Compression socks ~ too soon?

Specialties Emergency

Published

Specializes in Trauma/ER, Pysch, Pedi, Free Standing ER, L&D, ICU.

What are your thoughts on when to start wearing compression stockings/socks/hose?

I work 12h a day and my legs are edematous after 4 nights in a row.

Elevating afterwards mildly help.

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I say they're appropriate any time you're on your feet a lot at work. I started wearing full support hose in nursing school, and do so any time I have a job in which I walk or stand a lot.

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One of my co-workers is only 23 and already is forming varicose veins. I told her she better get herself a good pair of stockings before she ruins her legs. I don't think it's ever too soon to wear compression hose or socks. I wear the nurse mate knee highs and so far it's 4 years with no varicose veins and my ankles look normal in the mornings even after working many days in a row.

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I am also only in my twenties and forming varicose veins already :(. Can anyone tell me where I can buy or order them on-line? P.S. I have limited funds so I'm on a tight budget as I probably have mentioned wayyyy tooo many times haha :lol2: and as you can tell I don't shop much :/

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Specializes in ICU.

I started wearing them 2 years ago at 23 when my ankles started swelling after working a few shifts in a row. I get mine from a scrub uniform store. Prob not the cheapest but cheapo ones stretch out quickly in the wash.

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Specializes in Emergency & Trauma/Adult ICU.
I am also only in my twenties and forming varicose veins already :(. Can anyone tell me where I can buy or order them on-line? P.S. I have limited funds so I'm on a tight budget as I probably have mentioned wayyyy tooo many times haha :lol2: and as you can tell I don't shop much :/

You don't have to order them online and pay shipping .... they're in your local drug store, some grocery stores with a larger health/wellness section, Target, etc.

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Yahhhh!!! Thanks Altra! I was trying to order them on-line but the shipping charges were almost the same price as the socks :eek:. It was ridicules!

I'll definitely heading to target or Rite-aid soon! :lol2:

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Specializes in EMERG.

Save your legs, and your sore feet, especially if you are getting pitting edema from work! Wear the stockings you have a long career ahead of you!

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Specializes in Trauma/ER, Pysch, Pedi, Free Standing ER, L&D, ICU.

After numerous trials of about 10 different compression socks, sleeves, and stockings, I have a couple I RECOMMEND highly =)

Oh my goodness!!!

1. Zensah compression sleeves are awesome, lightweight, perfect for summer weather, and easy to put on & off. It's pricey, but well worth it.

2. Foxriver socks the military wear inside their boots =D It's thicker; so, I use this in the winter, even when I run.

Hopefully, this helps y'all =D

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Oh yes I wear them each and every time I work. I've worn them for 12 years and I don't have any varicose veins at all. Now, I do have a little swelling after working multiple days in a row but it goes down after I prop my feet up. You don't have to order them online. I get them from the uniform store, walgreens, medical supply stores.

Sent from my iPhone using allnurses.com

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YESS!! LOVE my compression hoses...I started wearing them as soon as I got a full time nursing job (22 years old) I've been working 12 hour shifts for 2.5 years now and I love them!!!...I got the ones that only come up to your knee...other wise i get too hot...and somedays when i randomly dont wear them I can majorly tell...my feet KILL ME if i dont wear them....my calfs and feet hate me when i dont wear them....def recomend them....and you can get them any where....target, walkmart, nursing stores, etc, and then i just wear thin ankle socks over them

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