Would I be a good candidate for compression socks? I'm a 22-year-old female with Raynaud's syndrome.
I have Raynaud's syndrome (it manifests in my hands) and get cold feet very easily (when I go skiing). I have to make frequent trips inside to warm up, and even in bed under blankets my feet can be cold and don't warm up.
I'm moving to New Jersey and will have a job that requires me to stand on my feet and do some walking for long periods of time, including in cold temps. Should I try it?
Answers from doctors (10)
Compression hose are not a treatment for Raynaud's. However, they will improve the venous return of blood, especially if you are standing in place for long periods of time. I would recommend trying them to see how you feel.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
I would be cautious with compression socks given your history unless you have signs or symptoms of venous disease. That's a difficult question to answer without more information. Your distal arterial vessels spasm and you have pain from lack of blood flow in the fingers and toes. See your doctor as meds may be more beneficial and avoid triggers.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Raynaud's is typically caused by a vascular spasm of the vessels in your extremities when exposed to cold temps. For this reason, there really is not any absolute contraindication to wearing compression stockings in your case. Will it eliminate your Raynaud's symptoms? Probably not, other than potentially keeping your extremities warmer. So you can try wearing compression stockings, but if you find that you have pain from them, you should definitely take them off.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Only if you have significant swelling in your legs after being on your feet.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Compression stockings could be contraindicated for you. Make sure you get a recommendation from your physician before trying the compression stockings. You may want to consider a wool or wool-blend sock instead.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Raynaud's syndrome is an autoimmune disease. Compression therapy is not beneficial. You need to see a vascular physician.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
No, you would not.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
You can certainly try low level compression 8-15 mm Hg or 15- 20, which should be safe with Raynaud's syndrome. Discontinue use if you develop toe pain or numbness. At your age, it would be quite unlikely for you to have significant arterial disease without a family history. Compression stockings may not help with the cold toes but should help with leg fatigue and swelling from standing.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Medicines used to help patients with Raynaud's include vasodilators, alpha blockers and calcium channel blockers. There is, however, no consensus on use of compression stockings in Raynaud's syndrome. Some patients report benefits and some don't. In some cases, stockings can make matters worse. The patients can try the minimum compression grade stockings which is 20-30mm Hg and see if that helps or not.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Compression stockings are designed to minimize swelling. The leg stockings may be of some relief if they provide warmth while skiing, otherwise there is a limited role with regards to treatment of the vasculitis.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
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