Are compression stockings from the drug store okay or do I need prescription?

What are the differences? Is it worth the additional cost?

Answers from doctors (8)


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Sep 13, 2010

Compression stockings over the counter are a lower grade compression and may not be graduated. Prescription stockings are graduated(pressure decreases from ankle up) and are of specific grades of compression. What you should have depends on your specific needs and diagnosis.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Compression stockings over the counter are a lower grade compression and may not be graduated. Prescription stockings are graduated(pressure decreases from ankle up) and are of specific grades of compression. What you should have depends on your specific needs and diagnosis.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Nov 16, 2009

Some most compression stockings sold at regular drug stores are up to 15mmHg pressure which is considered insufficient compression after sclerotherapy (specially for varicose veins). Best compression stockings pressures are graduated 20-30mmHg for spider veins and small varicose veins, and 30-40-mmHG for large varicose veins, which are used for few days to a couple of weeks after treatments. Medical supply stores carry these stockings as well as all vein specialist offices. Generally, price is usually lower at the doctor office for the same type of stockings, as compared to medical supply stores.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

Some most compression stockings sold at regular drug stores are up to 15mmHg pressure which is considered insufficient compression after sclerotherapy (specially for varicose veins). Best compression stockings pressures are graduated 20-30mmHg for spider veins and small varicose veins, and 30-40-mmHG for large varicose veins, which are used for few days to a couple of weeks after treatments. Medical supply stores carry these stockings as well as all vein specialist offices. Generally, price is usually lower at the doctor office for the same type of stockings, as compared to medical supply stores.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Angelo N. Makris MD

Published on Nov 16, 2009

Over the counter compression stockings have a lower compression grade. If you have documented venous insufficiency, I would recommend the prescription hose.

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Answered by Angelo N. Makris MD

Over the counter compression stockings have a lower compression grade. If you have documented venous insufficiency, I would recommend the prescription hose.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


VeinSolutions - Edina

Published on Nov 16, 2009

If you are only using them for therapeutic reasons, hose from the drug store are fine. However, if a patient is having sclerotherapy or VNUS Closure with us, we do require that they wear the 20-30mm prescription level of compression. The higher levels of compression are also better for patients with phlebitis, a history of DVT, or other venous conditions.

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Answered by VeinSolutions - Edina

If you are only using them for therapeutic reasons, hose from the drug store are fine. However, if a patient is having sclerotherapy or VNUS Closure with us, we do require that they wear the 20-30mm prescription level of compression. The higher levels of compression are also better for patients with phlebitis, a history of DVT, or other venous conditions.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Miller Vein

Published on Nov 16, 2009

The degree of compression is typically less from a drug store. The need for greater compression would depend on your needs. This is something worth discussing with your vein physician.

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Answered by Miller Vein

The degree of compression is typically less from a drug store. The need for greater compression would depend on your needs. This is something worth discussing with your vein physician.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Innovative Vein

Published on Nov 14, 2009

The real difference between stockings, be they below knee or thigh high, etc. is the compression. Prescription stockings tend to be 30-40 mmHg. The higher, the greater the compression. Over the counter tend to be in the 10-20 mmHg range or less. The higher compression will relieve symptoms more effectively.

Answered by Innovative Vein (View Profile)

The real difference between stockings, be they below knee or thigh high, etc. is the compression. Prescription stockings tend to be 30-40 mmHg. The higher, the greater the compression. Over the counter tend to be in the 10-20 mmHg range or less. The higher compression will relieve symptoms more effectively.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


VeinCare Centers of Tennessee

Published on Nov 14, 2009

Many of the compression stockings available in many drug stores may be fine for mild venous insuffieciency and inadequate for patients with more significant vein problems or leg swelling. Generally, the quality of stocking is commensurate with the price. Most patients who have significant vein disease are much better off with high quality support hose which have been fitted by someone who is expert at fitting support hose. Much of the
dissatisfaction some people have with support hose is because they are not propertly fitted with the correct size of hose or because they have not been taught how to don and remove the stockings. Differences in quality of fabric, options for open toe or closed toe, type of upper cuff on the hose, and the configuaration of the hose make a big difference.

High quality,properly fitted hose usually are much cheaper in the long run.

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Answered by VeinCare Centers of Tennessee

Many of the compression stockings available in many drug stores may be fine for mild venous insuffieciency and inadequate for patients with more significant vein problems or leg swelling. Generally, the quality of stocking is commensurate with the price. Most patients who have significant vein disease are much better off with high quality support hose which have been fitted by someone who is expert at fitting support hose. Much of the
dissatisfaction some people have with support hose is because they are not propertly fitted with the correct size of hose or because they have not been taught how to don and remove the stockings. Differences in quality of fabric, options for open toe or closed toe, type of upper cuff on the hose, and the configuaration of the hose make a big difference.

High quality,properly fitted hose usually are much cheaper in the long run.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialty Medical Clinic, Inc.

Published on Nov 13, 2009

Some most compression stockings sold at regular drug stores are up to 15mmHg pressure which is considered insufficient compression after sclerotherapy (specially for varicose veins). Best compression stockings pressures are graduated 20-30mmHg for spider veins and small varicose veins, and 30-40-mmHG for large varicose veins, which are used for few days to a couple of weeks after treatments. Medical supply stores carry these stockings as well as all vein specialist offices. Generally, price is usually lower at the doctor office for
same type of stockings, as compared to medical supply stores.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/526_1499901101.jpg
Answered by Vein Specialty Medical Clinic, Inc.

Some most compression stockings sold at regular drug stores are up to 15mmHg pressure which is considered insufficient compression after sclerotherapy (specially for varicose veins). Best compression stockings pressures are graduated 20-30mmHg for spider veins and small varicose veins, and 30-40-mmHG for large varicose veins, which are used for few days to a couple of weeks after treatments. Medical supply stores carry these stockings as well as all vein specialist offices. Generally, price is usually lower at the doctor office for
same type of stockings, as compared to medical supply stores.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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