Cycling with compression stockings (for DVT)?

enb14

About 2 months ago I was diagnosed with a DVT in my popliteal vein (behind my knee). I am on blood thinners and I wear a compression stocking all day every day. I would like to get back to some recreational riding but I can't find a single post on the Internet that discusses wearing compression stockings while cycling. Is that what I'm supposed to do? Will it chafe? If so, what can I do to prevent or mitigate the chafing? Will the stretching and movement ruin the stocking? Etc. Thank you!

Don Shipp

I have varicose veins and wear flight socks all the time. they are fine for cycling in.

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muxy

I would worry about them bunching up. Try it on a stationary and see how it goes. DVT could be deadly.

t2tall

I don't have DVT and I'm not a doctor, so I can't speak to the dangers of cycling with a deep vein issue. I do however have a large superficial vein that has been a problem for years, in fact it ulcerated many years ago, prior to my wearing compression stockings. I'm currently trying to average 100 miles a week or so of cycling and wear the stocking at all times when I do. Actually, now that I'm losing some weight and being active the vein bothers me less and less. Check with your MD to see if the activity in and of itself is good for you. The stocking should pose no problem as long as you are healthy enough to do the exercise.

If you are worried about abrading the stocking or damaging it in some way, throw a set of cycling tights on.

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sogood

I don't see any problem in wearing TEDs for cycling. It's really not very different to a pair of long leg warmers. Although given the amount of muscle pump action, I'd be surprised if you'll have much venous stasis during cycling. It's the time after you've get off your bike and standing around doing nothing that you need to worry.

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enb14

Thanks, guys. It is not the exercise that is the problem, just the logistics of the stocking that I was wondering about. I wear a thigh-high stocking since the clot extended above my knee -- I'm sure it will look fabulous under my shorts, ha ha. The last poster is right -- probably the swelling would be worst after I stop moving, so I'll need to put my leg up afterward.

vascdoc

I do not think he is talking about Ted Hose stocking - which provide about 10-15 mmhg compression. I think he has a higher grade like a 30-40. Of course I can not provide any professional advise in this situation since a good physical exam and understanding of the exact nature of the dvt is needed - however, only 2 months into a dvt may be a bit early for riding. You should talk with your doctor on this one.

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enb14

vascdoc -- my internal medicine doc and my father (family doc) have both said that cycling would be fine, but I don't think they know that much about DVT. I don't have any swelling but am wearing a 30-40 stocking all day every day. Leg turns color slightly when standing without the stocking on but the color goes away immediately upon elevation. I am able to walk at good speed for 60 minutes (with the stocking on) with no "heavy leg" feeling or swelling in the evening when the stocking comes off. Do you think I should go see a vascular surgeon for a more informed opinion before starting cycling?

BTW, gang, I am a 38-year-old female who got the DVT as a result of flying while taking birth control pills and having one drink before a 2-hour flight. Genetic tests for thrombophilia have been negative. I am telling every woman I know who is over 30 to avoid the pill, and telling everyone never to have a drink before, during, or immediately after a flight. Since this happened to me I have many DVT horror stories (check out airhealth.org).

vascdoc

I must again state that my comments are in general and can not be used for patient care issues. In general the routine treatment of a DVT is with coumadin for often 6 months. To the best of my knowledge no papers have been published regarding the time after a DVT has been diagnosed and treated relative to the initiation of exersize. The concern is that a DVT could result in a pulmonary embolus. If a DVT were located behind the knee - in the popliteal vein - in principle, the risk would be greater than other forms of upper body exersize due to the significant movement at the level of the knee. Certainly a vascular consult could be helpful to consider your specific findings and potential risks with activity on an individual basis.

I would also add that I think that consideration for a hematology consult to rule out Factor V Liden mutation would also be an option.

These comments are made in general and not specific to any person reading this posting. I can not treat nor recommend treatments to individuals I have not completed a full and comprehensive exam and review.

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enb14

Thanks. I am going to see a vascular surgeon or hematologist. It's time that someone posted some info about cycling after DVT, and since I haven't found much, I guess I will be the one to do it.

BTW, to anyone reading this who has a DVT or pulmonary embolism (PE), I recommended subscribing to Yahoo's thrombosis group. My doctor never even mentioned compression stockings as a treatment, but I found out about them from the group, and then found that there are at least three clinical studies that found that stockings reduce the chance of postthrombotic syndrome (permanent pain and swelling).