How uncomfortable are compression socks?

15 is not very high. I wear the 30 with no problems. They are suppose to be very tight. That is the whole purpose. Where they properly fitted or did you just buy something off the shelf using a guide on the box? My legs actually feel much better with than with out. I use the open toe model. The only discomfort is the seam around the toe. Have to make sure the seam is flat and just behind the big toe joint - at least for me. If it gets too far forward, it can cause an uncomfortable pinching together of all of the first toe joints.

Hi Lulu,

I would compare the strangeness of compression stocking sensations to control top-pantyhose ... Tight, but you'll look and feel better and soon forget that you're even wearing them! They are meant to be tight around the ankle and keep your circulation moving during periods of inactivity. Yes, you'll get used to them, and I would especially recommend that you wear them on transoceanic flights. You shouldn't be as afflicted with the dead-leg syndrome that most travelers experience at some point after a long flight.

I bought them online. Out flight takes off at around 9, and lands in Italy 8 hours later. Hopefully I will be snoozing a little and won't notice. I do have a friend that said her feet were swollen for 3 days without wearing them.

Did you check ankle sizing?
http://www.compressionstockings.com/how_to_measure.php

I have compression sleeves. Calf support but no foot.

If you bought one line without proper sizing I am sure they will be fine. Probably of some benefit but not a great deal. There is also the possible that they could be too small. I would wear for a day around home to make sure there are no adverse effects.

If you search the internet enough, you may find advice that these should not be worn without the instructions of a doctor. That's what I decided, after buying, trying, and reading up.

Like many personal decisions, skipping the alcohol and red meat on the flight might be better for us both. We tend to focus on the wrong things (myself included.)

My best tips is learning how to wear them. If you cannot put them on in bed before you get up in the morning, the next best thing is to lie in bed or on the floor with your legs up on the wall. Wait a few minutes for the blood to drain back, an then put on your compression socks, hose, support hose, etc. You will then find that your toes aren't as squished, making them more comfortable. Give it a try and see if it is better like this.

The bottom line is that compression socks should NOT be uncomfortable.

Lulu,

I trust you consulted with your Doctor first, and not relied on the combined wisdom of this group.

As others have noted, IF you have DVT or DVT symptoms you should be in consultation with your physician.

Mayo Clinic DVT prevention suggestions:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/deep-vein-thrombosis/basics/prevention/con-20031922

To prevent deep vein thrombosis, some common preventive measures
include the following:

Take any prescribed medications as directed. If you're having surgery,
such as orthopedic surgery, you'll probably be given blood thinners
while you're in the hospital. Your doctor may also prescribe aspirin
or other medications that help prevent clots to be taken for a while
after surgery.

Avoid sitting still. If you've had surgery or have been on bed rest
for other reasons, try to get moving as soon as possible. If you're
sitting for a while, try not to cross your legs because this can limit
blood flow. If you're traveling a long distance by car, stop every
hour or so and walk around.

If you're on a plane, try to stand or walk occasionally. If you can't
do that, at least try to exercise your lower legs. Try raising and
lowering your heels while keeping your toes on the floor, then raising
your toes while your heels are on the floor.

Make lifestyle changes. Lose weight and quit smoking. Obesity and
smoking increase your risk of deep vein thrombosis. Get regular
exercise. Exercise lowers your risk of blood clots, which is
especially important for people who have to sit a lot or travel
frequently.

My feet always swell when I fly, especially long flights to Europe. About a year and a half ago I bought three pairs of Sockwell compression knee socks for a trip to Italy. I wore them on the flights and on our trip (it was in December so they added a layer for warmth too). My feet did not swell and they helped with foot and leg fatigue during the trip because we walk a lot when traveling. I now wear them every time I fly and highly reccommend it. They are moderate compression (15-20mm) and are very comfortable. They are a lifesaver for me on every trip.

What Michele said. I tried many brands and styles and found the striped Sockwell Circulator ones to be the best. Here is a link to them on TravelSmith: http://www.travelsmith.com/sockwell-circulator-compression-socks/women/socks/583550. I buy the women's M/L since my shoe size is 9.5-10.5 depending on the shoes. As stated in the link, the compression is 15-20mmHG. Be sure to read the reviews for them.

I like the design of these because you can tell where the compression is strongest by how close the stripes are to each other. Yes, they are tight at the ankle for a reason. I have large calves and getting them on the first time is a bit of a struggle. On trips, I usually wear them 2-3 times before I wash them. Each time gets easier. I do not recommend the "on the dot" design. It's cute and I have some, but my toenails catch in the back side of the dots, making them annoying to put on.

My understanding is that you are not supposed to sleep in compression socks. But on the plane is an exception since most of us are not laying down flat to (try to) sleep there. I wash the socks in cold water and hang them to dry. I never dry them in the dryer. Typically I can't stand wool, but somehow this blend of wool with rayon and spandex is very comfortable on my feet and calves. It also dries very quickly.

Most people don't realize that this type of sock was originally created to improve the circulation and performance of athletes. I love it that there are now brands and styles that look like normal socks. I have these in all the colors shown (note there is a gray now) except gray and brown. Looks like I need to take advantage of the $6 discount for 2 pair at Travel Smith. These socks are available at many other online stores as well, but I rarely see them on any significant discount.

These are the exact ones I purchased, Lo! Thanks for the tip about about the stripes and location.

I, too, like the SockWell Brand for travel and I want to 'second' what was mentioned earlier. Put them on in bed, before your feet dandle/hang low & blood pools in the lower leg. I am a nurse & wear compression socks/hose/stockings daily for 25yrs (i have professional ones also). The absolute best way is to put them on before you get up - raise your legs up and let all the blood go to your hip area - so blood isn't pooling in the lower legs - put the socks on while your legs are up in the air - then get up. If you put them on while sitting in a chair, as most people do, you are 'trapping' the blood in your lower legs. I think you'll notice a remarkable difference.

Well, I hope this works then. We have a long layover before our overnight flight. I was just pkanning on putting them on before the flight when I will be sitting for 8 hours. I will be up walking around begore that.

I would put them on before your first flight. I usually have long layovers and there is no way I could wrestle them on after I've flown a segment! Do wear them around for a day or 2 before you travel if you have time. You are getting close arent you?

We leave Friday. The first leg of our flight is 2 hours...then a 5 hour layover. I'm was going to put them on when we were just waiting around at the layover.

I would put them on when you dress to go to the airport. I've never tried the "put them on before you get put of bed" suggestion but I'm going to! Really...this is going to be a hassle in the airport.

I frequently wear compression socks. I got used to them after both foot and knee surgeries. I find that my feet and legs feel so much better when I wear the compression socks.

That said...you may need to try different levels of compression for your own level of comfort. Did you have your ankles and calves measured? Usually, you can do this at a drug store. They may also be able to suggest levels of compression for you to use. Perhaps they can show you the best way to put on the socks. One of my physical therapists also showed me how to roll them down to put on around the ankle and then pull them up your leg. I tried that but it didn't work for me. See what works best for you.

I am glad that other posters gave suggestions for different brands to try. I like the socks with the enclosed toes that I got when I had my surgeries. Now after surgeries, most of the socks have open toes to check on circulation.

I hope you can find some socks that work for you!