NeuroTalk Support Groups - Swollen legs???

NeuroTalk Support Groups (https://www.neurotalk.org/)

- Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD and CRPS) (https://www.neurotalk.org/reflex-sympathetic-dystrophy-rsd-and-crps-/)

- - Swollen legs??? (https://www.neurotalk.org/reflex-sympathetic-dystrophy-rsd-and-crps-/19457-swollen-legs.html)

Was listed in wrong place.

Quote:

now for the dim bit - how does one saran wrap? LOL! sorry, I know I'm abit thick... :o ...

I actually thought about whether or not 'saran wrap' was universal--it is plastic wrap that you can use to cover/store food. You can use any wrap you want as long as you don't mind the fact that it will stain.

I was going to tell you that if you like the warmth, cover the water while it steeps in the wrap to keep it warmer.

Hope it helps.....
By the way--Becca is having-dare I say- a great week. She is starting to walk without her crutches and is taking a couple classes at school. She has been out since Christmas so this is pretty cool. Only about 18 days left of school, but who is counting--(Can you tell I am a teacher!)

Hey RSD mom

Thanks!! Ah, it's called clingfilm over here... I will definetly try it - and with a covered pot lid! awesome, thankyou! LOL! did guess you were a teacher by that bit!! hey, it's just as bad for the students - I am on count down to end of term and attempting to get my liver in shape for end of fresher year at uni (when all my mates move out of halls)... Really glad Becca has gone in though! and managing without crutches that is so awesome :D YaY!

Love

Froggsy xxxxxxxxxxx

PS - What do you teach?

Thanks for the suggestions. I did try the epsom salts today & it did help. My swelling gets worse when I am on my legs for longer than normal periods of time. I did pool therapy the other day & they seemed to be worse afterwards. I wasn't measuring my legs then so I don't know if they were more swollen or just felt like they were. I layed around all day yesterday and my legs were 3/4 inch smaller than the day before and feel better today - I've been able to walk around the house a little today. It's really painful for me to walk when they get really swollen. I'm going to see if I can find some arnica gel & comfrey leaf. Do those compression socks hurt? I already feel like I have tight socks on.
Thanks again,
Linmarie

My daughter prefers the diabetic socks sometimes when her pain is bad, sometimes she hates the feel. Depends on the day/time/anything. When it feels good, it is worth it!

She has had good relief with the comfrey leaf, and the arnica gel is pretty new. I definitely recommend trying the gel, like and new thing, in a test patch.

Frogga-- I teach elementary (age 5-12) kids with special needs...several children with autism, downs syndrome, genetic disabilities and other kids who for a variety of reasons need help. I do think there was a reason I learned all about sensory issues in my job--sure has paid off in helping my daughter with her RSD as it is so sensory based at times.

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Originally Posted by Linmarie (Post 98782)

Do those compression socks hurt?

To answer you honestly, yes! They do hurt, but they also work to keep the swelling down, so it's something you've got to do. I have signifigant allodynia -so anything touching me hurts, so you can imagine having your legs squeezed. :eek: IT HURTS! But they work, so... :eek:

You can get different compressions (I have "firm" 20-30 compression stockings, but could've went up the next size because my swelling does get severe).

If you click here: http://www.jobst-usa.com/opaque.html
and then under "compressions" there are the following numbers:
15-20
20-30
30-40

If you click on each one there are descriptions so you can read, based on how severe your swelling is, what compression size you need.

You also need your measurements so that you can get the size AND compression you need. I'd suggest going to a medical supply store, let them measure you and help you get the correct size. Or, if you can get them online cheaper sometimes you can get a person at the medical supply store to get your measurements for you. Either way, if you mail order, buy online, or at a medical supply store; see if you can get your doctor to write you a prescription for them, so that the insurance can pay for them (or at least some of them).

Hope I helped! :hug:

Here is some helpful info:

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So your physician has suggested you wear support hose or you have decided they would help your tired, aching legs, so you get on the internet and wow, how confusing.

Let us talk about Gradient Compression Support Hose. There are four compressions which are normally sold as Ready-To-Wear. They are 8-15 mmHg, 15-20 mmHg, 20-30mmHg, and 30-40 mmHg. "mmHg" stands for millimeters of mercury which is the same standard of mearsurement used to measure atmospheric pressure and is used as a standard of measurement for all compression hosiery. The millimeters given for each compression are the "average millimeters" of compression exerted at the ankle. "Gradient Compression" is a method by which the greatest pressure is exerted at the ankle and gets less as it goes up the leg and down toward the toes. This works with the muscles of the leg to help circulation return to normal.

8-15 & 12-16 mmHg compression is used as a preventative measure to help your legs remain healthy. If you are experiencing tired, achy legs at the end of the day, this compression may be for you. You can find these by looking under the Jobst or Mediven links to the left.

15-20 & 16-20 mmHg compression is a moderate medical compression. If you have mild varicose veins, minor swelling or edema, or post-sclerotherapy, this compression may be the compression of choice for you.

The 20-30 mmHg is a firm compression and your doctor is normally the person to make the decision that you need this compression. If you have moderate varicose veins, moderate edema, post-sclerotherapy, post-surgical or have had a healed venous ulceration, then this compression may be for you.

The 30-40 mmHg compression is an extra firm compression. This is another compression that a doctor should make the decision for you to wear. If you have severe varicose veins, severe edema, lymphatic edema, active venous ulcerations, manifestations of PTS (post-thrombotic syndrome); CVD/CVI (Cardio-vascular disease/insufficiency); orthostatic hypotension; Post-surgical or post-sclerotherapy then your physician may recommend this compression for you. These are general recommendations. Your physician is your best source for information. If you need additional assistance, please call one of our Jobst Certified Fitters.

Hi Linmarie! Welcome aboard. I too have RSD in started after my Carpal tunnal surgery (I was dig. last month) I have icey cold hands fingers, swollen hands, fingers, wrist. the RSD has now spread to my shoulder.. ugh!! anyway, can you ask about wearing diabetic hose(socks) for the sypmtons you described?? I wish you all the best! Love, Desi :hug:

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Originally Posted by Desi (Post 99014)

anyway, can you ask about wearing diabetic hose(socks) for the sypmtons you described??

Are the diabetic socks going to have a tight enough compression? I think it all depends on how much your feet swell, to decide whether or not diabetic socks will work instead of compression stockings. For signifigant swelling, I personally would recommend you wear compression stockings- one of the few things that has helped with swelling.

Compression socks should be gradient

Swelling of the legs and feet can be caused by many things. If you want to try support socks, make sure they are gradient compression, providing more pressure at the bottom and less at the top to move excess fluids back to the heart.

Good Luck

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Originally Posted by DocDogg (Post 129087)

Yes, it can be caused by many things, but in this case we are all talking about swelling from reflex sympathetic dystrophy...

Are you trying to sell the socks??

Do you happen to know anything about RSD?