Question
My son is a quadriplegic (I believe a C-7), and I noticed lately since his rugby
team doesn't seem to be getting together any more he sits at his computer
almost the entire day and his feet look really swollen (really puffy).  I know
this has to do with the circulation and he should probably wear some type of
sock like he had when he was in the hospital, but he is 30 years old and is
not going to listen to me.  I was wondering if this could cause a serious
problem.  Are there some socks out there that I could buy that would help
that would look like regular white tube socks,  that I could just get him
without him feeling I was being interfering (I know he wont wear the kind he
had in the hospital- besides the way they look I would have to help him put
them on and that he wouldn't like).  I guess I could call the doctors office, but
I don't want to cause waves unless necessary.  I know this is all hard on him
and he needs to feel some independence but I worry and it is so hard not to
help.  I'm sorry to make this so long, but I guess I really need to talk to
someone.  Guess I should find some site that I could talk to people about how
I'm feeling in coping with everything without feeling I'm being selfish.  Sorry,
so if you could answer my question about the socks I would appreciate it.            
Thanks

Answer
Swelling of the feet is quite typical for quadriplegics, particularly when sitting for long periods without moving.  The amount of swelling differs from person to person.  Some swell a lot while others swell very little.  For the most part, this is not too much of a problem since the swelling subsides at night when the person goes to bed.

However, there can be potential problems such as pressure sores from the shoes and clotting issues from the pooled blood in the legs depending on your son's medical history.

The hospital-style T.E.D. stockings are not a great fashion statement as you have noted.  I threw mine away when I got out of the hospital.  There are some socks available that are called 'diabetic socks' that protect the person's foot in a similar way without looking like a medical contraption running up your leg.  I suggest searching the internet for 'diabetic socks' or some similar phrase.  I have had personal success with magnetic insoles from a company called Nikken.  My feet swell very little with them.

Thanks for your question, Kathy.  I hope that my answer was helpful.
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