Published May 30, 2015
heather42r
35 Posts
Does anyone wear these?
My knees/legs hurt/feel heavy by the end of my shifts and a co-worker surgical tech told me to wear compression stockings. She says nothing less than a thigh high 30-40 mmHg will do me any good. Do they really need to be that tight?
I don't have varicose veins or circulation issues, just tired legs. I'm a pretty averaged sized person, maybe a little bigger so that's not helping either but I'm working on it
LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN
8,429 Posts
Sometimes it depends on the person; if possible, get the right measurement before buying compression stockings in order to see improvement and be comfortable as well.
dianah, ASN
8 Articles; 4,503 Posts
My legs get VERY tired and painful after a shift without wearing compression stockings.
I like high compression but lately I have worn a 20-30mm compression stocking and it has helped.
I only wear knee-highs.
Can get them at Rite-Aid or order them online.
Recently bought some cute patterned ones (the 20-30mm) from Total Compression Solutions, an Australian company.
They require measurements, and the sizing has been accurate.
Hope you can find what you need!
After a busy-crazy day, hurting legs are one more thing we DON'T need!
HTCC
66 Posts
I wear the cheap ones from the local scrub shop, and for me they work just as well as the pricier ones I ordered online. Neither listed the actual compression but I'm sure they are on the lower end. I'd say just get a few pairs and give them a try.
I would love to find some thicker pairs, that are like regular socks. My biggest complaint is that all the ones I've found are like really thin dress socks which aren't very comfortable with my tennis shoes.
NevadaFighter, BSN, RN
166 Posts
The Fytto Style 1066 from Amazon is a good sock that is pretty thick and doesn't feel like Grandpa's dress socks. I find that my feet don't get too sweaty in them, either. They are usually under $10 and work better than several other pairs I have bought.
vampiregirl, BSN, RN
823 Posts
I've worn thicker socks over my compression knee-high hose. No one notices and it makes my tennis shoes much more comfortable.
Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN
6 Articles; 11,935 Posts
Same here. Compression socks then regular socks on top. I do work with someone who wears just calf compression sleeves she got at a running store and then regular socks and shoes.
celery_juice
26 Posts
When I worked med/surg and wore them, they were 30-40mm hg. While definitely snug, I did not find them to be too tight, and they did their job quite well. I know they are expensive, but if you are that concerned with them being too tight, get a lower pressure and see if they help.
peabozzle
38 Posts
I have worn some degree of compression socks for years, & honestly don't think I would have survived this long without them. They make a huge difference for me. I finally got some snazzy looking ones from Total Compression Solutions & while pricey, they are cute & super comfortable. Worth every dime for me!
GadgetRN71, ASN, RN
1,840 Posts
When I started doing 12's, I realized that compression socks were a must for me. I have several pairs I bought at CVS, two pairs I found in the travel section at Target, and I'm thinking of getting some of the TLC ones. They all vary in compression.. The lower ones work just fine.
Thanks for all your feedback. I've since purchased a few pairs but I can honestly say the ones I like best are the ones they put on patients in pre-surg. A family member had surgery and saved me their TED hose. I just washed them and they were amazing. I found some at our hospital "scrub truck" that comes a few times a year; sockwell. They are a more normal sock material but are pretty warm right now since they are made of wool. Come winter I'm going to love those!
I have 2 pairs of sockwells. I do love that they're thicker and warmer than the others. They are just a tad too short for me. I need about 2 more inches on them.