They are uncomfortable for me, but mostly because of the thickness. After a while, the compression actually feels really good.

The other trick is to but your foot in a plastic bag as you put them on, the take the bag off through the open toe once they are on. Oh, and no lotion.

Your doctor should have told you to wear them for short periods of time, gradually increasing.

Compression can feel very restrictive until you get used to it and perhaps you needs a bit less pressure to start with.

Good luck!

My dh wears them. He uses a silk foot slip to put them on.

silk foot slip

Thanks everyone. I think they may not be the right size. I went to a medical supply store and was "fitted", but I don't think they are the right size. I have been wearing them for about five hours, and my left leg feels a little numb...... Also, what about the band on the top of the stockings? Mine are knee highs and the band seems very tight.

I've had to wear knee high compression socks or sleeves for years. Definitely get the sizing right. 20-30 isn't much and should not feel like it's squeezing you to death. Try taking a look on the manufacturer's website for detailed sizing info.

Aside from everything else mentioned, it's best if you put them on before you even get out of bed.

Try another brand, Dianna. I've found that some brands fit better than others. If you don't have a lot of choice at the med supply, look online. I've ordered them from Amazon and discountsurgical. com with great success :)

Errant - May I ask what brand you use?

My mom has that, and had a procedure on one leg but still has to wear them. She is elderly and uses this tool to get them on. Sock Aide

Brings back not-so-great memories. I had them back when I was pregnant with DD. I went pre-eclamptic and had to wear them for a few months . . . until I went full-blown eclamptic and had her via emergency C-section. I was also fitted, and originally got stockings that were too small. So uncomfortable! I wish someone would have told me about sliding them on with a plastic bag on my foot and not to use lotion on my legs! Great ideas. Best of luck with them. They should feel good once you get the right size.

Just a little update. I tried a different brand of compression stocking today. What a difference........ I have had them on all day and they are good. Thanks for everyone's comments. I appreciate them.

Yay, I'm glad! I didn't see you comment asking which brands I use until just now, but I'm glad you were able to find some that work for you :)

If you want something a little less "medical" looking, search for runner's calf sleeves with the same compression rating. Them come in lots of colors and look more sporty than the ones in the medical supply place. I order the Mojo brand on Amazon and have been happy with them.

Yes, Errant - What a great idea. Thank you so much. I am new to this and I am sure I will discover many options as I keep looking for something other than the 'old lady' socks at most medical supply places. No offense to 'old ladies'........ I am one myself, just prefer not to look like one...........

I wore them for 3 months and hated them, even tried a different size. Had the vein closure procedure instead. Actually I have had 7 so far. Any discomfort from the procedures was less than wearing the stockings.

I've had sclerotherapy, as well. Still have to wear the socks, though. Some of us have more serious conditions than others.

I am having sclerotherapy on some more superficial varicose veins, but my main problem is CVI, which is weakened valves in deep veins that cannot be fixed by sclerotherapy or stripping. Like Errant, I will need to continue to wear compression stockings.

My issues are all venous insufficiency in my Saphenous veins. I didn't even think about that you could have the same issue in the deep vein system. I have not had sclerotherapy but think I will this fall. My procedures have all been EVLT (closes vein with a laser).

EVLT and sclerotherapy essentially do the same thing, closing the veins so other veins take over. Saphenous veins can also be stripped. But that is something you usually do only when other avenues of treatment have been exhausted. My DIL had the stripping done when she was only 40. She is a NP and vein problems run in her family. She said it was not fun..........

I had my first sclerotherapy in 1989 by a guy in Beverly Hills. He maxed out the strength, so he would only use one syringe per appointment and no compression stockings afterwards. I could taste it immediately after the injection. Those veins never came back. I wish he were still around, but I've never had the same success level despite going to a number of folks over the past few decades.

Anyone in So Cal have a good doctor?

Also, I just ordered a couple calf sleeves at the Nordstrom sale. I always wear compression socks when I fly more than 3 1/2 hours so my feet and ankles don't swell. Does anyone have experience flying with calf sleeves? Often I'm flying for business and the socks won't fit in my pumps. Oh, the problems I have..... ;)