I should clarify.....

I meant the mechanical ones that that use variable compression up the ankle & calf. They're a powered device, sorta operates like a long blood-pressure cuff. They're left on for a time, while the pressure cycles up & down the lower leg.

Thank you!!

Faron

RNMom-

I'm a little slow today! Just got the meaning of your Valentine's-Day leg-measuring activity reference!! Wouldn't that be "Weird" tho'.....having a tape-measure in bed?!

😇🤪😈🤤

OK, search for SCD machines. There are some for ~$50 on that site that have good reviews but I didn't read them. Also ones for more than that depending on budget.

ha ha about the tape!

If you choose to add compression socks to the routine, look at the ones by Comrad. DD and DSIL are runners and they love them. I wear them when I travel because they have so many cute colors and styles.

There are compression socks with zippers up the sides if donning them is an issue. They aren’t cute. Find them on The Big River.

I know. You weren’t asking about compression socks, so I’m not answering your question. But now you have information about socks, too. 😀

I used them when I had lymphedema due to a cancer that had spread to the lymph nodes. It's important to use them without the compressions socks, just in case you were thinking about that. I wore compression socks during the day, then removed them and spent about an hour with the compression sleeves each evening. Very soothing and they definitely helped. My leg swelling did go down after chemo and surgery, so I no longer use them, but they were very helpful at the time. Mine were the full leg type. When I had a hysterectomy and the hospital used the below-the-knee compression sleeves, they were fine but not nearly as effective as the full leg length. You will want to get a professional consultation on the level of compression to use.

I have worn the full leg compression sleeves during surgery to prevent DVTs ... I have a clotting disorder but none of my surgeries have been all that long so I thought it was overkill... or at least an over abundance of caution.

My understanding is that they are especially useful for those who are bedridden or who have edema. I didn't know they were used by athletes or that they are good for muscle aches.. I suppose it is used to move lactic acid out of the muscles??

I'd have to be pretty sore to use them as you can't walk around in them-- at least not the ones I wore.

My husband recently bought one of those. He has baker's cysts behind each knee and produces a lot of fluid in his meniscus. One of the cysts burst, causing his leg to swell and to be very uncomfortable. He began PT, but they worried the swelling could be a tumor. Long wait time for a determinatiion on that, but now a tumor is ruled out. Anyway, he researched and bought the sleeve, which is attached to something that looks a lot like a small vacuum. He uses it frequently, and it has brought relief and much less swelling. He's away now, and he's apparently hidden it, since we have company coming. I cas ask which one he bought if you like. Often he finds things used.

intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) device

I'm trying to decide if I wish I knew there were zip on compression socks a couple of months ago when DH had his knee replacement. The most challenging part of his recovery might have been mastering putting those stockings on him when his leg was swollen and tender. He wore them on both legs for 6 weeks -- his doctor has everyone wear them on both legs until he releases them for their one year follow up.

DH wore compression socks and I had to put them on and take them off. Finally someone told me about the zippered ones. They were a life saver (or for me, a thumb saver…or a nail saver)

@Faron79, I have looked at some on Amazon, but not enough to know what I want to get.

I have restless leg syndrome since I was a kid, I got leg cramps and pain post menopause, also got a lot of swelling when I had Lymphoma and now get swelling because my leg veins don't pump as well as they should.

A few things that helped with the painful legs were

- adding 1/2 a banana to my dinner every evening. (My understanding is that the potassium helps with the muscle pain.)

- moving to a home that had carpeting and vinyl flooring instead of tile. OMG - did not realize how much pain walking on tile floors caused!

- Calf stretching exercises - I stand with my toes/ balls of the feet on the edge of the fireplace hearth and let my heals drop down, hold and then raise back up. 3- 5 min a day has really helped with the calf cramps.

- walking helps keep the swelling down. I sit at a computer for long hours a day and don't move enough.

My sister's feet are so swollen all the time and I am trying to do what I can to avoid being crippled by this issue. I am considering the leg compression sleeves and I am considering some type of under the desk stepper to add movement during my days chained to my desk. Beyond purchases I need to move more and eat less.

Please let us know if you do purchase the sleeves - which one you get and if your wife loves them after using for a bit.

Compression can help circulation problems from injury or reduced activity. Low potassium or low magnesium can cause muscle cramps, and legs are often targets. A magnesium cream came up in my FB feed -- touted for restless leg. I looked into it and similar products for DH and found Theraworx relief foam -- magnesium based. He said it helps him fall asleep but it doesn't last the full night (you can reapply). DS used it on his back last week and I tired it on my shoulders. It is almost instantaneous muscle relaxing. I hope it would go without saying that you should know which you are dealing with and consult a doctor if not sure and not getting relief so you don't overlook something serious.

These aren’t the type Faron is looking for, but I got some Bombas knee-high compression athletic socks for Christmas, and wow, they are great. I like them for long teaching days. Just in case anyone else is looking for other options.

You guys are ALL wonderful!!! This info is GOLDEN!

DW is at a desk 90% of the day. I'm on my feet 95% of the day! I'm supposed to wear compression sox, but the recommended ones are damn near impossible to get on & off! So...DW found me some medium-comp Copperfits. Much easier to deal with.

Gonna start the search in earnest now!

Faron