DEAR DR. GOTT: I am a 33-year-old waitress. I’m on my feet at work from 6 am to 3 pm six days a week. I’m in good health, have a yearly check up, get one cold a year, and have annual dental cleanings. I feel fine, though I should get more exercise. I’m 5’10” and 160 pounds. I have never smoked, don’t drink and have never used “substances”. My legs feel and look fine with no veins or capillaries showing and they are pretty shapely, if I do say so myself.
A woman about my age joined our wait staff about a year ago. She seems to be pretty much like me. She wears medical compression hosiery for prophylactic reasons and encouraged me to do so, too. She assured me that no matter how healthy I am and feel, I’d feel even better wearing them, given our common denominator of waitressing.
I’ve given them a try, wearing Jobst 20-30 mmHg thigh high stay ups for about six months now about five out of every six work days, sometimes every work day and on to bedtime, too. My legs feel wonderful! Considering there was nothing wrong with me and I felt fine, I’m overwhelmed at how much better and more energized I feel.
I have no medical insurance and am not due for another general physical for about six months, so I hope you can give me some interim advice on two matters. 1.) Should I be concerned that there might be a hidden downside to wearing this hosiery without a medical need? After all, it appears these are regulated by some federal medical agency in order to be mmHg rated. 2.) The packaging says not to wear them to bed which I haven’t, but I’m considering it. It feels so good by day, why not feel great 24/7?
Thank you.
DEAR READER: Compression stockings (which include socks and hosiery) are designed to prevent blood and lymph fluid from pooling on the legs. They are most commonly used by those with swelling and venous diseases but can also be used by just about anyone who stands or sits for extended periods of time through the day.
These stockings work by applying and keeping pressure on the legs to keep blood moving normally. For individuals with venous diseases, this is because of weak blood vessels, weak heart pumping and more. For individuals such as yourself, the blood pools gradually due to gravity.
To answer your first question, I don’t believe there is a downside to using the hose (appropriately) without medical necessity. I also am not aware that the hose are monitored or regulated by any Federal medical agency. However, you may wish to try a lower compression, such as 15-20 mmHg, since you don’t have a medical need.
Now to your second question. Compression hose, as I stated above, squeeze the legs, improving circulation and preventing pooling of the blood and/or lymph fluid. When the legs are at the same level or slightly above the level of the heart, this pooling doesn’t happen and the compression isn’t necessary. It may even make it harder for the blood to circulate normally when lying down, which is why they shouldn’t be worn at night.
If you are concerned, speak with your physician at your next appointment or simply call his office. He or his nurse or physician’s assistant (if he has one), should be able to answer your question over the phone.
