I have edema in my feet and ankles. I have started taking Green Tea extract and wearing compression socks in order to help get rid of it. I have also been putting my feet up as well.
I just don't know what times and for how long, I should be wearing the compression socks. I wore them for a couple hours last night, put my feet up, and then took them off before I slept. When I woke up this morning, the swelling was gone.
I don't know if I should put the socks back on first thing in the morning or not, and for how long I should be wearing them. I have read that I need to put my feet up for 30 minutes, 3 or 4 times a day, but I don't know if I should be wearing the socks during that time.
Anyone know, or have any advice?
Update:I have had myself checked out and the cause of the edema is because I sit a lot at a desk all day, not because of heart problems. It is venous edema.
Answers & Comments
Verified answer
You should wear the stockings all day and take them off at night. A rule of thumb is: always wear them when your feet are LOWER than your HEART. So make sure that even when you are sleeping, that your feet are elevated.
If you can, you should put them on before getting out of bed.
However....and this is a biggie....if the socks/stockings are not properly fitted, they are not going to do the job; which is to support the veins and aid in moving the flow of blood up to the heart.
When the swelling is down, measure your ankle, calf and knee. Good stockings have the dimensions listed on the package. Select a style that is closest to your measurements. You can also go to a Medical Supply store and they will do the measuring and fitting.
Putting the stockings on is also tricky. You can use talcum powder to make it easier. The trick is to put the stocking on by "working" it up from the bottom. In other words, don't put as much of the stocking on your foot as you can get, and then try to pull it up by the top of it. You know what I mean?
However, I would strongly advise you to go a Medical Supply store and have them fitted to you and get tips on both wearing them and putting them on!
Good luck!
Compression Socks For Edema
That is entirely up to you. I just want to dispel a myth though... It is the long periods of inactivity, rather than the cabin pressure which is the leading cause of DVT. Get up and walk around for a few minutes every two hours, and you will significantly reduce the risk of DVT in the first place.
My medical Dr. gave me a fluid pill, but, it made me so dizzy. All of my test came out neg. heart, kidney etc. I saw the foot Dr. & he said it has to do as we age, the gravity pulls! whatever. Anyway I have worn the stocking's that he prescribed. So far so good.
you should wear the stockings whenever you are up and about/active as the fluid pools in your lower extremeties, Im guessing you have congestive heart failure or some heart valve problems? The stockings will help push the fluid out of your legs.
I know people that wear them all day except for at night.
you should see the Doc about the cause.......heart, kidneys, circulation, fat....
got to get it checked....