I got knee surgery and have been wearin the socks for 3 weeks with some rests a day. I walk on my leg so blood circulates and crutches help me in public. Is it safe to not wear the stockings at all anymore? I just really don't want a blood clot.
If you are ambulatory and in good health, with no history of blood clots, 4 weeks should be ample. But of course, check with your orthopedic surgeon, as he may want you in them longer.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Compression and knee surgery...
Your doctor has you doing all of the right things. Walking, compression, and anticoagulation (taking blood thinners) are the proven modalities to limit developing blood clots after knee surgery.
If you are having no pain or swelling and are walking well, it is probably ok to discontinue wearing compression. I think it is wonderful that you have been so compliant, but before discontinuing this care, please call your doctor to assess his or her preferences. Your doctor should know your risk and advise you accordingly.
Good luck
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Different orthopedic surgeons follow different protocols. It seems to me that 3 weeks of compression stockings following the procedure is adequate, especially if you are up and about and walking.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Seems that you are not yet 100% mobile. I would recomend to continue with stockings for another 2-3 weeks until you are fully mobile. Are you also on Coumadin or at least baby aspirin? If not, you should.
Rodolfo D. Farhy, MD, FACC, FAHA
Published on Jul 11, 2012
You should discuss this with your orthopedic surgeon and find out what his protocol is. It will not harm you to wear compression for an extended period of time.
Deep Vein blood clots are the commonest complication following orthopedic surgery so by wearing the compression, staying well hydrated and walking or exercising the limb according to your instruction will greatly reduce your chance of developing a DVT.
Norman N. Bein MD FACS RVT
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Talk with treating physician
David A. Engleman M.D.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Ask your treating physician.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
The patient would have to follow up with the orthopedic surgeon that
prescribed the stockings.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Generally ok to stop once walking a lot at 3-4 weeks if the leg is not swollen, but check with your surgeon.
Michael D Ingegno MD
Published on Jul 11, 2012
The first question is whether you are wearing graduated compression support stockings or anti-emboism stockings (such as TED hose). If they are white, you probably are wearing anti-embolism stockings. You would be better off wearing at least calf length graduated compression support hose for at least 6 months even if you do not have any diagnosed venous problem.
Stephen F. Daugherty, MD, FACS, RVT, RPhS
Published on Jul 11, 2012