Swelling/ puffines in limbs after a hard workout?

[Manticone]

I run and cycle, but I notice my legs become hard and swollen feeling after long runs or any long workout (my feet also swell quite a bit if I walk a lot). I know a certain amount of that is normal...but is there any way to minimize the swelling and also decrease the time frame until the swelling goes away. It's not so much noticeable to others, but it also feels pretty bad...my legs become like rocks and it is a weird splitting feeling through my calves.

Is there something I should be doing? Compression socks for runners? (I've heard those work, but am having a difficult time finding any. I live in Winnipeg, Manitoba). Dietary changes? Supplements?

I don't, for the record, eat much in the way of sodium or high salty foods (never liked them much) and I do stay relatively well hydrated throughout the day.

[Liz198]

You can try compression socks, as it may help im no doctor, but as long as you have no pain you should be fine its probably a blood rush. I have the same problems but it swells my hands. Try Amazon for compression socks.

Good Luck on your goals

[Manticone]

I think I will give them a try. Does anyone have any recommendations for compression socks? Especially ones that go to your knee? And also, ideally, a Canadian company...because for whatever reason I always, ALWAYS get an extra customs fee. I just 'luck out' with having to pay extra money if anything comes from overseas or south of the border 🙂

Ta!

[flyboy]

I suggest checking on the internet for compression socks or possibly just compression calf sleeves.  You can look for a Canadian company or check Canadian Triathlon or running shops online to avoid customs fees.

For the record, yes some swelling is common after a hard workout, one of the ways that your body recovers after trauma is to swell.  The compression and excess fluids help to speed the healing process.  Some runners refer to this as having "crunchy" legs.  Compression socks or calf sleeves may help with this.  I also run in compression shorts for the same reason but the compression is up in the quadriceps / hamstring areas.

[Manticone]

I am heading over to a sports store tonight; I will keep my eyes peeled for some reasonably priced compression socks 🙂

[Hjane26]

I usually just use ice and a cold shower to help.  Compression socks sound helpful though.  Also, it depends on how much sodium I have had that day and the day or two before...If i've been eating a lot of sodium, my legs (particularly my feet too) will swell tremendously more.  I drink a lot of herbal tea to help flush out the extra water after workouts too.

[Manticone]

 I never ate much sodium, until recently. Must. cut. back. XD

The compression socks seem to be helping!