Compression Socks - Few Questions Please (painful, physician, symptoms, exercise)

[Forever Blue]

Thanks guys!

Submariner, thank you. What an ordeal, I wish your wife well.

Originally Posted by recycled

I have varicose veins in the lower part of both of my legs. I wear 20-30mmHg open toe knee-high compression socks. The open toe socks are easier for me to put on and take off, and you have to learn the correct method of putting them on - basically inside out. The skin needs to be completely dry.

I recommend this website where you can buy direct from the supplier - Doc Miller. They have a big variety of compression socks from ankle high, knee high or above the knee.
https://docmillersports.com/

I have used their products for over 3 years, and they are very good quality, good price and can last for a long time. I have 7 pair which I rotate after using each pair for 2 days. I put them on when I get out of bed in the morning, and remove them at night when going to bed. I machine wash in cold water with a small amount of mild detergent, and air dry. I also wear a light ankle sock over the compression socks, so I don't wear out the compression socks when wearing shoes or walking indoors without shoes. I usually wear indoor sandals in the house. Once per year in January, I order 7 new pair that will last me 12 months.

Thank you, yes, I think the toe out types are easier to take on/off as well. Sounds like you have a good routine going.

[MadManofBethesda]

Originally Posted by mike1003

Ask your medical supply dealer

First of all, who has a medical supply dealer?

Secondly, compression socks from a medical supply dealer, just like most everythng else from a medical supply dealer, are going to cost triple what you can find the same or similar product for somewhere else.

Finally, the "medical supply dealer" is going to recommend whatever brand(s) they stock. What's important is the compression that the doctor recommends you wear. After that, you can wear whatever brand you want from whatever retail outlet has the best prices. I've been wearing compression socks every day for 20+ years after being diagnosed with a blood disorder that led to a series of DVTs and PEs and I order my socks from Amazon.

[Forever Blue]

So I personally have a leaking vein.

QUESTION

Are compression socks meant to be just a temp fix for a surgery that will need to happen eventually OR do some people just wear the socks for yrs & yrs & that's it or what?

Originally Posted by MadManofBethesda

First of all, who has a medical supply dealer?

Secondly, compression socks from a medical supply dealer, just like most everythng else from a medical supply dealer, are going to cost triple what you can find the same or similar product for somewhere else.

Finally, the "medical supply dealer" is going to recommend whatever brand(s) they stock. What's important is the compression that the doctor recommends you wear. After that, you can wear whatever brand you want from whatever retail outlet has the best prices. I've been wearing compression socks every day for 20+ years after being diagnosed with a blood disorder that led to a series of DVTs and PEs and I order my socks from Amazon.

I understand what ya mean. So, you've been wearing for 20+ yrs daily, wow. So I guess you never needed any surgery to fix your issue? These socks were good enough to handle it?

Is DVT = Deep Vein Thrombosis? What's PE?

I ordered 2 brands so far to try...Doc Miller & another pair from this site called Pro Compression.

[Submariner]

Originally Posted by Forever Blue

..,.
Are compression socks meant to be just a temp fix for a surgery that will need to happen eventually OR do some people just wear the socks for yrs & yrs & that's it or what?

My Dw's doctor told her that she may need to wear them forever. Yet never 24 hours a day.

As a result from surgery, my Dw now has a permanent condition [one calf and ankle is twice the diameter of the other calf and ankle].


We started at a medical supply house, to get an idea of how they work. Then we found them at Walmart for much cheaper.

[Okey Dokie]

Buy one of these gizmos. It really makes putting them on easier!

https://www.foryourlegs.com/collecti...silk-foot-slip

[Forever Blue]

Originally Posted by Submariner

My Dw's doctor told her that she may need to wear them forever. Yet never 24 hours a day.

As a result from surgery, my Dw now has a permanent condition [one calf and ankle is twice the diameter of the other calf and ankle].

We started at a medical supply house, to get an idea of how they work. Then we found them at Walmart for much cheaper.

I see, thank you! So has it helped her enough to avoid a surgery or some procedure?

So far, it seems it's best to wear for about a good 8 hrs a day & during the day for sure (& NOT overnight). And does she wear it jsut on the 1 leg she has her issue with as opposed to both legs?

Any other info you can give would be grealty appreciated because this is all new to me. I've never had to weer compression socks before.

Originally Posted by Okey Dokie

Buy one of these gizmos. It really makes putting them on easier!

https://www.foryourlegs.com/collecti...silk-foot-slip

Thanks a lot, ordered just now! If you know any other info, tips, etc. you can tell me, please do so.

[Submariner]

Originally Posted by Forever Blue

I see, thank you! So has it helped her enough to avoid a surgery or some procedure?

Yes.

... So far, it seems it's best to wear for about a good 8 hrs a day & during the day for sure (& NOT overnight). And does she wear it just on the 1 leg she has her issue with as opposed to both legs?

Yes, she wears one compression sock on one jeg only. Maybe 8 or 10 hours each day.

She was also just diagnosed with Arthritis in one knee. Her doctor pronounced that she has arthritis, and was sent to a specialist to learn exactly what kind of arthritis and what can be done for it.

She was then sent to a physical therapist and now has been told to wear a 'knee brace'. Basically the same thing as a compression sock, but this is made for the knee.

[Floorist]

Tore something in my left knee 30 years ago. Had no insurance. Leg swell every day. Tried compression socks, they did not help.

[Forever Blue]

Submariner, thanks so much! I've repped you before, so system won't let me do it again. Will your wife ever need surgery down the road or no? How's her quality of life? Does she try to elevate her leg as much as possible? How long can she walk for?

Do you happen to know if compression socks are fine if one's had an achilles tendon rupture in the past? (I'm trying to find out from a dr in the meantime.)


Floorist, thanks for replying. So in thse last 30 yrs, you've had nothing done to remedy it? Have you had any further complications OR just swelling all this time? Weren't you worried if it would get worse?

[Submariner]

Originally Posted by Forever Blue

... Will your wife ever need surgery down the road or no?

At this point, there are no plans for any further surgery.

The doctors do not have any suggestions for her beyond whatever might make her comfortable.

... How's her quality of life?

It is decreasing.

... Does she try to elevate her leg as much as possible?

Yes.

... How long can she walk for?

Getting in / out of the car has become difficult for her.

She avoids walking any more than necessary.

She volunteers at a food pantry twice a week, for four to six hours each time. Sorting boxes of food.