I recently had the opportunity to try out some Tommie Copper compression products. They let me choose what to try and I opted for the calf sleeves and the ankle sleeves, based mainly on the injuries I was recovering from at the time.
Tommie Copper products provide not only compression, but they also contain copper infused yarn. According to their website:
Copper is necessary for the growth, development, and maintenance of bone, connective tissue, brain, heart, and many other body organs. It is involved in the formation of red blood cells, the absorption and utilization of iron, and the synthesis and release of life-sustaining proteins and enzymes. These enzymes in turn produce cellular energy and regulate nerve transmission, blood clotting, and oxygen transport.
Copper stimulates the immune system to fight infections, repair injured tissues, and promote healing. Copper also helps to neutralize “free-radicals” which can cause severe damage to cells. Symptoms of copper deficiency include osteoporosis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
I’ll admit that I wasn’t overly concerned one way or the other about the copper content, but I really wanted to try the compression. It took me forever to remember to wear them, but as soon as I did, my calf stopped getting worse every time I ran. I was also seeing a chiropractor, but I could definitely feel the difference between runs where I wore the sleeve and kept it on after and ones where I didn’t.
All in all, I’d call the calf sleeve a success. The ankle sleeve, not so much. I’ll admit that I didn’t give it much of a chance because I couldn’t stand the way it felt on my foot. It didn’t hurt, but I could tell it was there and I just.couldn’t.deal. This is not their fault, I just apparently have sensory issues with things like that. Who knew? All in all, I do like the Tommie Copper products and would definitely buy the calf sleeves.
Thankfully, we quickly found a new use for the ankle sleeves: ninja gloves!
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| Be afraid. Be very afraid. |
Just a note for my new readers who commented on the Vibrams yesterday. I’ve been transitioning to minimalist/barefoot running for about a year and I’ve worn those shoes quite a few times. I would never have run 3.7 miles in them the first time I wore them. If you decide to try them, please take your transition slowly.
Disclaimer: Tommie Copper gave me the sleeves to try out. I received no other compensation. All opinions are my own.
Thanks for the great review, and I'm loving the Ninja gloves! Who knew TC sleeves could fight crime. =)
awesome review.I do love me some zensah, but I can be swayed :-)Im kinda easy like that…
Been wanting to try some form of compression. Thanks for your review!
This is funny, I'm posting my Tommie Copper review this afternoon!
I love my Tommie Copper calf sleeve. My biggest regret is that I only have one!
I have the ankle sleeves and like them but agree that I don't wear them as long as the calves sleeves. For some reason it just irrates my ankle after a few hours. I do think there is something to the copper because if my ankles are tired and hurting when I put them on, they have quieted down by the time I take them off. (in fact, I am wearing my calves sleeves today at work!)
Need to invest in some calf sleeves. Thanks for the review!
My legs looove the feel of compression after a long run :)Ankle sleeves? Is it to stabilize the ankle? If you need ankle sleeves & calf sleeves, wouldn't you just wear compression socks?I'll have to look this up…
I have the knee sleeves and the shirt that Tommie Copper makes and I absolutely love them both!