CW-X Tights: Miracle Workers! Not what about summer?

[marathonmommy]

CW-X Tights have been miracle workers for my long runs and have really saved my knees big time. I feel a HUGE difference when I wear them. I wore them for my last 3 races over 10 miles and have had very little knee pain. Without, I am a mess and can sometimes barely run . . .

Now that it is getting warmer, what will I do? I have the Ventilators but can't imagine wearing them in the sweltering summer. Can you think of anything would give similar kind of support? A compression knee brace? Minimal would be best. Thoughts?

Coach?

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

Would the 3/4 length be sufficient for your knees? I ran in them today when it was nearly 80 degrees outside with my running group and I didn't get too hot. But I am also someone with a low body temperature - I am usually cold when everyone else is hot. I didn't even try to run in the regular tights yet outside because I just assumed that they would be too hot.

 

[marathonmommy]

Would the 3/4 length be sufficient for your knees? I ran in them today when it was nearly 80 degrees outside with my running group and I didn't get too hot. But I am also someone with a low body temperature - I am usually cold when everyone else is hot. I didn't even try to run in the regular tights yet outside because I just assumed that they would be too hot.

I have a pair of the 3/4 and will wear them this weekend coming up at the National Half. They seem as if they would be really warm in the summer, though.

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

That fabric is a bit deceptive...so I hope that the 3/4 length works well and that the weather is nice for your race! It looks like we may have another cold front heading out so hopefully that will work in your favor! I guess you could always try that tape instead. http://www.kinesiotaping.com/kinesio/textape.html

 

[marathonmommy]

That fabric is a bit deceptive...so I hope that the 3/4 length works well and that the weather is nice for your race! It looks like we may have another cold front heading out so hopefully that will work in your favor! I guess you could always try that tape instead. http://www.kinesiotaping.com/kinesio/textape.html

Tried the tape at the Disney Half last year and it did nothing for me.

We will see how the 3/4 work out . . . it will be the first time I'm not wearing the full lengths. I'll let you know. Thanks for the input! I love those darn tights!

 

[cewait]

CW-X Tights have been miracle workers for my long runs and have really saved my knees big time. I feel a HUGE difference when I wear them. I wore them for my last 3 races over 10 miles and have had very little knee pain. Without, I am a mess and can sometimes barely run . . .

Now that it is getting warmer, what will I do? I have the Ventilators but can't imagine wearing them in the sweltering summer. Can you think of anything would give similar kind of support? A compression knee brace? Minimal would be best. Thoughts?

Coach?

I run in the ventilator short style CW-x in the summer. It does not hug the knee or calf but does hold the IT band in place.

I would like to see if you can rehab the knees this summer. Think squats, lunges, cycling under HEAVY gears. You are looking to improve the VMO or inner quad.

 

[verticalchaos]

Tried the tape at the Disney Half last year and it did nothing for me.

We will see how the 3/4 work out . . . it will be the first time I'm not wearing the full lengths. I'll let you know. Thanks for the input! I love those darn tights!

I'm glad to hear an honest review about that KT tape. I've never understood how putting tape on yourself does anything. One of my co-workers said "Well, you see a lot of pro athletes in it, so it must work. Yeah, but there are pro athletes endorsing the stupid I-Renew bracelets too.

Thanks for this question...I've been wondering the same thing. It's cold enough my full-length perform-x tights should be fine today, but as it gets warmer I'll need something else. (And yes, coach, I am in PT and working on strengthening leg and pelvic area muscles.)

 

[marathonmommy]

I run in the ventilator short style CW-x in the summer. It does not hug the knee or calf but does hold the IT band in place.

I would like to see if you can rehab the knees this summer. Think squats, lunges, cycling under HEAVY gears. You are looking to improve the VMO or inner quad.

You are right . . . I need to get stronger, but I may always have some issues. I have had two arthoscopic surgeries (once for the ACL and later on for cartilage.) Several years later, I needed a reconstruction as the ACL was completely gone. So, I run with a pin and screw or two. I usually only really feel it on long runs. Like I mentioned before, some runs are excrutiating...and others are relatively pain-free. I really do believe it's the tights. Do you think the CW-X shorts would help even though they don't cover the knee?

 

[cewait]

I'm glad to hear an honest review about that KT tape. I've never understood how putting tape on yourself does anything. One of my co-workers said "Well, you see a lot of pro athletes in it, so it must work. Yeah, but there are pro athletes endorsing the stupid I-Renew bracelets too.

Thanks for this question...I've been wondering the same thing. It's cold enough my full-length perform-x tights should be fine today, but as it gets warmer I'll need something else. (And yes, coach, I am in PT and working on strengthening leg and pelvic area muscles.)

Actually, swearing by CW-x tights and shorts is a recognition of kenesio taping. CW-x is not a rue compression pant. Instead of all fabric being a Lycra type fabric that stretches in all directions, it has a series of 'taping' strips that only stretch in one direction.

I actually think taping has merit, BUT only if done properly. I think it takes training to locate the proper structures as you tape. From what I have seen of KT, it could work, but if you do not have a set of eyes directing your application, forget it. I am old enough so that we taped runner's knee - i.e. pre-j-brace days. The mechanics are simple on the knee, but if you miss locate the tape along the patella, all you are doing is waxing the skin on the outer edge of the knee.

As far as the band, its a new snake oil. I guarantee you that I can move anyone who is not ready for the sudden application of force. Then if I say ear this and lets see what happens, then you are guarding against the force. The bracelet does nothing.

You are right . . . I need to get stronger, but I may always have some issues. I have had two arthoscopic surgeries (once for the ACL and later on for cartilage.) Several years later, I needed a reconstruction as the ACL was completely gone. So, I run with a pin and screw or two. I usually only really feel it on long runs. Like I mentioned before, some runs are excrutiating...and others are relatively pain-free. I really do believe it's the tights. Do you think the CW-X shorts would help even though they don't cover the knee?

I am with you on knee holes. I have two sets on the left knee and one set on the right. 8 years ago my ortho put me on a last ditch treatment to save the left knee. it's a synthetic synovial fluid; his description was Slick 50 for the knee. Had that failed we were doing paper work for a titanium hard structure and today I would not be here. I was lucky with the injections *** they actually worked for me. I really work hard on the muscle around the knee and am a believer in strength training. But I see cases like yours where you are always going to fight issues. It does not preclude the strengthening of the soft tissues. You are one of the few who I would suggest a compression sleeve to for every day running. The compression and warmth will help the knee feel better during the run; or should. That may be the benefit you are receiving from the tights; instead of the muscle help.