How Long Should I Wear Compression Socks After Surgery?
Apart from the exclusive physician advice, compression socks are usually worn for around 3-8 weeks post-surgery. Moreover, the stockings need to be worn all the time except for bathing and showering.
The type of socks and the time limit also depend on the kind of ailment or injury. Here we would deliberate upon some of the in-demand compression socks and their treatment timeline.
Hamstring or Groin Injury
You need to wear a pair of knee-high socks (20-30 mmHg) all day for four weeks. The socks can be unworn during the night. If pain persists, then try a version of 10-20 mmHg.
Calf Strain
A 20-30 mmHg knee-high needs to be worn for 10-12 hours a day for a month. Again, you need not wear it during sleep.
Knee Injury
Try the 20-30 mmHg compression socks for around six weeks.
Hip Surgical Procedures
Either 20-30 mmHg or 30-40 mmHg, one should wear them for around five weeks. The wearing compulsions are higher as you cannot throw these stockings down while sleeping. Buy two pairs to skip the laundry day predicament.
Knee Operatives
Use either 20-30 mmHg or 30-40 mmHg of compression socks for six weeks. The pair needs to be worn all day long.
Ankle Break or Sprain
The crew compression sock (10-20 mmHg) needs to be there for 8-10 hours a day for a month.
How Long Should one Wear Compression Socks After Major Surgery?
Primary surgical operations in which you remain under anesthesia for above 90 minutes affect mobility.
Post-surgical immobility also enhances the risk of blood clotting. Physicians recommend wearing compression stockings day in and day out at least for six consecutive weeks. The patient can only wear out when washing or bathing.
The Purpose of Compression Stockings Post Surgery
Swift Healing
Compression socks are like bandages because they remain intact in place for a long time. The incision caused by surgical operatives gets healed in an instant.
Frequent Blood Flow
Compression stockings boost up blood circulation, a must-have scenario for therapeutic healing. The blood pumps back to the affected part. The risk of significant ailments caused by restrictive motion remains at bay.
Reduction of Swelling
After surgery, the immune system sends a plethora of cells-cum-fluid to heal the affected area; this thrust leads to swelling.
This condition is medically known as edema. You can easily counter it by applying gentle pressure on compression socks.