Venous Insufficiency / Compression Socks ?s

[marbel]

Last week I saw a vein specialist - I had been bothered by my socks being too tight and my legs turning red/looking and feeling sunburned. And so I was told to start wearing compression sock for 3 months, to determine if I need vein therapy (the actual name of the therapy escapes me at the moment).

I ordered some socks from the doc and was given my measurements so I could buy on my own if I wanted. The socks from the doc arrived, and they are OK, but they are more like my mom's knee-highs than the thicker sort of socks I like. They are way too thin for hiking. 

So I ordered some others that looked promising, chose my correct size per the calf/ankle measurements I was given, and the correct compression level. The socks are cute (not the priority, of course) and thicker.... but holy smokes are they tight at the top, to the point of pain. I know the socks are supposed to be snug, but they are not supposed to hurt. All these did was move the sock lines/indents on my legs further up. 

So, I'm on a quest. Anyone have recommendations for good compression socks? I know they are kind of a popular thing now and lots of places carry them, but not at the compression level I need (20-30 mmHg) and sizes don't include calf measurements. (For ex, I was in Target and saw they had some, but they weren't appropriate for my needs. I mean, I get it that it's a medical thing and not every place is going to carry them.) I really want some thick enough to wear hiking. Also, my feet were so cold in the thin pairs yesterday!

Thanks for any comments/suggestions! 

[prairiewindmomma]

A few thoughts:

1. Can you wear the thin ones like a sock liner and top with a second pair of wool for warmth/thickness?

2. Put them on in the morning when swelling is low, and it will be easier to get on.

3. You may need thigh highs.

[kbutton]

10 minutes ago, marbel said:

The socks are cute (not the priority, of course) and thicker.... but holy smokes are they tight at the top, to the point of pain. I know the socks are supposed to be snug, but they are not supposed to hurt. All these did was move the sock lines/indents on my legs further up. 

I know some people prefer to get socks that go up to their thighs for this reason.

I have zero experience, but want to follow the thread as varicose veins and/or chronic venous insufficiency are ubiquitous in my family, and the varicosities didn't skip me. 

FYI, we bought couches that recline (head adjusts, so you can sit straight up while having feet supported), and it's made a HUGE difference to keep my feet up in the evenings! Just thought I'd mention that in case it helps.

[Emba]

Ames Walker had some thicker athletic-type socks. I would look on their website- I believe it is ameswalker.com

Edited January 20, 2022 by Emba

[EmilyGF]

I buy thigh high compression hose from DiscountSurgical.com and secure them with silicone body glue. Then I just wear socks over them. They have a huge selection at reasonable prices. I choose thigh-high with open toes.

I literally put my compression hose on the moment I wake up (before I get out of bed) and don't take them off until I get into bed at night. Though I wouldn't choose to have varicose veins, I am so thankful I live in a day of good compression hose! 

[marbel]

Ah, this is great information, and so fast, thank you all!  

I wish I had asked questions here before seeing the doc. I would have made better choices and had better questions for them. Did not even give the thigh high ones a thought, did not think to ask if I could wear 'regular' socks over them. 

I have put them on in the morning but not the very first thing - like, I've walked to the kitchen, had some water/meds, taken my shower. I can foresee having to change my routines some. 

Thank you all so much - @prairiewindmomma, @kbutton, @Emba, @EmilyGF!

[kbutton]

27 minutes ago, EmilyGF said:

I buy thigh high compression hose from DiscountSurgical.com and secure them with silicone body glue. Then I just wear socks over them. They have a huge selection at reasonable prices. I choose thigh-high with open toes.

I literally put my compression hose on the moment I wake up (before I get out of bed) and don't take them off until I get into bed at night. Though I wouldn't choose to have varicose veins, I am so thankful I live in a day of good compression hose! 

Do you shower at bedtime then? I know a warm shower makes all those varicose veins in my legs dilate! 

[Jean in Newcastle]

The best stores in my opinion are actual running stores. Or someplace like REI. 

[TravelingChris]

When my legs swelled w lymphadema, first they tried compression socks- the largest size- and they were unbearable. What I had to go w is something similar to a brace but what it does 8x compression.  The great thing about it is you use it on top of your socks, pants, tights, whatever and I  have used it also on my bare leg.  But I was having issues w it slipping down and making deep marks near my ankle.  My primary care who wrote the prescription fot the socks and then the brace like thing told me to only wear it for an hour or so and to only eearg when I am walking.  

[Jean in Newcastle]

btw - my doctor has ok'd me trying a supplement to increase blood flow.  Super Beets powder is probably the most well known from tv ads but I just ordered some "Nitric Oxide Support" powder from Pure Encapsulations.  He did advise me to monitor my blood pressure just to make sure that it doesn't get too low.  I am hoping that this will help me more than compression socks have ever helped me.  

[EmilyGF]

2 hours ago, kbutton said:

Do you shower at bedtime then? I know a warm shower makes all those varicose veins in my legs dilate! 

If I shower in the morning, I dry off, lie down in bed for a few minutes, and then put on the compression hose. 

[City Mouse]

I buy these https://procompression.com/?_atid=W46inBbJRdaaL4i2XUufpKsYa8gj9H. If you sign up for the mailing list, they have sales a few times a year where they sell a “grab bag” for about $20 a pair, but then you are stuck with whatever patterns they send. My DH got some bright yellow smiley face ones. 
They are rather tight at the top band, and I do readjust and move the top up and down throughout the day. They are thicker than knee high hose, but thin enough that on cold days I wear a second pair of socks on top. 
They do have different sizes, but these would not work for my mother whose feet and legs are are very, very swollen due to lymphedema. 
 

I have not been diagnosed with anything other than varicose veins. I have always had issue with swelling due to too much sodium. When I am traveling and eating out a lot more than normal, I was miserable. The socks made a big difference in my “Disney Rash” or exercise induced vasculitis. 

Edited January 20, 2022 by City Mouse

[mlktwins]

1 hour ago, TravelingChris said:

When my legs swelled w lymphadema, first they tried compression socks- the largest size- and they were unbearable. What I had to go w is something similar to a brace but what it does 8x compression.  The great thing about it is you use it on top of your socks, pants, tights, whatever and I  have used it also on my bare leg.  But I was having issues w it slipping down and making deep marks near my ankle.  My primary care who wrote the prescription fot the socks and then the brace like thing told me to only wear it for an hour or so and to only eearg when I am walking.  

I'm saving this info.  My dad was just diagnosed with lymphedema.

[TravelingChris]

1 hour ago, mlktwins said:

I'm saving this info.  My dad was just diagnosed with lymphedema.

Glad I could be of help. I will see if I can pm you a photo or at least the banr of them.  They have velcro backed strips  so depending how swollen thf legs are, you just pull it to the point it is a little tight.  My doctor told me you should always be able to slip a finger in between the brace like thing anc your leg.  Also, with the kind I have, you can hsve it on black or reverse to tan.

[KidsHappen]

My docs had me wear the toeless kind covered with a regular sock.

 

[GoodGrief3]

I was wearing some for a while last spring as part of recovery from a broken ankle. Check out the options at Duluth Trading Company. I also bought some from a running store. Cannot remember brand, but higher end online running sites might have recs.

[EmilyGF]

@marbel Just looking at your post again - were you putting the socks on before getting up in the morning? 

When I first got fitted, the fitter strictly lectured me on how it was important to put them on while lying down and with the least amount of swelling possible.

Hope you get this figured out. The right compression hose can be a life-changer.

[marbel]

1 hour ago, EmilyGF said:

@marbel Just looking at your post again - were you putting the socks on before getting up in the morning? 

When I first got fitted, the fitter strictly lectured me on how it was important to put them on while lying down and with the least amount of swelling possible.

Hope you get this figured out. The right compression hose can be a life-changer.

I had not been. My instructions were simply "wear the compression hose all day." I didn't interpret that as "before getting out of bed." I'm going to call and ask for more details. What you are saying makes sense. It also didn't occur to me to ask about the footless socks, which I now think may be a better idea for me if I can wear regular socks over them. 

Today I got up, took a shower, laid back down on my bed with my feet up, and after about 15 minutes put one of the well-fitting pairs of socks on. Tomorrow I'm going to try the pair that seems too tight before I even get out of bed, and if they don't work, I'll be able to send them back. 

Thank you for all your comments; it's been so helpful! Much more so than the doctor's visit! 

[*****]

On 1/20/2022 at 11:23 AM, marbel said:

I know they are kind of a popular thing now and lots of places carry them, but not at the compression level I need (20-30 mmHg

I was under the impression that by this number, you could only get them through a prescription and have always purchased through the doctor or other medical place. Maybe things have changed over the years? You should not be in pain. Try thigh high toeless for sure, but seems like your doctor should have recommended that. 

[Pippen]

On 1/20/2022 at 1:37 PM, prairiewindmomma said:

A few thoughts:

1. Can you wear the thin ones like a sock liner and top with a second pair of wool for warmth/thickness?

2. Put them on in the morning when swelling is low, and it will be easier to get on.

3. You may need thigh highs.

I've been wearing 20-30 compression daily for 4-5 years and have recently added thin wool blend socks. I have to be very careful that the sock doesn't add compression or it's very uncomfortable.

@marbel what also helped me was elevating my feet when possible. 

[EmilyGF]

6 hours ago, ***** said:

I was under the impression that by this number, you could only get them through a prescription and have always purchased through the doctor or other medical place. Maybe things have changed over the years? You should not be in pain. Try thigh high toeless for sure, but seems like your doctor should have recommended that. 

That used to be the case, but not anymore. I had to get my first pair with a prescription through a service, but now I buy them online. discountsurgical.com is my goto.

[KatieJ]

I recently started wearing compression socks. I have found a brand on Amazon (DHSO brand, under D25.00 a pair, less on Black Friday sale) I like in the correct compression and size I need.

Even the prescribing Doc isn’t aware of what is available . She was sure I was going to need custom socks (from Jobst) at the tune of up to $800.00. 
No,  my calves aren’t THAT  big, but wide calf is readily available lots of places.
 

Op, does the brand you’re wearing have a wide band at the top? My friend emphasized this over and over to me. 
Mine are very comfortable. I don’t feel the need to wear socks over them,but I’m sure you could. 

Edited January 22, 2022 by KatieInMN

[marbel]

37 minutes ago, KatieInMN said:

Op, does the brand you’re wearing have a wide band at the top? My friend emphasized this over and over to me. 

Yes, the band at the top of all the socks I have is very wide.

So, the 2 pairs I bought from the doctor are fine as far as fit/comfort; they are just too thin for my liking. My feet are cold and they are too thin to wear with my hiking shoes or even sneakers. Yesterday I did put a pair of my son's hiking socks on over them - they are very loose on me - and that helped.  But when I look online I see mixed commentary on wearing socks over the compression socks. 

A third pair I bought online is too tight. I did as @EmilyGFsuggested and tried putting them on while still in bed this morning, but they are just too tight. I could see the veins on my knees popping out a bit after wearing them for a while. So, those are being returned. 

I find it confusing because I was given a specific calf measurement and I ordered based on that, as instructed. In fact my calf measurement is on the lower end of the size chart (15" calf, size chart says socks fit 15" - 17"). I'm not buying any that don't include the calf measurement. 

For sure, I should have asked more questions and the clinic should have offered more guidance. I guess I gave the impression I knew what I was doing LOL. I'm going to call them Monday to get further guidance on wearing thicker socks over the thin ones.  That would solve my problem.  Also I think the footless would last longer with no potential for a toenail ripping through!  

Thanks for all the comments and suggestions! I'm learning a lot. 

Edited January 22, 2022 by marbel

[kbutton]

4 hours ago, KatieInMN said:

I recently started wearing compression socks. I have found a brand on Amazon (DHSO brand, under D25.00 a pair, less on Black Friday sale) I like in the correct compression and size I need.

Even the prescribing Doc isn’t aware of what is available . She was sure I was going to need custom socks (from Jobst) at the tune of up to $800.00. 
No,  my calves aren’t THAT  big, but wide calf is readily available lots of places.
 

Op, does the brand you’re wearing have a wide band at the top? My friend emphasized this over and over to me. 
Mine are very comfortable. I don’t feel the need to wear socks over them,but I’m sure you could. 

Do you have a link? I can't find it by googling that brand even when on Amazon. 

[KatieJ]

7 hours ago, kbutton said:

Do you have a link? I can't find it by googling that brand even when on Amazon. 

I can’t figure out how to link…here’s a photo.