Some parents have learned the manual lymph drainage massage techniques as an alternative to pumping and enjoy the opportunity to bond with their children. If you are going to move lymphatic fluid out you have to use compression garments during the day in conjunction with pumping or massage when you are not wearing the garments. When your limbs are hanging down your chances of having the lymph building back up are quite high. If you have lymphatics which are restricted or non-functioning, it is important to wear the garments to keep the swelling down. There are definitely different preferences for different people.
Many people can wear the below the knee stocking and can control their condition quite adequately.
The longer leg stocking is a bit more of a problem. I have some children who go for the panty style or chap style which involves a waistband and may keep the stocking up more effectively. Whatever the situation, we need to stress excellent skin hygiene. Young people need to understand they must prevent open sores. Excellent foot care is essential in making sure there are no ingrown toenails, that toe nails are cut straight across, making sure the skin between the toes is kept dry and very clean to prevent fungus from developing.