Long flight compression stockings

[jaydub]

I'm going on a long flight next month and I'm not sure if compression stockings are a good or a bad thing to use for CSS sufferers, particularly when my legs and feet are a bit numb at the best of times. Does anybody know or recommend their use, or are they dangerous for us?

[PMRpro]

Speak to your practice nurse or do you have a specialist nurse - they should be able to advise you (and better than a doctor!). Before using compression stockings you should always have your ankle pressures checked to make sure they won't squeeze your blood vessels too much and stop the blood flow which, as you suspect, is not a good thing!

[Albasain]

I have rheumatoid arthritis and as a consequence of related leg ulcers I have to wear compression stockings. On long haul flights, to Australia, it makes no difference as to wearing them in regards DVT. I would say that what is really important is to get up and walk about as best you can regularly, do foot exercises while sitting. It is important to keep your circulation moving while travelling especially to your lower legs where DVT occurs. Equally, my wife has a clot in one leg caused by her heart condition. In her case she wears a compression stocking on her other leg but not on the leg affected and also gets up and walks about every hour and a half. So exercise is really the key. Give yourself fifteen minutes of exercise at least every two hours max. and you should be ok,

[Katie18]

I have CSS and I have been to see my hospital's lymphodema team as I get swollen ankles and lower legs due to nerve damage. I find stockings prescribed by them help. I only use the lowest levels of compression - 1 or 2 . They do support my legs and help my condition.

[alybill]

If medically possible also take a baby aspirin. You may need to check this with your GP or practice nurse. Happy holiday.

[PMRpro in reply to alybill]

The aspirin bit is for arterial problems - DVT is a venous problem and aspirin doesn't make any difference.