TKR: Compression socks thigh high

Hello @lk3xs. How are you doing with your compression socks? Are they still irritating your skin? I'd like to tag @ellerbracke and @saeternes who have talked about compression socks in the "TKR: Raised toilet seat, railings, walker, wedge pillow, cyro-cuff?" discussion. I had my knee replaced in 2006, and I am trying to remember how long I wore compression socks. If my memory is serving me correctly, I don't believe it was as long as 6 weeks. I am aware, however, that every physician and surgeon has their own variations of protocols post-surgery. Have you discussed the level of pain you are experiencing with your compression socks with your surgeon?

@lk3xs : I’m with Justin - I am sure I had to wear compression socks for 2 weeks, perhaps even 3. It’s been a while since my TKR. Definitely not 6 weeks. It took me a few days to get the hang of taking off for showers, and putting them back on, but all in all it wasn’t really bad. More of a nuisance than a problem. If you have really short legs, there are knee-high compression socks, those might come up high enough above the knee for you?

My doctor made me wear them 6 weeks! Awful. I did have 2 pair but elastic wears down. Mine were a bit to tall. Men and women legs/thighs are different.
Just hated it.

I have to wear compression socks to help with my lymphedema mostly with my right leg. I had my right TKR in April and was not able to put my normal compression socks on for the first week when I was rehabbing at home. I found some side zippered compression socks that made it a lot easy to put on and take off and have started buying a few more pair at a time since it's a lifetime thing for me. I have no choice in not wearing the things that really put the squeeze on my feet and legs. They definitely help keep the swelling down for me and help push the fluids up the leg and out of the body.

Interesting to hear about use of compression socks, I never was prescribed those, and encouraged to wear very loose non elasticated socks. Amazing how different the protocols can be

I think all dr are different. I had a friend that wore compression socks. My Dr. Didn't have me wear them

When I went back at 4 weeks, begged to take them off and not go 6 weeks. Nurse said he makes everyone go 6 wks! I had no history of blood clots and was doing great at 4 weeks. Hate thigh highs!

@lk3xs After my first TKR I spent a week in a rehab facility and they did put compression socks on me. I have no idea if that was the doctor's insistence or if something they routinely do. I only wore them while in the rehab facility. After my 2nd TKR -- different doctor -- there was no mention of compression socks.

I actually like the thigh-high ones more. The shorter ones cut into my skin and hurt. I use the thigh-high ones when we fly, it is recommended for all people beyond a certain age, to avoid DVT.
JK