You have not provided me with sufficient clinical information as to the cause of your unilateral edema and why you were prescribed compression stockings. Please return to the prescribing doctor for further clarification and use instructions. Always be mindful of your diabetes and keep it well-controlled.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

It's not likely that the swelling will go away completely (resolve) if you wear the stockings temporarily. It is best to get evaluated with a Doppler ultrasound venous examination and get formal evaluation for venous insufficiency. At that examination, deep vein clots can also be excluded as an underlying cause.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

You just need 1 stocking and, if edema gets better, you can try using them as needed.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

If edema affects only one leg, you should have a thorough evaluation including duplex ultrasound of lower extremities performed by a vein specialist. You may have a treatable condition such as saphenous reflux or iliac vein stenosis. Swelling from systemic medical conditions generally affect both legs.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

If you are wearing support hose just for the edema, then just one side is sufficient to wear. If you have lymphedema or chronic venous insufficiency as an underlying cause, then it would be better to wear support on both legs to improve the venous return and reduce the venous hypertension. It would also be better to wear the support daily rather than stop and wait for the edema to return.

Published on Jul 11, 2012