I was a user of nicotine gum. I finally quit cold turkey and found after a day or two my ankles swelled and my whole foot is swollen with edema.

I had been addicted to cigarettes for many years but quit in 1995. I continued to use the gum to help with the cravings. I found a blog where people complain that they have great edema problems after quitting nicotine in cigarettes or gum, but they say MD's have refused to comment. I am 70 years old. I decided to get compression stockings. I am healthy and do not have varicose veins. Stockings helped but I'm not sure where to go from here.

Answers from doctors (2)

Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Mar 28, 2018

I do not know of any studies addressing this issue. Theoretically, nicotine caused vasoconstriction of arteries and veins (dilation). Perhaps with quitting smoking your circulation has improved and will take time to adjust. Compression (15-20 mmHg) knee length should do the trick for your swelling. Make sure they are measured and fitted. Address the swelling issue with your primary care doctor also. You have used nicotine for many years.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/623_1499902138.jpg
Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

I do not know of any studies addressing this issue. Theoretically, nicotine caused vasoconstriction of arteries and veins (dilation). Perhaps with quitting smoking your circulation has improved and will take time to adjust. Compression (15-20 mmHg) knee length should do the trick for your swelling. Make sure they are measured and fitted. Address the swelling issue with your primary care doctor also. You have used nicotine for many years.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

NE Laser Vein Institute LLC

Published on Mar 27, 2018

You are wearing compression stockings which is good. Please see a physician to asses the exact condition and then the treatment. It's not known if edema is the result of nicotine.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1057_1499982655.jpg
Answered by NE Laser Vein Institute LLC

You are wearing compression stockings which is good. Please see a physician to asses the exact condition and then the treatment. It's not known if edema is the result of nicotine.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Related Questions for Compression Stockings

Compression Stockings -7 answers
And should you be physically active while wearing the crompression socks?
See More
Compression Stockings -15 answers
I am 21 weeks pregnant and my whole leg and feet really hurt. I only have knee-length compression hose. Can I sleep with them on?
See More
Compression Stockings -6 answers
See More
Compression Stockings -13 answers
How big of a size do compression stockings come in?
See More
Compression Stockings -10 answers
I got knee surgery and have been wearin the socks for 3 weeks with some rests a day. I walk on my leg so blood circulates and crutches help me in public. Is it safe to not wear the stockings at all anymore? I just really don't want a blood clot.
See More
Compression Stockings -12 answers
I wear compression stockings for varicose veins during my pregnancy. They ease the pain and tiredness, but my legs get so itchy sometimes - especially after I take my stockings off. What can i do to prevent the itchiness and are they too tight?
See More
Compression Stockings -13 answers
I was wondering if someone who already has a clot wore compression stockings, would it be safe? Might this dislodge the clot? I only just learned about compression stockings and I'm not sure of these details.
See More
Compression Stockings -7 answers
I had the procedure this morning and wore the compression stockings all day but I can't remember if the Dr. said to wear them when I sleep?
See More
Compression Stockings -11 answers
Do you recommend wearing compression stockings on long flights? I have two flights: one 8 hours with a break of 12 hours and continuing another 12 hours after. I have store bought knee highs and thigh highs. Any disadvantages?
See More
Compression Stockings -9 answers
The knee highs are so much more comfortable. Are they effective enough?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works
ASK A DOCTOR
Compression Stockings -14 answers
See More
Compression Stockings -9 answers
I'm wondering if the pressure from compression stockings can harm the fetus?
See More
Compression Stockings -6 answers
If I have problems with just one leg, can I wear one compression knee high or should I wear both?
See More
Compression Stockings -4 answers
How long after starting to wear these, will I see results?My calve has improved, but the ankle is still huge and the foot quite puffy.
See More
Compression Stockings -8 answers
I presently suffer from a sciatica for the 1st time. Lots of pain in my calf area and particularly in one pinpoint spot in the calf along with hip/groin pain.I wonder if stockings will help my calf pain and is it safe at 20/30 compression?Thank you
See More
Compression Stockings -13 answers
I am wearing compression stockings and was wondering how long should I wear them? Six and a half weeks after my C-section, I am still not mobile much.
See More
Compression Stockings -8 answers
What are the differences? Is it worth the additional cost?
See More
Compression Stockings -9 answers
It seems like tight clothes wouldn't benefit circulation.
See More
Compression Stockings -8 answers
My vascular surgeon did an ultrasound and prescribed endovenous laser ablation. She also suggested that I wear compression stockings after the procedure. However, due to severe psoriasis and eczema on my feet, I cannot wear full-coverage stockings that cover them. They must always be in wet dressings, but cannot be fully covered. Would footless compression stockings be just as effective as full-coverage hose following the procedure?
See More
Compression Stockings -9 answers
I would like "save" my legs and buy compression stockings. I dont have any other medical problems that would require me to use the stockings other that I am a nurse and am on my feet a lot. What level of comrpession would you recommend I start with?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works
ASK A DOCTOR

Related Articles

Have specific questions?
ASK A DOCTOR

Sections

About

Our Network

Affiliations

Policies

IB logo
© 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands

Listen to our VeinMagazine Podcast here!

Do you live outside the US? click here

By clicking the "Subscribe" button, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.


I agree to receive emails from Vein Directory. I can withdraw my consent at any time by unsubscribing.

I agree to the Vein Directory Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, and to the use of cookies described therein, and I also consent to the collection. storage, and processing of my data in the United States, where data protection laws may differ from those in my country.
IB logo
© 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands