Surgical / Support stockings

[Graham]

Once the weather warms up again I will have to be on guard for swollen ankles & feet.

It seems a rather unlikely combination. Fit cyclist with muscled legs starts to get swollen lower limbs ( and it is getting worse as I approach 60 years ).

There seems to be a genetic element, as other close relatives seem to suffer the same - or worse. . . their varicose veins already removed !

Has anyone experience of wearing support stockings / socks as a preventative measure ?

[Ray]

I wear them most of the time. About 8 or 10 years ago I was given an ultrasound scan when I reported varicose veins re-developing in my left leg, which had been operated on about 10 years previously to cut and tie varicose veins. To my surprise the scan revealed that I had apparently had a DVT, probably some months earlier, which had given no symptoms at the time. After being sent direct to the Intensive Care Unit for an ECG and in-depth interrogation into my lifestyle - I had the feeling that they doubted my tales of PBPs and similar, and suspected me of clandestine smoking and drinking - I was put on Warfarin for 6 months and advised to wear knee-length support stockings. An operation was deemed unnecessary, and the veins became far less prominent after the warfarin treatment. I continue to wear the stockings when I'm not actually cycling, and find they do avoid swollen ankles and, I daresay, they quite likely help recovery after exercise. After all, what's good enough for Chris Froome, etc

The recommended size/compression (I was measured at the hospital) means they are pretty tight, and can be a real struggle to put on in the mornings when your hand-grip is at its weakest, and after a bath or shower when your skin is damp and drags on the fabric. They also get hot and uncomfortable above about 24 deg C. Driving long distances in the French heatwave - 40 deg C - last year was not pleasant. But preferable to a DVT, or muffin-top ankles over your sandals!

I believe the rate of compliance among people prescribed support stockings is not high; perhaps understandable because they are a bit of a faff, and don't do a lot for your street cred in the local gym changing room. Just call them 'recovery socks', as worn by professional racing snakes, if that bothers you.

You could try 'flight socks', but these are generally 'one-size-fits-all', and therefore less effective, I guess.

[Graham]

Ray, thanks for that useful info.

For a couple of years, I have been reusing some stockings handed out for post-op recovery ( from a hernia op ).
They are very tight ( which may be good ? ), but they have no closure at the toes ( very annoying ).

I think I will have a chat with a pharmacist or two, to decided what to do next.

[Ray]

Hi Graham
fyi
I was initially given closed-toe socks, but now get the open-toe type which I find more comfortable. They are issued on prescription, but I've just looked them up - http://shop.mediuk.co.uk/mediven-plus-b ... kings.html I get them in black - not keen on the so-called 'flesh-coloured', which put me in mind of couch-bound invalids rather than the 'sportif' image which I prefer. Call it vanity, but even seventy-three year olds need a bit of dignity
Quite expensive, but very good quality; in spite of the vigorous pulling and tugging they are subjected to they last years, used in rotation. I notice there are several types listed, including flight socks, so may try something different next time.

Good luck.

[Graham]

Thanks again Ray.

The cost of the ones suggested above ( £48 per pair !!! ) has precipitated some motivated research . . . apart from the near heart attack.

It seems that the ones I was issued with at the hospital were these :
http://www.gandn.com/health/products/de ... stockings/

A mere £13.49 per pair and no choice in the (unspecified) compression rating.

I suppose I had better have a chat at the Doctor's surgery before wearing them every day.

[Ray]

I suppose I had better have a chat at the Doctor's surgery before wearing them every day.

Good idea - you might even get them on prescription. I get the impression that medical advice varies on the advisability of wearing them. One of the doctors at my surgery raised his eyebrows a bit, and wondered whether they were really necessary, although he gave me a prescription (the initial advice came from the hospital consultant). Another doctor congratulated me on continuing to wear them; apparently most of his patients who should wear them don't!

[A1anP]

When my right leg swole up a few years ago due to a thrombosis, I was given a full leg anti-embolism stocking (as well as a course of heparin). I just found the thing, and the make is "Preventex Urgo", if that helps. The toe end is open in this stocking. I had a white one (well, I had a few so I could use a clean one every day) and I certainly looked a bit comical wearing it under my cycling shorts

[Graham]

Alan, thanks for this additional info.

. . . mind you the fashion industry's forays into the realms of the bizarre might just see your strange cycling attire, being paraded on the catwalks as the leading edge of fashion.
Be sure to claim your royalties.

[Vorpal]

I was going to suggest getting them on prescription. I was told to wear some when I was pregnant, and got them for free

You can also ask if you can wear the compression tights & socks designed for sports. I find them more comfortable. They are more expensive, but last longer.

[Graham]

Thanks. The sports ones may avoid the tortuous "getting-them-on" process.

I'll bear that in mind. Perhaps a mixture of strengths would suit all circumstances.

[willcee]

interesting contris, I feel something like Ray on here has suffered, while the back story may be different I am now 68 had 2 hip replacements in the last 2 years, still cycling, still fairly fit, but have muffin tops on both legs/ankles and pre the hip ops I had veins visible on both legs, now, its really only very visible on the right which was the last op done, yet these muffins didn't bother me visibly until after that last op. A conversation with the doc by phone last Monday they want to take bloods and measure me for these stockings he alludes the issue is due to leg veins their collective ports not opening and closing as they did when I was 30... he was sent pics of my legs after 35 miles and a cool down probably an hour before my shower.. have lots of decent socks which are now very tight, my various warm cycle socks now going to be needed are too bloody tight.. I have mild hypertension medicated these past 18 years better now since being smoke free for 13 months.. is there any light at the end of this tunnel..?? will

[Ray]

Interesting to see this thread resurrected after four and a half years.

As for me, I still wear the stockings when not cycling (or sleeping), and my condition has remained much the same. Still cycling and walking pretty vigorously, with only minor niggles which you might associate with ageing (78 next month). Of course, continuing good health is dependent as much on heredity as on lifestyle and medical assistance (drugs or appliances). Neither smugness (well, I 'look after myself') nor guilt (if only I'd ...) are going to be any help. We can only do what we can today, do it again tomorrow, and try and keep up the momentum. "Life is like riding a bicycle. You need to keep moving lest you fall off"- Albert Schweitzer, I think. Maybe it takes a genius to state the obvious?

[Graham]

Strangely enough I think that compression stockings & socks have had some part in my long, slow recovery from foot problems.

My "Fitlegs" sports socks are very compressing and they seem to be somehow alleviating the pressure aches on the balls of my feet. ( But could be some sort of placebo effect, I suppose. )

Otherwise I wear the open-toed, surgical-type ones the rest of the day.

Leg vein problems are a family trait, alas. . . . but I don't need to take pills for anything and i'm really old . . .(63) . . .

[DaveP]

I started wearing them this year, on medical advice. I use a brand called Activa. Currrent price is about £15 for the less compressive species. The next level is about £50, but I get the impression that you really shouldn't use these unless under supervision. Their website does have a fair amount of background info.
I mainly posted to let interested parties know about an aid that they sell to help you get 'em on. It's called Actiglide, and it really does take much of the grunt out of the process, which is a blessing when your feet ar as far down as mine are most mornings. (demo videos on the site).
I have no connection to the company, am not sponsored and of the four pairs I have, two were prescribed and two purchased using my own cash Just so as you know!

[Cowsham]

Paris–Brest–Paris, Ray that takes some doing. I'm starting to wonder if cycling is harmful to health when done to extremes. Would the saddle pressing on blood vessels for hours or the type of muscles developed through cycling cause any of this sort of thing?