I have been advised to use compression socks due to swelling in my lower legs and ankles. I’ve tried going to Amazon and it makes to sense to me which are good and which aren’t. Is there a rating system that works. Is the higher the number better? Been told to elevate legs too but that’s hard to do and work. Any advice here?
I had my ankles swell once on a 15 hour trans-Pacific flight and went in panic to my MD. She advised trying several brands of socks and seeing which worked. She also said that custom socks could be looked into if the problem persisted. Maybe you could ask you MD about custom? (assuming you are under a Drs care) I looked at the Amazon reviews of various brands and choose some based on the comments.
Ironically, after buying the socks (and finding that I could not wear them on overseas flights because they made me uncomfortably warm), I figured out that a particular pair of shoes that I frequently wear when traveling causes the ankle/foot swelling - whether in the air or on the ground. They are Merrell ballet flats that have very little arch or foot support. I still love them and wear them frequently, just not on flight days.
There are different levels of compression: http://www.absolutemedical.com/buyers-guide.html
You need to find our first the amount of compression is best. I went to my doc to find out.
Try the goto socks. They are pretty durable and provide good compression.
Both my PCP and my podiatrist have recommended that I wear light compression (15 - 20 mmHg) socks all of the time and 20 - 30 mmHg socks if I’ll be unable to elevate my feet during the day. My podiatrist also said I need to wear oxford type (lace up) shoes all of the time, so no more sandals or clogs. The shoes pose a greater problem than the socks.
I’ve bought both Jobst and TED socks from Amazon and elsewhere. Compression >20 has usually been too uncomfortable for me to tolerate, but that could be because sizes are too often based on shoe size and not leg measurements. It’s important to check your ankle and calf measurements before ordering, and you may need to go to the manufacturer’s website for details that aren’t provided on most retail sites.
I keep a small ottoman under my desk, have larger ottomans in the family room and living room, and use a slant pillow for my legs when reading in bed. The only time I sit with my feet down is when driving or out in public. One dear friend even bought an inexpensive 18" high pouf for me to use when visiting her home; it’s keep in a closet the rest of the time.
A relative mentioned seeing an inflatable footstool for travel in some catalog. I ought to look into it because I often end up with bruises on the back of my legs if I have to sit for a long time with my feet down (being short does not help matters.)
My PCP warned me that my lymphedema could easily progress from stage 1 to stage 2 if I’m not careful and once it does then elevating my legs won’t help much if at all.
Good luck!
CEP. That’s the brand I used for marathons and recovery. Make sure you get the correct size according to their instructions.
Pro Compression are great, too. Fun colors and patterns and excellent compression. The sleeves are another option (no feet in them).
I used a CEP compression calf sleeve when I had a calf muscle strain from tennis. They had a lot of options.
Try Sockwell.
They have both med. and heavy compression weights and some styles even have arch compression built-in.
Best of all, they don’t look like compression socks.
I now wear the CEP running sock for all flights. While hard to put on, they are surprisingly comfortable! You do need to measure to get the correct size. While I ordered from Amazon, my pharmacist sells and recommends this brand.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00SLSKKVM/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I’ve used a black ugly compression sock from CVS on long flights and I find it helps with swelling. My D wants a pair before a transatlantic flight so I think I’ll try one of the recommended brands for her. I think she’ll prefer something that looks less like a men’s trouser sock.
I have the added issue of my feet swelling when I get hot or from sodium when I travel. Has anyone used the no show type of compression sock for walking and touring while traveling? ( not for plane)
I do not know if these are any good (maybe they are amazing…not sure) but they look a lot better than grandpa fred’s compression socks
https://www.zensah.com/collections/womens-socks
Zensah socks are awesome.
I got Sockwell brand compression socks for a recent trip. They worked great, were comfortable and stylish. They sell them at Nordstrom and Amazon. http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/sockwell-goodhew-graduated-compression-socks/3622666
I am on feet a lot at work and I use Sockwell.
I ordered both a Sockwell and a Cep sock from Amazon. I’ll see what she likes best. The Sockwell are less expensive on Amazon if you don’t care about color or design.
I wear Sockwell socks while working my 12 hour shifts. They keep swelling under control.
I wear the Sockwell brand when I fly. They come in medium and firm compression. I prefer the sleeve. It goes ankle to knee so it doesn’t interfere with my footwear. Plus they have fun patterns and colors.
http://www.sockwellsocks.com/Sockwell-Socks-Women-Moderate-Compression-s/114.htm
I think you should get up 3 times during your Det to LV flight and wander up an down the aisle a few times. Maybe stand by the restroom and go up and down on your toes and also try to bring your knees up like you are marching.
Hope you have a great trip. You deserve a fun break!
Question–are the compression socks warm?
I suffer with always being hot and have wondered if would make me even more so.
The good ones (Zensah and CEP, for example) are designed for athletes and are made of tech fabric. No, they are not warm. People run marathons in them. 