Compression socks: How do you know the strengths and size to buy?

Posted by joaf37 @joaf37, 4 days ago

Question about compression socks: How do you know the strengths/size to buy. I read that those if too tight may contribute to blood clots. This was after I just bought several on line. I had success with them several years ago. When I had a need for them. I purchased them through a medical supply store with an MD's prior advice for those. The medical supply stores where I live have closed and that MD retired. My situation now is swelling per my sitting at the computer and or telephone for long periods of time many days per my job. I'm fortunate to be able to work at home. If the weather is good I do walk during the day and do sleep with my legs elevated slightly at night as someone commented here.

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John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | 4 days ago

My doctor prescribed compression socks with a rating of 20 to 30 mmhg so I just order ones with that rating. If you know what compression rating you previously used I would stick with those and discuss it with your current doctor. You can order them online. I buy ones that I found online that have side zippers that make them easy to put on and take off. Most of them have size charts where you measure your foot, ankle and calf and the chart will tell you the size you need for their brand.

Anonymous436980 | @anonymous436980 | 4 days ago

My physical therapist for my lymphedema told me exactly what to get. Before that I used CopperFit from Costco, but my physical therapist says they do not have enough compression.

joaf37 | @joaf37 | 3 days ago

In reply to @johnbishop "My doctor prescribed compression socks with a rating of 20 to 30 mmhg so I just..." + (show)

Thanks for this. Helps a great deal .. I recall the comment with the zippers ... didn't see those on line. I'll bet if videos were allowed for getting into these in general ... it would be entertaining!

joaf37 | @joaf37 | 3 days ago

In reply to @anonymous436980 "My physical therapist for my lymphedema told me exactly what to get. Before that I used..." + (show)

Thanks for taking the time to send this!

bettycll | @bettycll | 2 days ago

One doctor suggested 30-40 mmhg, but those were SO difficult to put on daily. When I went to PT for lymphedema (which, by the way, did not help), the therapist said that 20-30 would be okay. In her words, "If they stay in the drawer because they are too difficult to put on, then they are not helping." I agree and now always buy the 20-30. Yes, they are a pain to put on every morning, but the pain I have if I DON'T wear them is worse. Even sitting at the computer for a short time makes my legs ache terribly. My legs still swell with the compression socks (not as much as without wearing them), but the pain and aching is very diminished. I get them online. Personally, I have not found any zippered ones with a strong enough compression to help, so I just struggle to wear the pull-on ones.

my44 | @my44 | 1 day ago

In reply to @joaf37 "Thanks for this. Helps a great deal .. I recall the comment with the zippers ......" + (show)

Amazon has some with the zippers.
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=zippered+compression+socks&crid=3FTNARL3JR5P3&sprefix=zippered+comp%2Caps%2C222&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_3_13

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