Do I need TED hose/support hose for long shifts?

Nurses Uniform/Gear

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I hope this is not requesting medical advice. Today I worked my first double and when I got home my feet and ankles were swollen and aching. I am 22 and in good health. Is it important for people working on their feet to wear TEDs or support stockings? I have never seen someone my age wearing them unless they are a patient

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Specializes in Gerontology, nursing education.

There are knee-high socks that don't look like support hose. You can buy them in pretty much every uniform shop. I've found that they are adequate to support my legs during a long shift. However, as I've gotten older, I've used Jobst stockings. Either would work.

You are smart to take care of this now, otherwise your spider veins will evolve into tarantulas by the time you hit my age! :)

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Specializes in ICU.

YES!!! I'm 22 and wear them every day...I used to not wear them the whole 3 years I worked as a tech and I already have some spider veins..yuck!

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I haven't gotten a chance to wear the ones I ordered. They're pink!

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Specializes in LTC, medsurg.

I wear thigh high teds every shift I work. I started off wearing them to protect against spider/varicose veins. But one day I tried working without them and OMGosh...my legs ached so bad during work and after I got home. They make a huge difference in relieving pain. Try it for yourself and you'll see what I mean.

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I haven't gotten a chance to wear the ones I ordered. They're pink!

Cute! I want some in flashy colors or with fancy designs. Thanks for the advice everyone I am going out to the store to get them as soon as possible, as I do not want spider veins.

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

I didn't wear them before I got pregnant but now I've found that they make such a difference I'll probably wear them after too.

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Specializes in Cardiovascular.

I am 23 and wear them as well!! I think they are very comfortable and I feel like my legs and feet don't hurt when I wear them. I also get mine at the scrub store!

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When working direct patient care I wore the full support hosiery. the knee high ones left a ridge at the back of my knew that wasn't comfortable.

The full one hosiery lessened fatigue and swelling from being on my feet over 12 hour + shifts.

there are different grades of support to suit your personal need.

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Specializes in MHMR population.

Can anyone recommend which would be more appropriate, knee highs or thigh highs? Also any brands and how long are they capable of being worn without being too stretched out?

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The thigh ones are what I like. I had the varicose vein surgeries and it is much better to be proactive now. The only downside is that they are a little hot....but that isn't much of a problem in a cold hospital.

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Specializes in ICU/CCU, Med Surg.

I just bought a couple of pairs of knee high compression socks from runningskirts.com. Apparently, runners like to wear them for the benefit of venous return. They're super cute (they have hearts on them :heartbeat) but are a little spendy at $32/pair. I just finished a 12 hr shift in mine and my legs are only mildly fatigued...but my feet were not swollen!

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