It also helps muscles recover in less time because it provides them with more oxygen.
In addition, they are able to prevent the various injuries common in cycling, provide comfort and muscle support, as well as a thermoregulatory function ideal to enhance the athlete's performance in competitions over long distances and for long periods of time.
Compression socks for cyclists are the best alternative to enhance athletic performance and if you have an injury, you can achieve a quick recovery with the compression therapy that works effectively to improve the internal components of the foot and calf.