canklecat

It's not as humid here in Texas as where you live, but does get pretty hot. A couple of friends wear moderate compression leggings year 'round and say it's comfortable in summer. One of 'em wears white -- he's had skin cancer and tries to minimize sun exposure. The other wears black leg and arm covers year 'round -- I joke around and call him Sharif Ali, after the man-in-black character played by Omar Sharif in Lawrence of Arabia.

I've worn my black knee high moderate compression hose (probably 10-20 mmHG compression) a couple of times in warm weather and was comfortable... well, not too uncomfortable. Going barelegged with sunscreen in summer sun isn't much more comfortable, just a different kind of discomfort. But white compression hose would probably be better in summer.

Mostly I wear them to improve circulation. While I do occasionally get light-headed if I stand up too quickly, that's due in part to obstruction from swollen thyroid glands. The main difference I notice in cycling is with the compression hose my legs feel fresher after a hard ride, less heavy, and with fewer circulatory problems in my feet. My feet are really picky about pressure along the tops of the feet, so if my laces are too snug, or I strap down the clipless shoes too snugly, my toes go numb even in warm weather. But if the clipless shoes are too loose it feels like I'm going to rip my feet out of the shoes on hill climbs. And I wear fairly lumpy orthotics with high arch support, which can also cause circulatory problems. Wearing compression hose, even the mid-calf length, seems to improve circulation when I snug down the straps.

Myosmith

Not all compression socks are created equal. The thin ones sold at drug stores are usually inadequate for sports. The better compression socks will have ratings of the amount of compression at various points such as the instep, ankle and calf. You have to make sure you get the right size as too large of a sock may fit, but won't give you the rated compression. Unfortunately, good compression socks aren't cheap.

rumrunn6

FWIW - just saw these

Baleaf Unisex Calf Compression Leg Sleeve Shin Support Calf Socks for Running, Cycling, Hiking, Shin Splints and Varicose Veins, Pure-Black, M(1 pair)
https://www.amazon.com/Baleaf-Compre...ession+cycling

Jon T

I have DVT (i.e. blood clots) and wear knee-high comp socks. Get 'em a Wal Mart. They're abut $20 for 2 pair. I'm also on 7.5 mg's of Warfain daily. I'm a machinist and stand all day every day and the comp socks really keep the swelling in check. The cycling helps too but sometimes if I forget the comp socks before I ride, my ankle will swell waaaay up depending on the severity of the ride. Maybe your doc should order an ultra sound, rather than guessing about your DVT. If a clot breaks loose and lodges in your lungs, heart or brain it will not be a good day for you.
Jon

yannisg

I been wearing compression socks/sleeves on all flights longer than 3 hrs. The results is that my legs seem to get less stiff while sitting for so long. Unfortunately, airplane staff is discouraging passenger moving around or standing during flights.
I also wear compression socks/sleeves for about 12 hrs after a Brevet or race.
I find that sleeves are much easier to put on.

rumrunn6

don't know if she meant just going to the restroom or what, or if they are more lenient on 13 - 15 hour flights

skidder

FWIW: I've got hereditary DVT in my legs. Originally the doctor told me to start wearing compression socks. I bought a few different brands but was never able to get them on; they're really difficult to get over my feet/ankles. As a result I've never worn them and never had any major ongoing problems (5 years with the issue). My ankles & lower legs still swell up by the end of the day, but it goes away overnight. And exercise does help to keep the swelling down and blood flowing.

Not sure why you'd have a light-headed feeling with DVT problems in your legs. I'd figure bicycling would increase your overall BP, so keep blood from rushing away from your head. Best see your doctor for a follow-up .

'02 nrs

what did he/she decide???

Carbonfiberboy 

Have you tried this method: https://procompression.com/blogs/art...pression-socks

rumrunn6

oh & Daughter says she did jumping jacks in the isle when she flew to New Zealand & Australia & on every plane trip while exploring the countries she walked around. she had a total of 9 flights in all during her 5 months down under

eveeverly

Physix Gear and ACTINPUT are my favorite brands. I often travel for work, including multiple flights a week and a lot of flight time. After learning that my legs were swollen, my colleagues recommended compression socks. After using it once, I found that they did work and made a difference. I noticed that the feet and ankles no longer swelled after the flight and helped prevent DVT.

yannisg

My long flights are no more than 9 hrs. I try to split a 12 hrs flight with a layover. I find a 12 hr continuous flight very tiring whereas the layover gives some relief by get off the plane and walking around to the connecting flight. Of course, there are disadvantages to the layover flights too. They used to let you stand for quite a while by the toilet or kitchen area, but now they discourage it.

Lab4Us

I use these. Color matches the bike and adds to visibility (when wearing shorts)!

https://www.aerotechdesigns.com/compression-socks.html

bpmunroe 

I am tall and large - 6’4” and let’s say a Clydesdale and a half or so. I had a knee replacement last year and do swell in that leg sometimes. I have tried compression socks and I like about 95% of the experience. That top of the socks, though, feel that tourniquets on my calves. They really leave a deep impression on the skin when I take them off.

what am I doing wrong or what else should I try. Thanks for the help
Brian Munroe

scottmcd

I have taken the top and folded them down a bit. Seems to help.