Melody,
Ask the podiatrist or your PCP about the support hose. Depending on the type they can exert different pressures and if they are too tight they can affect circulation. The Drs should be able to tell you what pressure they feel Alan needs. Normally the elasticity is graduated so that the hose are tighter (more pressure) at the ankle and become less elastic up the shins, calves, and to the knee. Makes sense because the pressure should be greatest farthest away from the heart to squeeze the blood vessels and return it through the veins.
I've worn the knee-highs (Tedhose) and found them to be helpful for me. Only problem I saw was that over time they can wear the hair off your legs but with PN I may have traded one cause for another.
Hope Alan get much benefit from them but do check with the Drs to be safe.

good thoughts to you

Alkymst