Dr. Segal’s Compression Socks: Cailyn Morash Interview

Cailyn Morash is an active twenty-two year old from Edmonton, Alberta. In

2008, Cailyn began wearing compression socks to help with her primary

lymphedema. “I very rarely don’t have them on,” said Cailyn. I chatted with her this

summer about her compression sock usage and how she started using them. Cailyn’s

journey towards compression socks started in May 2007 when her left foot

“uncontrollably swelled.”

“I thought it was just a sunburn, but it didn’t go away, and then my right [foot]

swelled not long afterwards. I saw many doctors, spent a lot of time at the

Stollery Hospital, then had an appointment with a dermatologist for something unrelated and

my dad thought to ask her about my feet just in case she might know, and she said I

clearly have primary lymphedema.”

Primary lymphedema is a condition caused by a compromised lymphatic system

where body parts swell up due to a collection of fluid in the tissue. “So my left calf

and right foot are the worst, but it’s swelling from the knee down on both limbs,”

said Cailyn.

Cailyn’s compression socks have a high compression rating. “They’re high enough in

compression that they help to prevent the fluid from pooling in my feet.”

Compression socks are measured using the pressure gradient mmHg (millimeter of mercury). Cailyn’s socks are classified as moderate compression, a classification of socks ranging between 20-30 mmHg.  Cailyn had her socks prescribed by a doctor.

Despite having lymphedema, Cailyn remains active. She recently ran the BMO Half

Marathon in Vancouver, British Columbia. She noted that compression socks help

her stay active. “They help prevent my feet and calves from swelling. My feet still

hurt after the marathon, and flying doesn’t help with the low cabin pressure, but they

do keep the fluid moving.”

For Cailyn, compression socks are only one aspect of how she treats her

lymphedema. “I use them for day to day management. Then I get MLD (manual

lymphatic drainage – a type of massage) monthly. Plus kinesiotape and wrapping

when needed.”

Dr. Segal’s Compression Socks can provide day-to- day relief for a variety of leg

issues, including issues that arise from lymphedema. Swelling, soreness, and blood

clots can all be reduced or prevented by wearing Dr. Segal’s Compression Socks

daily. Dr. Segal’s Compression Socks range from mild (15-20 mmHg) to moderate

(20-30 mmHg) compression.