I am a 62-year-old diabetic who wears knee-high 30-40 mmHg Juzo compression stockings for edema. I have no wounds and have not undergone surgery. I would like to sleep in my easy chair with my legs lower than my heart because raising my legs is too uncomfortable. Is it OK to wear the hose 24/7? Can I alternate with another pair to clean daily?
Yes, you can wear stockings 24/7 provided they do not cause you pain. Most of my patients who wear their stockings 24/7 alternate between two pairs (washing one pair while wearing the other). Now, keep in mind that if your legs start hurting like when you elevate them above heart level, you need to ask yourself if you have peripheral artery disease, especially given your diabetes history. If you do ultimately have arterial insufficiency, check with you PCP regarding whether you should wear stockings despite the edema and if so, should you in fact be wearing a lower compression stocking.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Yes, you can wear them 24/7 as long as you don't have any serious arterial disease in your legs. However, you really should try to lay fairly flat with a pillow under them for at least an hour a day. They will feel better and you will feel better.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
30-40 mmHg seems excessive when reclining. Try 20-30 mmHg, or even 15-20 mmHg for reclining.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
If you like to wear the hose 24/7 it's OK. Wearing lighter hose at night is OK too.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
If elevating your legs causes discomfort it may be a sign of arterial disease and should be evaluated. We typically recommend removing the hose at bedtime and, for those with edema, applying the hose before you get out of bed in the morning.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
If they fit well that should not be a problem. Elevation, though, is the best treatment and getting them above your heart is optimal.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
You can do that if that makes you comfortable, just give your legs and skin a chance to breathe once in a while.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Wearing compression stockings 24/7 should be fine, just check with your MD to ensure circulation will not be an issue for you.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
You can wear your compression hose 24/7 and alternate with another pair and also remove them to shower. If you can sleep with your legs elevated, then you would not need to wear compression hose while sleeping.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Yes, you can. One thing you will want to find out first, though, is whether or not you have any peripheral arterial disease which you are prone to develop with diabetes. If so, then you need to be careful and look for signs and symptoms of arterial compromise.
Published on Jul 11, 2012