Free day...: I'm just wondering if it's OK to leave my... - LSN

LSN

5,776 members2,669 posts

Free day...

sue32 profile image
15 Replies

I'm just wondering if it's OK to leave my compression socks off for just 1 day? I had terrible cramp in my legs overnight and they're painful to touch. I never normally leave them off, I just thought it might help the pain from the cramp. Only once of course. Thanks guys...xx

Written by
sue32 profile image
sue32
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
15 Replies
CCT67 profile image
CCT67

One day isn’t going to do tremendous damage but you are likely to notice them feeling heavier as inevitably they will be more full. Try to elevate as much as possible if you leave compression garments off. Elevation will help counter the effects of gravity which directs lymph the wrong direction when our legs are vertical. If you can’t elevate then do more self lymph drainage SLD than you ordinarily would to your day

sue32 profile image
sue32 in reply toCCT67

Oh wow! I didn't know there was such a thing! How can I find out more about this please? I'm really interested....thanks

MabelCuthbert profile image
MabelCuthbert in reply tosue32

The LSN’s book has a great section on SLD and much more info on self-management lymphoedema.org/product/lsn...

AnneBury profile image
AnneBury

Only you can work that out as everyone's lymphoedema is different. I do have the occasional day off from compression (both legs below knee). I only do it if I am having a lazy day at home. I like to do it because it gives the joints in my feet a rest from the pressure of the compression. However, I have had lymphoedema for many, many years and have learnt what works for me. I know others who put their compression on as soon as they get up because they need their compression on every day and all day.

sue32 profile image
sue32 in reply toAnneBury

Thank you. I have found that my legs are more painful with my compression socks on, and I'm unable to lift my legs much....so I like to give them a rest now and again...x

DeborahS32 profile image
DeborahS32 in reply tosue32

Maybe you’re not wearing the right kind/size for you? Worth checking out

sue32 profile image
sue32 in reply toDeborahS32

Apparently I have the correct ones! Although I do wonder how they know that without measuring. They just give me 'off the shelf' ones....

Ola22 profile image
Ola22

Hi Sue,

Think the regular cramp you are experiencing may need investigation, especially if it’s due to the compression the socks are applying. It’s not clear if you wear the socks day and night.

Best wishes, Ruth

sue32 profile image
sue32 in reply toOla22

Thanks Ruth....I saw my lymphoedema nurse last month and she said my lymphoedema is being managed really well. I have a lot of pain with it, especially in my feet and that's myself anything though problem right now. I'm having a lot of pain in my 4th toe, right foot. I can't see anything though...I find it difficult to lift my legs up when I wear the socks but I'm fine with them off! Don't know where to turn next...xx

StellaM profile image
StellaM in reply tosue32

Hi Sue,I wonder if you would feel better in open toe stockings? Might help with pain in your toe x

sue32 profile image
sue32 in reply toOla22

Thanks. I wear the socks in the day but they really make my legs hurt, especially my feet....but my lymphoedema nurse said I manage it well. Even took me off the regular clinic list! And told me 'lymphoedema isn't painful'...

DeadfootMo profile image
DeadfootMo

Elevate your feet as much as possible and if you haven't got any knowledge on massage techniques look it up and be kind to yourself. Your cramp pains will go away. You probably need to eat more bananas as potassium must be in short suppply if you get regular cramp. Also stay hydarated and drink plenty water.

sue32 profile image
sue32 in reply toDeadfootMo

Thank you for your great advice...x

Lymphet profile image
Lymphet

Have you thought of drinking Tonic water, the quinine helps with cramp. Also blood pressure tablets can increase the chances of cramp, which along with compression garments it becomes very painful. Hope the Tonic water helps, which comes in many flavours these days.

sue32 profile image
sue32 in reply toLymphet

Thank you. I have tried tonic water but I was told of certain side effects that my meds could cause. Nothing's ever simple is it?

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Advice please...

Morning all! Could anyone tell me if it's OK to leave my compression socks off just for 1 day? My...
sue32 profile image

Free prescriptions - secondary lymphoedema

does anyone with secondary lymphoedema have a medical exemption certificate? Although I am signed...
ezee profile image

Day 2, 3, 4, post op,

Hello I wrote these nearly 2 weeks ago but they have got lost in other replies so I am re writing...
12345- profile image

Day or night

Hi everyone, I was just wondering would it matter if I wore my compressions during the night and...
Bev-1966 profile image

Cellulitis, Day 6, any advice?

Hi, I'm new and found this by pure chance. I have cellulitis in my lower leg, which started off...
Broomie profile image

Moderation team

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.