Office work

[Loobs]

Ive got another question and hope you can help! I work all day sitting behind my desk and finding it really sore behind the knee with the compression stocking creasing. I do keep my leg on a footstool but wondered if anyone else has this problem and if so what I can do to help it. E.g. Higher footstool, special chair, Chaise Longue lol

[megamouth]

I used to have that problem with the crease causing skin sores, my lymphoedema nurse suggested that I use a cream like doublebase gel twice a day on my legs & feet which prevents the skin getting too dry. But also when putting the compression stockings on to wear the rubber gloves we use for washing up. The rubber gloves gets a better hold of the stocking when pulling it up. After a few days I then found the the creases didn't cause skin sores.

It's something you could try, however everyone's different, also it helps top have new compression stockings every 6 months with leg / foot measurements taken again.

Good luck and keep us all posted on things work out for you.

[morganite in reply to megamouth]

i also use the double base cream daily, Also may need slightly higher footstool. I get free prescription stockings every 3months as advised by my nurses, They wear out quickly so hope that helps,

[Loobs in reply to morganite]

I wasn't sure what cream to use and was using Aqueous so will get some double base and try it. Thank you!

[Loobs in reply to megamouth]

Thanks for your advice megamouth and the rubber gloves work a treat!

[sarah-emz]

I also have this problem quite often, but to stop the stocking making my leg sore I usually pad the back of it with something like a sock or tissue. It's not extremely comfortable to begin with but it's something that you become used to and certainly prevents the leg from becoming sore.

[Loobs in reply to sarah-emz]

Don't think I could bear trying to stuff something inside my stocking but will try it if all else fails. Thanks for your advice

[jinger]

Maybe a higher footstool may help you too. I have one of those hospital type ones which is put to the same height as my chair so my legs are up equalling the height of my hips (if that makes sense). The only problem with this is if you have a 'normal' desk, you end up further away and cannot reach your keyboard, phone etc so you end up needing a deeper desk.

Have you had someone in to do a Workstation Assessment with you whilst at work? If not, can your employer arrange one for you as it may be beneficial to you as it could be suggested that your office equipment may need to change as it is not suitable for you? I arranged one for myself through Access To Work with my employer's blessing. The Workstation Assessment was done at no cost to my employer but my manager had to shell out for a new chair, footstool and cockpit-style desk. These items should be paid for by the employer under 'reasonable adjustments' due to the DDA (or whatever it's called nowadays!).

[Loobs in reply to jinger]

This is a really good idea as I work for a large company and they are very health and safety conscious so I will speak to my manager and ask for a workstation Assessment. Thank you for your help

[lisa28]

ask ur nurse for some fluffy padding its superb

[Loobs in reply to lisa28]

I will do..so does it go inside the stocking against your leg?

[Woo1960]

I had a DSE assesment in my workplace and the nurse recommended a leg rest. It is like a small bench with ajustable legs which I have under my desk and can rest one or both my legs. It sits in line with my chair and makes all the difference on a bad day. I also have a fan that sits under my desk so it it gets too hot I can cool my feet.

[LymphSuppNetwork Partner LSN in reply to Woo1960]

Hi Woo

Good advice but do remember to keep your ankles moving and to get up and go for a walk regularly.

[alfie19 in reply to LymphSuppNetwork]

Having a leg rest is great and very beneficial.

I found that in the past some employers were not so accommodating, or say that you are not fit to be here go and see your GP.

What do you do when your ankle is in pain, taking painkillers make you sleepy, and it is painful when you walk.