I’ve asked one of my Lymphedema Nutrition School graduates to review a new leg compression option, to give you information to help you decide if it might be right for you.
Meet the Reviewer
LW is a 66 year old man with leg and torso lymphedema resulting from surgery for his prostate cancer. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, over 24,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer in a year (based on 2022 data)(1). In America, prostate cancer is the second most common cause of cancer in men (melanoma is the first) with over 240,000 men diagnosed in a year (2023 data)(2).
While not every man with prostate cancer surgery will develop lymphedema, thankfully, but LW seems to be one of the unlucky ones. Typically, the risks for developing lymphedema after any cancer include:
a greater number of lymph nodes removed
post surgical infection or cellulitis
inflammation
radiation
chemotherapy
weight gain after treatment
We can’t say for sure, why LW developed the lymphedema, but he’s learning to cope with it and trying out a new compression is one way to make sure he’s getting the best treatment.
Prostate cancer treatment can result in lymphedema in the legs. This is a side-effect that men may not be aware of when they are considering their treatment.
Product Tested
Soldea Active Massage Compression Men’s Legging, size large. This product is made In Italy and according to the website, “the micromassage panty plus legging provides high compression results with lower compression comfort.”
First Impressions
I was relieved that they weren’t as bulky as what I was wearing and I liked the sleek appearance. The legging felt very good and comfortable.
I wasn’t used to putting on tights – these went from the ankle to the belly button, like panty hose. It felt good, but it was awkward for me. For women who put panty hose on regularly, it would not be so strange. They weren’t as difficult to put on my level III compression, in that they are not as thick and tight, so in that respect they were easier to put on, but it was awkward to manage pulling up one leg and then the other. When I’m not testing the Soldea Active Massage Compression Leggings for Men, I wear two single ankle to thigh compression stockings, so I put one leg on at a time, then I cover these both with compression bike shorts.
There are many options for compression for the lower legs. Flat knit, circular knit, and the amount of compression are a couple of the considerations.
How did it Compare to other Compression You Have Worn?
These are more comfortable, so I was sad that the compression was not firm enough to keep my lymphedema in control. If there was I higher compression I would think they would be a nice way to address my lymphedema.
What Do You Like About It:
The Soldea Active Massage Compression Leggings for Men were very comfortable and easier to put on from what I’m used to. Definitely not as as uncomfortable as my stage III compression. While I can’t rely on them to keep my swelling down, I still use them on and off. They are comfortable for when I do my exercise class, and I’m hoping that rotating these with my usual compression and mixing up my class III compression will maintain my lymphedema.
What don’t you like about it:
I have no complaint, there is nothing I didn’t like.
How did it stand up to washing?
The material seems to hold up very well to washing, and I haven’t seen any deterioration. I washed them by hand in cold water with shampoo in my bathroom sink, then I lay them flat to dry.
How did your lymphedema respond?
Sadly, the compression was not high enough for my situation, so I’ve had to return to my previous stage III compression leggings and bicycle shorts. I was hopeful it would work for my situation, as I enjoyed the look and feel of them, but my medical needs need to be my priority when choosing compression stockings.
What should others be aware of when considering Soldea Active Massage?
Others my be aware that if they need class 2 or 3 compression, these leggings may not have the amount of compression needed. Unfortunately, this may result in the lymphedema expanding. I recommend that they take some measurements to begin with and not to change too many other things in their usual routine in order to test the product and evaluate how it works for them.
As always, you should check with your lymphedema therapist when choosing a compression garment for your lymphedema. If you don’t have a lymphedema therapist that you work with, then find a lymphedema therapist in your area. There are links to lymphedema therapists in this blog Lymphedema Resources.
Author. Dietitian. Cancer survivor. I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma at age 27, an experience that sparked my 20+ year career in understanding the interplay between nutrition and cancer.
Now I share my evidence-informed nutritional strategies with cancer patients, survivors as well as those with lymphedema and lipedema — offering compassionate, and informed dietary guidance as both a nutrition professional and a fellow cancer survivor.
I acknowledge that I live and work on the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and this land is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
