Q. I suffer from chronic leg pain. My doctors have tested me and all they can say is that it might be due to nerve damage. They suggest support hose.
I bought some medical support hose but they are very expensive. I thought I could save money with regular support pantyhose.
It feels strange to wear them but they really help my legs feel much better. Is it a problem to wear women’s pantyhose? My wife bought them for me but she worries someone might think I am gay for wearing them. Is there anything else I could use or is she worried over nothing?
A. Pantyhose don’t provide as much support as medical support hose. On the other hand, if they relieve your leg pain, we see no reason to spend money on more expensive stockings. As long as you are not parading around in shorts, you shouldn’t attract undue attention.
If you are trying to start a family, pantyhose might be troublesome. They could raise testicular temperature and reduce sperm count. If that’s not an issue, your wife can relax.
Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist. Teresa Graedon holds a doctorate in medical anthropology and is a nutrition expert. Their syndicated radio show can be heard on public radio. In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of this newspaper or e-mail them via their Web site: www.PeoplesPharmacy.org.
© 2007 King Features Syndicate, Inc.