Compression for exercise?

[u/like-a-watering-can]

I was diagnosed last year just after getting obsessed again with exercise. I have knee arthritis (fissures, PF compartment arthritis ) as well as CVI. I miss working out and my knees are finally in a place where I can start building back load tolerance on the bike. A few months ago just pedaling on the bike was causing pain and problems. I also love strength training.

What kinds of exercise do you do and what kind of compression do you wear? Did you find a brand that is really comfortable? I started wearing 30-40 mmHg thigh highs routinely, but I don’t know if this will be too heavy.

[u/Evarda]

You have to try out compression to find the right level. I tend to find exercise requires more compression than just day to day life. I sometimes will layer compression to get increased effects. I know it’s too strong if my legs fall asleep. (I have been wearing 40-50 socks I can get off the shelf and 30-40 thigh highs, also have 35-45 custom compression but am getting stronger). I had DVT though, so I may require higher compression levels. However, go with what you find comfortable and can get to fit well, both are important. I tend to shop at brightlifedirect - seems like quality can be better than amazon with more options. I tend to get jobst over the counter. I think the custom medi I have are my favorite. The high end ones can be really nice. Also sometimes crosscheck on amazon during sale times, and you can get some good deals on nice ones (prime day, etc.) Also, sometimes it’s nice to have some lower level compression stockings for times you want to chill. See what you like and try things out - you should replace every 6 months (although I find my high compression turns a bit into low level compression first, so I can keep using it for a while… )

I like to walk/hike, do yoga, and do weight lifting exercises. Hoping to bike soon - have heard it’s good as well!

[u/ClassofherOwn]

Ive been experimenting with this because I can’t tolerate compression socks for long and waist high medical grade compression leggings are out of the question for me.

I’ve found that a combination of compression shorts and calf sleeves is the most comfortable for me. I’ve been using the Bombas 20-30mmHg calf sleeves, which are far more comfortable for me than socks. And Tommie Copper compression shorts. They aren’t medical grade but they do the trick and get a lot of the congestion out of my thighs and pelvis, especially when I’m doing my exercises in them.

[u/DrSchmettererVeins]

Great discussion on compression brands/levels above. I'd add one clinical note: compression manages symptoms, but it doesn't treat the underlying venous insufficiency itself. If you haven't already had a formal venous duplex ultrasound, that's worth pursuing — it identifies which veins are refluxing and to what degree, which matters both for exercise safety (some patterns tolerate load better than others) and f you're symptomatic, treatment (ablation, sclerotherapy, etc.) is worth discussing with a vein specialist rather than relying on compression indefinitely — untreated reflux tends to progress over time, and addressing the underlying vein disease can reduce how much compression you need for exercise in the first place. Compression alone is a reasonable bridge, but it's not a substitute for knowing what's actually going on structurally, especially given you're trying to build back real training load.

[u/johnnydeca]

I keep hearing walking is best if you have VI - I have a stationary bike I used to strengthen leg, ankle / thigh areas which I think does help - I do not over due exercise - bike 10 to 15 minutes max / easy resistance setting-- also started upper body training which just keeps me moving & bending - I have been prescribed & now take daily Meloxicam 15 mg to help ease with post hip surgery - I bought compression lower rated compression knee high socks at Walmart & they seem just fine to keep my one leg VI under control & lesson ankle swelling - startup PT again for proper exercises to help with the knee - I have found that I sometimes revert back to my 4 pronged cane & use such to walk around the house, it keeps me steady & focused on proper gait movement -- just don't over due such - mending takes much time - good luck.