Do compression stockings work?

seckert

I am desperate for some relief from the swelling in my legs. I've followed all of the rules - feet up, more water, less salt - but nothing is working. I wake up in the morning with my thighs feeling like tree trunks and it stays that way all day!

Dr has recommended compression stockings. Anyone have any success or experience with these?

Sincerely,

One very swollen mommy to be : (

newsgal

YES! I used them last time, haven't had to so far this time. It's weird b/c they are TIGHT so you think, how could this possibly feel better - but it totally works. I had knee-hi ones and my ankles always felt so much better with them on and were noticeably less swollen. I only had one pair though so they got stinky fast! I was constantly washing them.

Shanin8

Eat a lot of protein and don't cut out salt completely...just don't eat excess.

Compression stockings help...but I have never worn them.

Good luck! 

bridetobein05

I haven't seen my ankles since August- so I tried them a couple of months ago- they worked... sort of.  My ankles were smaller, but the tops of my feet were still really big.  And it was SO hard getting them on since they are so tight.  I have just embraced the swollen look, because it is hard enough getting my underwear and pants on at this point!  Worth a try, but they are expensive and I wasn't willing to buy more than one pair of $30 socks!

GL- my dr just says to lay down when I can or to go into a pool up to my chest ( haven't tried this one)

babylizz

My swelling has just been in my ankles, but I just bought some compression socks (knee-high & black) that were $8 for 2 pairs in the pharmacy section of Walmart. They also had a pair that looked more like pantyhose, so I bought a pair of those as well, they were $11 for just one pair. They had thigh-high and full (up to the waist) ones also but I heard the thigh-high don't stay up.

I've worn the socks for two days now and the swelling in my ankles is gone. I've been doing a lot of last-minute shopping though, so that could've helped too. I was told to rest with my feet up but to really get my blood pumping at least once an hour, my doc said it's a balance between propping your feet up and exercise that works best. He also said a cool bath would help which makes sense b/c I tend to get swollen when I get warm.

mishu917

Yes, I'd definitely try them! I don't have any swelling so far with my 50lb weight gain so far lol, but when I was in HS and had swollen feet, I would wrap my feet in these really tight compressed elastic material and they were awesome! Definitely helps!

kimski

compression hose do absolutely work but you really need to go with a good compression garment not just the kind you'd find at walgreens.  they can be expensive but so worth it for the real thing (vs cheapy pair) my pair cost me $30 dollars for my portion I think my insurance paid 80% and the $30 was my 20%.  so check with insurance re: coverage. 

plusheak

I am 30 weeks but have been wearing mine since week 24. I have the maternity prescription strength. They are not cheap....$75.00 for one pair but SO necessary.

I work as a nurse and would not be able to continue to work without them. The swelling has progressed through my pregnancy but these stockings have been fabulous. You can purchase them online for cheaper...about $55.00. I would suggest you get measured professionally for them.

 The over the counter ones may be helpful for minor swelling but, the prescription strength ones are the way to go. They are difficult to put on and take off the larger you get but, that is a small disadvantage to them.

 

Edit: Here is a link to the ones I have. No Rx needed.

https://www.foryourlegs.com/Sigvaris-842C-Soft-Opaque-20-30-mmHg-Closed-Toe-Knee-Highs-p-17195.html