About an hour after I take off my compression socks, I notice that my thighs will feel puffy and hot. Does this mean my socks are too tight? Thanks!
It is not unusual for patients to have red and puffy legs after taking off their compression stockings; it means they are working.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
I do not know. It is difficult to comment without knowing your age, medical status, and other information. If you have fluid overload, it is kept out of your lower leg and may accumulate in the thigh.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
The compression is too low and should be at the upper thigh.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
I am sorry, but I do not have an answer for that one.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It seems that the stockings are not fitting properly. The most important aspect of compression is that they are the correct size and fit. You must be measured properly and the stocking brand you're prescribed must be the right one for you. Too many patients get stockings off the Internet, or are sold stockings by physicians' offices that only carry one brand.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
In order to better understand why you are experiencing the symptoms you describe, it is at least necessary to know more about why you are wearing knee-high compression stockings. Do you have a history of deep vein thrombosis or superficial venous reflux? What symptoms have you had? What therapeutic interventions have you had so far?
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Having puffy and hot thighs does not mean the compression stockings are too tight. They might be too short though. You may want to try thigh-high stockings instead.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
This sounds somewhat unusual. If your compression stockings have been measured and fitted correctly, it may just be the increased blood flow after you remove your hose. The boost in blood flow could be causing the redness and tingling/hot sensation you are experiencing. Depending on why you are wearing compression and the prescribed strength, you may do better with a slightly decreased strength hose.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
If your socks were too tight, then you should have swelling above them while wearing the stockings. It seems as if you are having some sort of reflex vasodilation when you remove the stockings. Try wearing less tight stockings or thigh-length and see if the symptoms resolve. If the symptoms improve, then it would be prudent to change the current stockings.
Published on Jul 11, 2012