swollen ankles
#16
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 8,142
The compression knee-highs don't work for me either. After an hour or so they are so tight below the knee I have to roll them down a bit. Jobst and some other brands have thigh high compression hose. I use these and they're wonderful for flying. Jobst also makes a sticky roll on that you can apply to your skin at the tops of the the hose. It's called "It Stays" and it really works well. I also wear a not too tight pair of bike shorts over them.
Bobette
#17
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: T82
Programs: AA Gold, HH Gold
Posts: 2,845
I believe that because it's not just the ankles you should worry about. I have never had a pair of compression knee highs that did not become increasingly uncomfortable during the flight...so much so that I had to roll them down like the ladies in the '40s did.
Just to clear up, the thigh highs I use go to the top of my thigh, not like the ones pictured here:
http://www.compressionsale.com/activ...0-30-mmhg.html
Since I have lymphedema in one leg from surgery 25 years ago, I have to wear these when flying and mine are custom fit for length. I use the 20-30 mmHG compression gradient, although for a regular fit person, I would think you could use a lower gradient.
Just to clear up, the thigh highs I use go to the top of my thigh, not like the ones pictured here:
http://www.compressionsale.com/activ...0-30-mmhg.html
Since I have lymphedema in one leg from surgery 25 years ago, I have to wear these when flying and mine are custom fit for length. I use the 20-30 mmHG compression gradient, although for a regular fit person, I would think you could use a lower gradient.
#18
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2002
Programs: UALifetimePremierGold, Marriott LifetimeTitanium
Posts: 71,107
I'm recovering from a tib fx in left ankle and a torn MCL same leg. Happened July 10th. In an aircast for 6-8 weeks then will be fitted for knee brace. Last time I tore ACL and had to wear brace for several months.
Main issue: European trip November...90 days and counting. I know I'll have the brace, but wondering I give need the compression socks? I'm going to ask the ortho doctor at appt next week. I don't want to cause injury. I have some swelling in ankle, from a previous small bone chip in a fall in 2012. Yes, I'm a klutz.
Main issue: European trip November...90 days and counting. I know I'll have the brace, but wondering I give need the compression socks? I'm going to ask the ortho doctor at appt next week. I don't want to cause injury. I have some swelling in ankle, from a previous small bone chip in a fall in 2012. Yes, I'm a klutz.
Last summer I fractured ankle in May, fell & broke fibula near knee & re-fractured ankle on 4th of July, and got a DVT (blood clot) end of July/beginning of August due to the fractures. Ended up in emergency room due to DVT, on blood-thinners for seven months, and ortho prescribed compression stockings (he had a certain compression gradient that was listed on the prescription; the ones he prescribed were Jobst; knee high). I had an important in'tl biz trip 6 weeks later that was barely the time frame where you're allowed to fly after a DVT.
Once you get a DVT you're more susceptible to them, so now I wear the compression stockings whenever I fly. Actually when I'm in my home office & am not moving all day I can tell a difference, so there are times when I wear them in the home office. The stockings also help with swelling. Unlike others' experiences my compression stockings aren't uncomfortable/don't need to be rolled down.
My medical insurance didn't cover the compression stockings even thought I had a prescription for them. That was before the ACA went into effect so perhaps they would now (or maybe not). Depends on your insurance company. They're only $40 though, so even if you have to cover it it's not a lot.
Cheers.
#19
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: T82
Programs: AA Gold, HH Gold
Posts: 2,845
My medical insurance didn't cover the compression stockings even thought I had a prescription for them. That was before the ACA went into effect so perhaps they would now (or maybe not). Depends on your insurance company. They're only $40 though, so even if you have to cover it it's not a lot.
Cheers.
#20
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2010
Programs: AA
Posts: 14,728
I believe that because it's not just the ankles you should worry about. I have never had a pair of compression knee highs that did not become increasingly uncomfortable during the flight...so much so that I had to roll them down like the ladies in the '40s did.
Just to clear up, the thigh highs I use go to the top of my thigh, not like the ones pictured here:
http://www.compressionsale.com/activ...0-30-mmhg.html
Since I have lymphedema in one leg from surgery 25 years ago, I have to wear these when flying and mine are custom fit for length. I use the 20-30 mmHG compression gradient, although for a regular fit person, I would think you could use a lower gradient.
Just to clear up, the thigh highs I use go to the top of my thigh, not like the ones pictured here:
http://www.compressionsale.com/activ...0-30-mmhg.html
Since I have lymphedema in one leg from surgery 25 years ago, I have to wear these when flying and mine are custom fit for length. I use the 20-30 mmHG compression gradient, although for a regular fit person, I would think you could use a lower gradient.
To anyone with swelling issues, if it is regularly occurring definitely talk to your doctor. I assumed I just had a fluid retention problem at first. After several months I finally consulted my doctor and we discovered it wasn't just fluid retention.
#21
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2012
Programs: AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Delta Silver Medallion, Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador
Posts: 14,097
Wanted to bump this thread because on a recent trip to Germany I discovered a foot and leg cream, sold over the counter in their Apotheken (drugstores), containing, among other ingredients, red vine leaf and Arnica. This helps prevent and reduce swelling of the legs and feet. I have found it helps tremendously when my feet get swollen.
#22
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Not in DFW
Posts: 2,007
Wanted to bump this thread because on a recent trip to Germany I discovered a foot and leg cream, sold over the counter in their Apotheken (drugstores), containing, among other ingredients, red vine leaf and Arnica. This helps prevent and reduce swelling of the legs and feet. I have found it helps tremendously when my feet get swollen.
I know quite a few people who could benefit from something like this.
Is it something like this?
http://www.amazon.com/Nature-Yard-Ch.../dp/B00CCC4C5I
Or this? http://www.amazon.com/Nature-Yard-Cr...re+yard+arnica
#23
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Join Date: Feb 2012
Programs: AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Delta Silver Medallion, Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador
Posts: 14,097
Do you know what it is called?
I know quite a few people who could benefit from something like this.
Is it something like this?
http://www.amazon.com/Nature-Yard-Ch.../dp/B00CCC4C5I
Or this? http://www.amazon.com/Nature-Yard-Cr...re+yard+arnica
I know quite a few people who could benefit from something like this.
Is it something like this?
http://www.amazon.com/Nature-Yard-Ch.../dp/B00CCC4C5I
Or this? http://www.amazon.com/Nature-Yard-Cr...re+yard+arnica
The "ss" in fusscreme is a transliteration of a sharp "s," which Germany transliterates as "sz" or "ss". I never know the rule.
In any event, it's quite nice, and very reasonably priced.
http://www.apomio.de/preisvergleich/...vita-gmbh.html
#24
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Not in DFW
Posts: 2,007
It's called Gesundform rotes weinlaub bein- und fusscreme
The "ss" in fusscreme is a transliteration of a sharp "s," which Germany transliterates as "sz" or "ss". I never know the rule.
In any event, it's quite nice, and very reasonably priced.
http://www.apomio.de/preisvergleich/...vita-gmbh.html
The "ss" in fusscreme is a transliteration of a sharp "s," which Germany transliterates as "sz" or "ss". I never know the rule.
In any event, it's quite nice, and very reasonably priced.
http://www.apomio.de/preisvergleich/...vita-gmbh.html
#26
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: GRR
Programs: Delta Plat & Million Miler
Posts: 1,375
#27
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Not in DFW
Posts: 2,007
Not on the schedule, I have a crazy busy fall!
Gretchen, thanks for your suggestion but they don't ship to the US. I ordered something with similar ingredients, we will see how it works.