tight ring around legs from wearing socks, cuts off circulation?

Posted by tb01 @tb01, Apr 28, 2023

I want to know if the tight wring (indentations) around my legs from the compression of the top of socks causes anything? And if so what?

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Hi @tb01, I'm not sure if the tight socks at the top causes anything other than the little indentation at the top edge of the socks. I used to have them before I was diagnosed with lymphedema in my legs and had to start wearing compression socks just below the knee to keep the leg swelling down during the daytime. Prior to that when I noticed the indentation at the top of where the socks go, I started wearing loose fitting diabetic socks which are stretchy but not really compressing your legs.

Do your legs swell up during the daytime during your normal routines?

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@johnbishop

Hi @tb01, I'm not sure if the tight socks at the top causes anything other than the little indentation at the top edge of the socks. I used to have them before I was diagnosed with lymphedema in my legs and had to start wearing compression socks just below the knee to keep the leg swelling down during the daytime. Prior to that when I noticed the indentation at the top of where the socks go, I started wearing loose fitting diabetic socks which are stretchy but not really compressing your legs.

Do your legs swell up during the daytime during your normal routines?

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No, no swelling, no leg pain. Just the compressed area around leg, where top of sock was. What is lymphedema? Is it connected to my compressions?
Thank you for reply, @tb01

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@tb01

No, no swelling, no leg pain. Just the compressed area around leg, where top of sock was. What is lymphedema? Is it connected to my compressions?
Thank you for reply, @tb01

Jump to this post

Lymphedema is swelling due to build-up of lymph fluid in the body. It usually happens in the arms or legs, but can occur in other parts of the body. I kind of doubt it's related to your compressions if you don't have swelling in the legs but then I'm not a doctor.

You might try the loose fitting diabetic socks since they are pretty comfy and don't squeeze your legs like normal socks.

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@tb01

No, no swelling, no leg pain. Just the compressed area around leg, where top of sock was. What is lymphedema? Is it connected to my compressions?
Thank you for reply, @tb01

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Have you tried elevating your feet above your heart for about one hour each day? It works for me.

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Hard to do, irritates low back herniated disc. Taking a nap solves the problem, but feet are not higher than heart. Not always able to take them though. Wish I had one of those tilted upside-down chairs! Straight back chairs are required to keep low back painless but are hard to get feet higher than heart. Will give the idea some thought and see what my brain waves come up with. Thanks.

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@johnbishop

Hi @tb01, I'm not sure if the tight socks at the top causes anything other than the little indentation at the top edge of the socks. I used to have them before I was diagnosed with lymphedema in my legs and had to start wearing compression socks just below the knee to keep the leg swelling down during the daytime. Prior to that when I noticed the indentation at the top of where the socks go, I started wearing loose fitting diabetic socks which are stretchy but not really compressing your legs.

Do your legs swell up during the daytime during your normal routines?

Jump to this post

A very little indentation is normal from any socks for anyone. But if the indentation is deep and the mark of the socks is on the foot, then you have swelling. I can't tell you if that is from lymphedema or some other problem. If it continues, you should consult your doctor.

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Hi,

I get that on my calves. But I get swelling of the feet and calves. I have spent money on different socks (also because it hurts to put on tight socks [neuropathy]). I have found socks that stretch to be of help. My foot doctor recently suggests I wrap calves in ace bandages to help ease the swelling. But only when I’m on my feet, not resting/sleeping. She thinks it could be venous insufficiency but does not know why. I have appt coming up with my cardiologist and will ask him. I hope you get answers. I know the deep groove from the socks can be disconcerting. One of these days I have to take a pic and post it. A pic is worth a thousand words. My swelling doesn’t happen every day. Its odd. Best of luck.

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I suggest that if your a concerned with the indentation of the compression sock s(don't stop wearing them for the benefits are specific) switch to thigh high compression socks.
No more problems.

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@tb01

Hard to do, irritates low back herniated disc. Taking a nap solves the problem, but feet are not higher than heart. Not always able to take them though. Wish I had one of those tilted upside-down chairs! Straight back chairs are required to keep low back painless but are hard to get feet higher than heart. Will give the idea some thought and see what my brain waves come up with. Thanks.

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I have an adjustable mattress which makes it easy for me but I don't have a back problem like you have.

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@tb01

No, no swelling, no leg pain. Just the compressed area around leg, where top of sock was. What is lymphedema? Is it connected to my compressions?
Thank you for reply, @tb01

Jump to this post

It could be just the elastic is strong in the sock and they are tight. Sometimes it’s evidence of some fluid retention…which can in early stage not be real visible to untrained eyes. One thing to look for is to take your finger and press along inner side of shin bone in various spots…if it leaves an indentation that lingers after pulling your finger away…it means there’s some fluid. There are many causes such as heart / valve trouble, venous problems…and even high blood pressure meds.
Your doctor is the one to check with. Best wishes.

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