Free day...

[sue32]

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

[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 in reply to CCT67]

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 in reply to sue32]

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

[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 in reply to AnneBury]

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 in reply to sue32]

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

[sue32 in reply to DeborahS32]

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]

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 in reply to Ola22]

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 in reply to sue32]

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

[sue32 in reply to Ola22]

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]

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 in reply to DeadfootMo]

Thank you for your great advice...x

[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 in reply to Lymphet]

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?