Compression Socks: Knee-Highs or Thigh-Highs?

[adventure_rn, MSN, NP]

Can any fellow nurses shed some light on their experience with knee-high vs. thigh-high compression stockings?

I'm in my 20s, and since I became a nurse a couple of years ago I've been diligent about wearing my knee-high compression socks every shift. I'm a fan of Sigvaris brand cotton socks w/ 15-20 mmHg ('medium') pressure.

I just started working stretches of three straight shifts. By the end of my third shift, my calves feel amazing (no swelling or soreness whatsoever!), but the muscles right above my knee are SO sore. I find that I have to spend about half an hour stretching to relieve the tension, and even then they're still a bit sore.

I'm amazed by the disparity between the degree of soreness in my calves (nonexistent) and my lower-to-mid thigh, especially since I do a lot of walking but I rarely perform any squatting motions during my job. Since my knee-high compression socks have done such an awesome job taking care of my calves, I'm wondering if thigh-highs would help my knees/thighs.

I love my current compression socks (thick, cottony, and cushioned), but I kind of hate the idea of wearing 'stockings' since I dislike the feeling of wearing tights. I'd love to find some compression leggings or sleeves designed for runners that I could wear under my scrubs, but I haven't liked what I've seen so far. I'm also wary to test out different products at random since quality compression items are so expensive!!

So, I'm wondering: Has anyone had experiences alternating between knee-highs and thigh-highs? Did it make a difference if your comfort level during your shifts? Any product recommendations?

[blaundee]

I don't like compression socks anyway, but if I wear them, I only do knee highs.

[smartassmommy]

Have you looked into copperfit or Tommie copper?

[adventure_rn, MSN, NP]

Have you looked into copperfit or Tommie copper?

Ooh, thanks! Never heard of them until now, but it looks like they might be perfect. Love that they make a legging that isn't a just panty hoes.

[smartassmommy]

I have a copperfit ankle sleeve and I can tell by the end of the shift if I don't wear it.

[bestallaround, ADN, CNA, LPN, RN]

If your calves are sore, you may need to go down a compression or size. I started with the full stocking- too hot, then the thigh high- tend to roll, but I'll swear by the knee highs. I have been wearing them for 15 years.