Compression socks....

[Calliope153]

occasionally get slightly swollen ankles particularly on long car journeys (despite frequent get out and walk stops). Bought compression socks and see on the packet it says should not be used if you have circulation or heart problems. Any thoughts? They are rather fetching striped ones......

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Besides CAD I have PAD (peripheral arterial disease). Vascular surgeon says a NO NO! Potentially they could cause a leg attack with serious consequences. Besides what you are doing drinking plain water only is recommended.

[Calliope153 in reply to MichaelJH]

thanks for info......

[Lezzers]

My husbands nurse said no compression stockings when we did short haul flights, never did long haul! Difficult to do if you're the one driving! but she always said immediately remove your shoes, do continuous leg exercises and get up and move as much as possible. We now always try to take the train on long journeys.

[MichaelJH Heart Star in reply to Lezzers]

PAD is worse in my left leg but fortunately I have large ageing automatic so can move and wriggle left leg on long runs but limit myself to two hours between breaks.

[Speakeazi]

Possible depends on what your heart problem/circulation problem is. This From Harvard Health about people like me who have PAD:

“Don't wear compression stockings. Compression stockings further impede blood flow in people with PAD. Talk to your clinician if you've been wearing them to prevent blood clots or leg swelling.”

[Calliope153 in reply to Speakeazi]

I don;t have PAD....... but am very confused by Dr Google who gives conflicting views on whether my stripey socks would be of benefit....

[Speakeazi in reply to Calliope153]

Michael Jenkins who is Chair of the Circulation Foundation and a Vascular Surgeon has just written a piece on the difficulty of using Dr Google and gives some pointers.

If the link doesn’t work go to circulationfoundation.org.uk and you will see it on the front page under News

circulationfoundation.org.u...

[Calliope153 in reply to Speakeazi]

thanks

[Sunnie2day]

I have three pair of these stockings - and haven't worn them since having to get a flight attendant to cut the fourth pair off me in-flight on a long-haul to the US West Coast several years ago. Long short short, over an hour into the flight I realised one of my legs becoming painful and the other gone numb - pulled up my trouser legs to discover flesh on the numb leg nearly colourless and flesh on the painful one bulging out the top of the stocking. Needless to say I gave up on the socks and am careful - very careful - to take the 'water pill' prescribed by the doctor. Works a treat, I have to say.

On long drives I've discovered putting the car seat as far back as possible then extending my legs and rotating my feet in unison at the ankles keeps the swelling away. I rotate my feet for about 30 seconds every ten or so minutes and usually arrive to the destination without any swelling. I also have been known to ride in the back seat where I can sit with my legs up across the bench seating, and yes, the seat belt does restrain me even in that position.

I'm also careful to only wear those easy-grip socks. Thankfully I knit so I can make my own winter knee highs but the above ankle ones (come up around half way between ankle and lower calf) are available to purchase and I highly recommend them for comfort and preventing leg and ankle swelling.

[Geoff51 Heart Star]

Having had a HA almost 10 years ago I have been wearing full foot compression stockings prescribed by my GP following problems with swollen feet. I wear them all day from getting up until having a shower after evening meal. I have a doppler test every 6 months with the practice nurse, They help the swelling and aching i used to get before being prescribed them, if your GP says no then be guided by them but mine were prescribed and have helped me a lot.

[Calliope153]

Thank you for this - I still can;t decide what to do! I won;t see the GP until the New Year and I would so like to do a long car ride and get out without puffy ankles at the other end.... they are lovely stripey socks - not the usual black or tan horrible things. Vanity could be the death of me!! Think I am just going to try them......see what happens.... will report back.