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
Free day...: I'm just wondering if it's OK to leave my... - LSN
Free day...
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
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
The LSN’s book has a great section on SLD and much more info on self-management lymphoedema.org/product/lsn...
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.
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
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
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
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.
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.