Gransnet forums

Health

Compression socks/stockings

(21 Posts)
Callistemon213 Fri 12-Jul-24 22:29:18

If they are falling down are they the right size?

I find knee length ones difficult to wear as I have just one varicose vein just below the knee which developed when I was pregnant 50 years ago. Knee length ones seem to irritate that area.

I have only worn them after an operation or on long-haul flights but prefer compression tights.

RosiesMaw2 Fri 12-Jul-24 21:35:28

Another reason I wear a pair of sheer pop socks

Marydoll Fri 12-Jul-24 14:49:16

I am fortunate, they stay put and are very difficult to remove without help.
I always think I look as if I have an artificial foot, due to the colour. 🤣

RosiesMaw2 Fri 12-Jul-24 08:47:44

I too have the toeless set , but the trouble I find is they work their way up my feet(towards the ankle) resulting in very unglamorous Nora Batty type wrinkles. I get round this or try to hide it by wearing a pair of pop socks on top and trousers

Marydoll Sat 06-Jul-24 07:59:46

My stocking are below the knee and are toeless. My GP thought I would want to show off my painted toenails. 🤣.

I don't have varicose veins, I have to wear them because I gave R.A.

geordief Sat 06-Jul-24 03:05:34

Marydoll

I was informed that is important to measure ankle and calf width. If it isnt important , why do they come in various sizes?

Mine are so restrictive, there is no way they can fall down.

They did measure the ankle and calf width but they didn't measure the distance between the ankle and the knee.They said it wasn't really necessary as they were all the same length(perhaps she meant in that brand)
Mine do fall down a bit but perhaps that is because I do some heavy work .
Are your stockings also below the knee?

Marydoll Sat 06-Jul-24 01:18:56

I was informed that is important to measure ankle and calf width. If it isnt important , why do they come in various sizes?

Mine are so restrictive, there is no way they can fall down.

geordief Sat 06-Jul-24 00:54:52

Thanks for all the comments.I didn't answer till now as I was waiting till I went back to the pharmacy and followed their advice.

They told me not to pull them up too tight as I was pulling them over the knee(I was probably taping them in place as well so they didn't fall down as I had been doing that with the previous thigh length stocking that my doctor had told me was not necessary )

They said to just draw them up to below the knee(even though they seemed too loose to me)

So ,I did what they said and it seems to work .They do fall down a bit but I just pull them up now and then.

I also asked the pharmacy if it was important to measure the length of the leg from ankle to knee and they said "not really" and that the socks just came in the one length.

This is the first day over so I will see if there is any problem along the way but ,fingers crossed all will be well.

N4nna Thu 04-Jul-24 15:48:14

My hubby went to the Drs and they said he’d have to be measured for them. My Mom albeit back in the day she died in 85… used to have these for varicose veins and thrombosis… great thick elastic stockings from just after her toes right to the top of her legs… she used to have to be measured for those too. So maybe speak to your Drs.

handbaghoarder Thu 04-Jul-24 12:56:22

I had some prescribed for me years ago as I had a small leg ulcer just above my ankle They were measured by the practice nurse- according to shoe size, calf circumference and height to knee. I had knee length and open toe so I could wear with sandals. Had both tan and black ones They were so comfy and I still wear them now occasionally, many years later, if my legs are tired or achey or if I’m standing a long time ( Bruce Springsteen gigs spring to mind ❤️😂) I just feel “ lighter” in them somehow? They feel a little odd to begin with but certainly shouldnt cause discomfort. Maybe have a(nother) with your practice nurse?

maddyone Thu 04-Jul-24 12:03:45

knspol

I wouldn't have thought such things were returnable for hygiene reasons.

I agree.

JRTW2 Thu 04-Jul-24 11:34:24

I have fat legs (lipoedema) and find the full length tights more effective and more comfortable. Some are colourful and look like leggings

shoppinggirl Thu 04-Jul-24 11:28:42

I have them too as I had a blood clot in my leg. They should be made to measure for you which mine were through my doc's surgery. They come up to just below my knee and don't rub at all. I was shocked when the nurse told me they cost £80 a pair! They're from a company called JOBST and come in all sorts of different compressions and prices and you can buy ready-mades on line.

knspol Thu 04-Jul-24 11:21:48

I wouldn't have thought such things were returnable for hygiene reasons.

Marydoll Wed 03-Jul-24 10:19:05

I wear compression stockings, you have to be measured to ensure the correct fit.
Were you measured and if not, perhaps that is the problem.

MiniMoon Wed 03-Jul-24 10:17:04

Not for varicose veins, but for a long haul flight, I bought some compression socks online. I measures my calf and ordered the size to fit. They were superb.
Try measuring your calf and taking the measurements with you, return your original socks and see if they have any to fit your leg properly.

LOUISA1523 Wed 03-Jul-24 10:07:10

You will likely need another prescription so pharmacy can provide another pair ....phone your practice and tell them your concerns

NotSpaghetti Wed 03-Jul-24 09:05:52

I think I'd also check I had the right/best solution for my particular problem...
Or is it just the easiest thing to offer?

Macadia Wed 03-Jul-24 02:16:20

I might not know much more but I do know they are such a bother. Would cornstarch or talc-free powder behind your knee help?

Yes, I would return those. Any small sore behind your knee could become a large sore later or even get infected. They should stop two fingers below your knee and not cause a red mark. Most of the compression should be around your ankles. It seems that they are too tight on your legs higher up. Could you measure and then buy a different brand accordingly?

Since stockings can be difficult, I found that electronic compression cuffs are much easier to put on, more comfortable to wear and they gave better results. They are soft rechargeable-battery cuffs that squeeze your ankles every few minutes and are adjustable to any size, just like a blood-pressure sleeve.

I wish you well !

NotSpaghetti Wed 03-Jul-24 01:36:38

Did you have them fitted?
I think they are in different fits?
I'm sure someone will come along soon who knows more.

geordief Tue 02-Jul-24 23:49:51

I recently was prescribed compression socks for varicose veins and was advised that below the knee was practically as good as above the knee.

So I chose below the knee.

When I got home I put one on and noticed that it came up to the knee-level with the knee.

Since then I also notice it seems to make a red mark behind the knee.(I have stopped wearing them and am using a thigh length one that I already have but had hoped to stop using as it seems more trouble)

Should I return these socks to the pharmacy and ask to be given socks that do not reach up as far as the knee itself but that they stop short of the knee?
Or is this just something I will get used to and is of little consequence?



When I got home