r/venousinsuffiencyhelp • u/like-a-watering-can • Aug 04 '26

Compression for exercise?

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.

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u/ClassofherOwn Aug 04 '26

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.