I wore knee-length compression stockings during a 15+ hour flight. Now I have a numb-feeling on a patch of skin on the outside of my leg, just above the knee. I get periodic tingling; there's no pain but tingling like when a limb goes to sleep. Do socks cause nerve damage? It doesn't bother me but it feels weird.
We have not seen compression stockings cause nerve damage. If the symptoms persist, see a neurologist.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
If compression stockings cause a nerve to be compressed, it could cause damage. This should be temporary and will likely resolve when you leave the stocking off for a few days to weeks.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Our body's respond differently to compression, but your symptoms should improve if it is related to the compression stockings.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It is possible to get a transient neuropraxia of the peroneal nerve at the head of the fibula. This usually resolves with time.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
If your hose were correctly measured and fitted and of decent quality, there shouldn't be a problem. I would be more inclined to think that there is some sciatic nerve irritation (usually from the low back) which is often felt in the outside of the thigh and can go down into the calf. 15 hours is a long flight and it is important to stretch the back muscles, get up and walk, remain hydrated, etc. Try some massage over the areas as well as some low back stretches/strengthening and see if it doesn't improve.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
There is a nerve that rests underneath the area of skin where the hose caused the irritation. The tingling should improve gradually.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Maybe your cutaneous nerve was damaged from the compression. It should gradually improve and get better. Make sure that if you decide to wear compression hose in the future that they fit properly. You can better ensure this if you are measured and fitted by a medical professional.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It would be most unusual for compression stockings to cause nerve damage unless they are extremely tight (>30 or more likely>40 mmHg pressure). The major nerves are deep in the leg and the sensory nerves are more superficial. I guess it is possible that a small branch of a superficial sensory nerve was irritated. This should resolve with time. Don't wear the stockings.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It is possible to get that sensation. There is a nerve running on top of the bone and you must have compressed it. It should resolve in a few days, provided you wear the compression stocking a bit lower.
Published on Jul 11, 2012