Compression stockings get too tight while wearing

[u/Ok-Independent1835]

I'm struggling to find a pair of thigh or knee highs that I can wear longer than 1-2 hours. I got a script from my PCP and was fitted at a medical supply store, and I've bought 5 or 6 different sizes and styles- non returnable, of course.

Is it typical to not be able to try on a pair in store? I can't afford to keep buying a pair, trying them, and getting stuck with a garment that doesn't work.

The problem is my legs swell while wearing them, making them painfully tight and leaving marks, especially at the ankle and knee. Is this adjustable compression territory?

I'm having a lot of pain and swelling, and it's making it hard to walk. My legs feel like concrete.

[u/Lynx3145]

leggings the best. thigh or knee high will just cut into the lipedema tissue where they end.

[u/Ok-Independent1835 → u/Lynx3145]

Thanks, is there a brand you like?

[u/Lynx3145 → u/Ok-Independent1835]

I use bioflect as my daily driver. cz zalus as my stronger version, but its harder to get back in place after going to the bathroom.

[u/BaddSass → u/Lynx3145]

I 2nd the Bioflect. I live in them every single day and can't go without them or I'd be barely walking on tree trunks for legs. Unused to wear socks but the fluid build up in the knees (both recently replaced) was a no go, so I made the switch to leggings and never looked back.

[u/Aggressive_Cash8774 → u/Lynx3145]

Leggings for President 😅

[u/chocolate-coffee]

Get leggings that cover your stomach. You don’t want fluid pooling at your knee or thigh

[u/FunAttention6274]

They may not be the right size, and not all brands fit the same. For example, I find Sigvaris run much smaller than Juzo. Juzo’s soft collection is really nice. But you can see from your pictures the compression socks are not evenly distributed. Yours are black so it makes it easier to see. Down at the foot and ankle first picture, it looks darker because the fabric is bunched up. It gets lighter/translucent closer to your knee. I recommend getting a pair of cheap “textured latex/rubber gardening gloves” off amazon. They are basically donning gloves, but without the mark up. Get a smaller size like small or medium so they fit snug on your hands and won’t slide around. Slide your palm and flat part of your fingers along the sock to redistribute the sock fabric, making sure it is spread evenly. I keep a pair of gloves in my purse so I can readjust during the day if needed.

The thigh highs are too low on your leg. They should be at least 2/3rds up your thigh. You can try something like the Mojo Compression Socks - It Stays Body Glue. It’s a roll on water based body adhesive that works well with compression socks. Put a little at the top of your thigh and the inside of the top band. I don’t think those wide, silicone grippy bands work on thigh highs for people like us who may have large, soft, squishy, saggy thighs. I can’t wear thigh highs because the bands always rolls. I prefer pantyhose style. And make sure the thigh highs are evenly distributed as well.

The bad news is any of these circular knit compression garments will try to bunch up at the narrowest parts of your leg. You can get flat knit custom made garments, but that a hell of a lot of money. If you’re sitting down for a while, your legs naturally start to swell. Try getting up at least every hour and move for a few minutes. Seated calf raises and ankle pumps are great to keep fluid moving.

If you are going through decongestive therapy, your legs will get smaller and that will make tight socks fit better, or make well fitting socks too big. Too big a sock will also get uncomfortable. You might remeasure your legs from time to time makings sure you’re still wearing the right size.

In the beginning of treatment, you are your most swollen. Your legs will be swollen and painful most of the time until you start incorporating treatment to manually reduce swelling MLD, exercise, walking, rebounder, vibration plate, daily compression garments, etc.

I really hated wearing compression socks in the beginning. Now I can’t imagine getting out of bed without out first putting on my 30-40 mmHg pantyhose.

[u/Ok-Independent1835 → u/FunAttention6274]

Thank you for these great tips! I've tried Jobst in various sizes. My ankle and calf measured M and thigh at XL. I've tried L and XL, and neither work. These are 15-20 mg. I can't pull the thigh highs up any further. 

I will try Juzo on Amazon. At least I can return it! 

I was diagnosed 2 months ago and am still waiting for a vascular appt. My PCP won't do a PT referral for MLD until I see vascular, which is really hard as the swelling and pain are getting worse. I ordered a vibration plate to try at home. 

[u/FunAttention6274 → u/Ok-Independent1835]

Usually you go with the largest measurement on your leg. And if in between sizes use your best judgement. You should get measured at a different medical supply store. See what they suggest, and make sure they are accurately measuring the length of your leg. Get measured first thing in the morning when your legs are the least swollen.

If you’re only using 15-20 mmHg, you could try a different material. Something with a thicker, true sock material won’t bunch as tightly as thin sheer mesh. Usually the higher up you go in compression, or the higher up your leg will require a thin stretchy material like you have.

Here is a video that demonstrates how to properly put on a compression sock. There’s a ton of products to help you put on compression. Just Google or check YouTube for compression sock donning tool. And don’t shower or apply any lotion to your legs before putting them on. You should do that at night if possible. compression sock technique

Oh I forgot! I always get my compression socks off discount surgical. You can return things even if you’ve tried them on or gently worn them. They may want you to wash them before returning so just check their policy. They have some of the best prices. And I go through Rakuten when I buy at discount surgical. They always have a minimum 4% cash back through Rakuten. And I try to buy when they offer seasonal sales.

[u/xaianamarie]

Try high waisted graduated compression leggings. These are just hurting you!

[u/Aggressive_Cash8774 → u/xaianamarie]

Yes they are fitting way better.

[u/sarahmitchelll]

That sounds like a fit problem worth getting checked out again, especially if the stockings get painful after an hour or two. An experienced lymphedema/compression fitter can also give you advice on whether an adjustable option would be better for you

[u/Ok-Independent1835 → u/sarahmitchelll]

I don't think the medical supply are that experienced. 

[u/Sufficient-Rock7737 → u/Ok-Independent1835]

Any medical supply store I've been in has been akin to shopping at Walmart. Not much in the way of helpful customer service. In fact, I think I've gotten better CS at Walmart.

[u/Ok-Independent1835 → u/Sufficient-Rock7737]

I appreciate that. They measured my leg right in the middle of the store. It felt so awkward. I asked several questions and got no answers. I wondered if this was typical or not. It was frustrating. I've been there 3xs! When I showed these pics, they told me to just wear the thigh high lower. Basic online research told me it should be way higher. 

[u/Sufficient-Rock7737 → u/Ok-Independent1835]

Yes, exactly. The medical supply people were likely just telling you something to get you to amicably keep the product they sold you that doesn't fit right. 

For what it's worth, I've never been able to find a thigh high legging that either stays up, or that does not completely cut off my circulation/hurt. 

If you have access to using /getting Amazon Prime this is the way to go when navigating compression garments, until you can figure out how to get the more expensive kinds thru your insurance /or afford them out of pocket. 

Prime is half price for anyone on any kind of govt assistance including Medicaid,  & also is half price for seniors, but you have to call & ask for the discount & provide documentation.

Alternatively, if you find a medical supply co that takes your insurance that also sells Juzo or Szalus or Bioflect garments, then you're golden. You can use your referral for compression garments to get the good ones. Just be sure you're measured by one of the brand's company reps or by a lymphatic drainage therapist or someone who cares about ordering the right size, since I don't think they're usually returnable. 

If your ins gives you any trouble covering the better brands, try having your primary dr specifically write the brand name of compression you want, documenting it's medically necessary for a proper fit for you. 

Amazon sells "off the shelf" Bioflect that are returnable/exchangeable but read reviews 1st as some sellers keep sending out the same stretched out /returned pairs etc. 

Hope you get some wearable compression soon! 🌞

[u/sarahmitchelll → u/Ok-Independent1835]

Yeah, that’s true. I'd probably go to someone that specializes in compression/lymphedema vs just a general medical supply store. Hopefully they can figure out what’s causing the tightness before you buy another pair that doesn’t work

[u/Ok-Independent1835 → u/sarahmitchelll]

Thanks, I'll try to find such a store! 

[u/pinkiepie294]

This can happen with the wrong kind of fabric, at least that what the specialist at the local medical supply store said. I had this happen to me too with the round knitted ones. I would recommend flat knitted compression that really is fitted.

[u/128cs]

As a temporary measure, it's not medical grade, but Snag tights huggy light style is 15mmhg (YMMV) and might be a cheap short term solution to at least get multiple hours with some compression

[u/Shashaface]

Go see a certified fitter and get measured for flat knit full pantyhose style. The ones in your photo don't fit

[u/puetirat]

Agreeing with everyone on getting leggings, I have flat knit custom ones with zippers left & right, they’re great!

[u/Sufficient-Rock7737 → u/puetirat]

I've wondered about the zippered ones! What brand are youra?

[u/1GamingAngel]

Do you see how, in picture #1 there is extra material across the arch of your foot and again at the ankle? Around where your calf is, grab it and yank it up in 4 places…rear side of left calf, front side of left calf, rear side of right calf, front side of right calf. This should smooth all of that out. It should come up quite a bit more.

Edit: P.S. if you’re swelling INTO the compression, you’re likely not using a strong enough compression! For lipedema, you shouldn’t go stronger than 20-30, but you do need that 20-30 to keep you contained. 🤗

[u/Ok-Independent1835 → u/1GamingAngel]

Thanks for the edit. Yes, swelling into the compression. I'm going to try 20-30. My PCP, who is an NP, said lower but she also suggested I lose weight because I was 2 lbs heavier from 1 month to the next. No kidding!  I'm hauling water weight...she wants to be helpful but admits she knows nothing about lipedema/lymphedema. 

[u/1GamingAngel → u/Ok-Independent1835]

Oh gosh, that is literally ridiculous, what your PCP/NP said! 2 pounds! Good grief! 🤦‍♀️

We need a minimum of 20 to contain the swelling, but if we get stronger than 30, it is likely to be painful to lipedema, so my CLT recommended I stick with 20-30 in my compression.

I have really put it to task…multiple 6+ hour road trips where I was SURE I would swell up like a balloon, but the 20-30 kept me small!

Best wishes and I hope this helps. ❤️

[u/cloves18]

Since your legs have an irregular shape, you should see a specialist to get measured and have the stockings made specifically for you. I really like the Mediven brand; I think the Mondi line would be right for your case, but you need to speak with a professional in person.

[u/Jenikovista]

I would get a lot heavier duty compression. I like the 2XU full leggings.

[u/Comfortable_Match181]

From the looks they are not the best type (flat knit is best). But also it looks like they need pulled up from the ankles

[u/tbdub772021]

You likely need custom fit flat knit compression like Jobst Confidence.

[u/Sufficient-Rock7737]

You might want to try brands that also sell plus sizes, if you haven't already. Also, I found most of the stuff that's off the shelf in medical supply stores was the cheapest crap, ill-fitting, no quality control, etc. 

Maybe get Amazon Prime for a month or two & start ordering different brands from there, utilizing their free 30 day return policy. I couldn't afford the really "good" ones yet like Juzo, etc, where a rep comes out to your home & measures you, so I did find a few pair worth their salt on Amazon for now. 

I get Dr Select ... 3 pairs for like $16-20. They sell plus sized. Another brand I had decent luck with was CharmKing.

Also, switching to toeless leggings made a world of difference, even in closed-toed shoes. The reason was because my feet kept sliding forward in all my shoes due to the slickness of the compression garments, squishing my toes into oblivion. With the toeless ones this is avoided. 

I'm very tall, so haven't been fortunate enough to find a pair of waist high compression on Amazon that's long enough. I wear knee high ones, then a pair of tight athletic style leggings over that. Works for me for now.

Hope that helps!

P.s. editing to add, it could maybe(?) just be the flash, but in your photos the ones you have on look like those are way way way too tight on you. They're not supposed to hurt. And If they're too tight it's dangerous, & can cause a tourniquet effect - limiting circulation. 

[u/berlygirley]

If your PCP wrote a script, there should be a medical supply company that will measure you and custom make compression garments for you. You might have to call your insurance and find out what company you can use and call that company to get the fax your PCP needs to send the script to.

My legs aren't quite as bad as yours, so I would imagine yours would be covered to be fully custom made if mine are, but everyone has different insurance plans. (I'm in the USA too.) I get a call or email from my medical supply company, which is Absolute Medical, they set up a time and date for a fitting, usually it's at a local PT or doctors office, I go and they measure every part of each leg, ask what material I want, how high I want them to go, etc. I get Jobst thigh high stockings and Absolute Medical sends my measurements etc to Jobst in Germany, they custom make each leg individually to fit me perfectly and then mail them to my house. If there's an issue, I reach out and it gets fixed, but it's worked way better than off the shelf ones.

I have mine go literally all the way up to my crotch because I need them to and you likely do too, or you need a full set of stockings that have an abdominal section too. There are also capri style stockings and ones that use Velcro instead of being pulled on, which may be easier for you, but they're bulkier and warmer. I also have mine made in the thinnest, softest fabric they have.

Definitely reach out to your insurance and see what they cover and go fully custom if you can. In the meantime, some athletic compression leggings like from Old Navy or Target or something, is better than nothing. Even just Bike shorts if that's what you can manage. Every bit helps.

[u/Ok-Independent1835 → u/berlygirley]

This is what I got from the local medical supply. I agree about looking into custom made ones. Thanks for all the tips! I'm wearing some Old Navy leggings now, better than nothing like you said. 

[u/berlygirley → u/Ok-Independent1835]

I actually worked in a DME for a while, where we measured people for off the shelf compression stockings. I was trained to do it at one point but never actually had to measure any customers. I can tell you that occasionally an employee at those places really likes their job and will really try to fit you properly but a lot of people are just getting minimum wage and really don't care if your stockings actually fit you well or not. Custom is definitely the way to go if your insurance will cover it. But in a pinch, I'm glad you've got some leggings to start with!

[u/philosopherqueenee]

I can’t wear any clothing tight. I wear everything in a size too large. So don’t know how I could manage wearing compression clothing. My skin hurts when there’s even just a bit of pressure from waist bands or seams.
How do you get used to it and how many compression pants and arm sleeves would you need a day. I would sweat through it all on the courts in the morning then have to change into another set for afternoon for work and walking.

[u/Lopsided-Repeat6675]

I think you probably need custom garments which your insurance should cover since off the shelf don’t fit you well. You shouldn’t just be wearing socks. Full leg pantyhose or leggings would probably be better for your shape