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April 2016 Moms
Wils0722
member
Compression Socks, need recs!
Wils0722
member
Hi ladies! So my feet were horribly swollen after a 2.5 hour flight at about 15 weeks so for my upcoming international journey, my doctor recommended compression stockings. What she failed to tell me was that I needed an appointment and prescription. So like any good pregnant woman, I procrastinated and now I am not sure I will be able to get the prescription quality ones in time. Anyone know of good OTC stocking from a CVS, Walgreens or even Amazon? I'm super nervous that I'll get off the plane and be unable to walk!!
C + N 8.3.13
Baby due April 6!
Re: Compression Socks, need recs!
During the flight, try to move your legs. The calves are the pumps of the veins, so just by activating your calf muscles you will help the venous drainage move upstream. You can do this by simply flexing and extending your feet and/or your toes several times, from time to time.
These are 15-20 mmHg, which is lighter compression: https://www.ameswalker.com/compression-stockings/aw-16-sheer-support-closed-toe-knee-highs-15-20-mmhg.asp
These are 20-30 mmHg, which is medium compression: https://www.ameswalker.com/compression-stockings/aw-280-signature-sheers-closed-toe-knee-highs-20-30-mmhg.asp
If you find that the compression stockings squish your toes, you can opt for an open-toe stocking: https://www.ameswalker.com/compression-stockings/aw-44-sheer-support-open-toe-knee-highs-20-30-mmhg.asp
I find it helpful to have at least 2 pairs, cause you can wear one while you are washing the other.
Of note, if you ordered the 20-30 mmHg one, you will notice it is not super easy to put on (due to the compression), especially in the beginning when the stocking is at its stiffest. If you struggle with that, you can put a regular knee high sheer on first (any cheap non-compression one), and then put the compression one on top. The sheer underneath will help the compression stocking slide up easier.
It may not be an issue for you, I find it to be more of an issue among older folks who don't have as much strength/ flexibility, but if it is an issue, then try this.
And the last advice is: Do not put the stocking on an already swollen leg, as it will do nothing but trap the swelling down. The way it should be used is, you put it on first thing in the morning before your legs get swollen, and it will then help prevent swelling.
BUT, I think compression stockings would be a good way for you to decrease your risk of getting them as much as possible. Let me see if I can coherently explain this over text:
The veins have a pretty hard job in life.... They have to pump blood back from the legs up and back towards the heart, against gravity. To prevent blood from 'falling back', all veins are equipped with little valves, which are super thin, like cellophane or thinner. Because of this, these valves tend to degenerate and retract over time (and this is where genetics comes into play, as some people have venous valves that degenerate and retract early, others have valves that last longer). When the venous valves degenerate and retract, they are less efficiency in 'closing the vein shut', thus allowing blood to reflux back down (which is called venous insufficiency). The chronic pooling of blood in the poorly efficient veins increase the local venous pressure and then cause the veins to distend, causing the varicosities.
As I mentioned above, the calves are the pumps of the leg veins. So as the calf muscle bundles are activated, they squeeze the veins and help keep the blood moving upward towards the heart (imagine milking a cow
Again, one cannot fight genetics, but this is a simple, cheap and easy way to improve venous return and prevent varicocities as much as possible.
As metioned above, the right way to use them is to apply first thing when you get up, and take them off at night.
BUT, I think compression stockings would be a good way for you to decrease your risk of getting them as much as possible. Let me see if I can coherently explain this over text:
The veins have a pretty hard job in life.... They have to pump blood back from the legs up and back towards the heart, against gravity. To prevent blood from 'falling back', all veins are equipped with little valves, which are super thin, like cellophane or thinner. Because of this, these valves tend to degenerate and retract over time (and this is where genetics comes into play, as some people have venous valves that degenerate and retract early, others have valves that last longer). When the venous valves degenerate and retract, they are less efficiency in 'closing the vein shut', thus allowing blood to reflux back down (which is called venous insufficiency). The chronic pooling of blood in the poorly efficient veins increase the local venous pressure and then cause the veins to distend, causing the varicosities.
As I mentioned above, the calves are the pumps of the leg veins. So as the calf muscle bundles are activated, they squeeze the veins and help keep the blood moving upward towards the heart (imagine milking a cow
Again, one cannot fight genetics, but this is a simple, cheap and easy way to improve venous return and prevent varicocities as much as possible.
As metioned above, the right way to use them is to apply first thing when you get up, and take them off at night.
-------quote fail-------
When I began reading your response I started imagining the veins singing "It's the hard knock life". What is wrong with me :P
Have a safe and fun trip! Where are you headed?
As far as getting them on, you can't wear them like regular socks. I worked in nursing homes for many years and found the easiest way to be with the resident (sock-wearer) sitting down. I fold back the leg of the sock and put on only the foot, so the sock is on the foot and the rest is folded over once, near the ankle, and covers the foot as well. Then, I'd work in 3-4 inch sections and pull the material up the leg. This allowed me to get them on quickly and pull tight enough as I went to ensure there weren't any creases, as folds can become very uncomfortable in the compression stockings when you wear them all day.
I've a 12hr flight on Monday and will be wearing them then anyway but can I wear them the night before - haven't had a decent night's sleep in nearly 2months now
So there is no medical need for nightly stocking use, unless you like it for comfort.
Of note, if edema persists overnight, it's not venous edema.