Are control top pantyhose with medium toning sufficient for a person with venous insufficiency?

I have venous insufficiency in both legs and wear control top pantyhose with medium toning in the legs. Is this sufficient for a person with my condition?

Answers from doctors (12)


The Sheen Vein Institute

Published on Oct 10, 2013

Being a guy, I am assuming you mean those control top pantyhose that women wear with dresses. If that is what you mean, the answer is really no. Most of those do not have enough compression to generate the effect you are probably seeking. Stocking, even prescription stockings for that matter, do not help to get rid of your vein issues or even slow down the progression of your disease. They are only symptomatic treatments for your veins. If you are electing to wear stockings because you are having discomfort in your legs, you would be better served to come in and have your vein issues evaluated to see if you need other treatment instead of just wearing stockings.

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Answered by The Sheen Vein Institute

Being a guy, I am assuming you mean those control top pantyhose that women wear with dresses. If that is what you mean, the answer is really no. Most of those do not have enough compression to generate the effect you are probably seeking. Stocking, even prescription stockings for that matter, do not help to get rid of your vein issues or even slow down the progression of your disease. They are only symptomatic treatments for your veins. If you are electing to wear stockings because you are having discomfort in your legs, you would be better served to come in and have your vein issues evaluated to see if you need other treatment instead of just wearing stockings.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Palm Vein Center

Published on Oct 08, 2013

A minimum pressure of 20-30 mmHg is required for compliance. Anything under that is ineffective.

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Answered by Palm Vein Center

A minimum pressure of 20-30 mmHg is required for compliance. Anything under that is ineffective.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Arizona Vein Specialists

Published on Oct 07, 2013

Control top pantyhose are not constructed as a gradient compression garment and, therefore, are not as efficient to control venous insufficiency like medical grade compression stockings.

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Answered by Arizona Vein Specialists

Control top pantyhose are not constructed as a gradient compression garment and, therefore, are not as efficient to control venous insufficiency like medical grade compression stockings.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


VeinSolutions - Edina

Published on Oct 03, 2013

Probably not. The difference between the type of hose you can purchase over-the-counter and prescription grade compression hose are vastly different. When fitted properly, prescription compression hose provide gradient compression, which is most definitely not provided by OTC hose.

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Answered by VeinSolutions - Edina

Probably not. The difference between the type of hose you can purchase over-the-counter and prescription grade compression hose are vastly different. When fitted properly, prescription compression hose provide gradient compression, which is most definitely not provided by OTC hose.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Oct 03, 2013

Control top pantyhose should be sufficient.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Control top pantyhose should be sufficient.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Oct 03, 2013

No, control top pantyhose are not sufficient for a person with venous insufficiency; rather, medical grade compression stockings are best.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

No, control top pantyhose are not sufficient for a person with venous insufficiency; rather, medical grade compression stockings are best.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Oct 03, 2013

A control top pantyhose is absolutely not appropriate for your problem. With venous insufficiency, there is "pooling" of blood in the lower legs due to gravity and damaged vein valves. The appropriate hose are graduated medical compressions, which are firmer in the lower legs/ankle and have a lower strength as they ease up the thigh. There should be little compression in the abdominal area. This facilitates the return of venous blood to the heart and lungs. There are many choices and some quite stylish in color, sheerness and texture. While more expensive than regular hose, they are very beneficial. They should be measured and fitted by an experienced hose fitter. Typically, they are not covered by insurance.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

A control top pantyhose is absolutely not appropriate for your problem. With venous insufficiency, there is "pooling" of blood in the lower legs due to gravity and damaged vein valves. The appropriate hose are graduated medical compressions, which are firmer in the lower legs/ankle and have a lower strength as they ease up the thigh. There should be little compression in the abdominal area. This facilitates the return of venous blood to the heart and lungs. There are many choices and some quite stylish in color, sheerness and texture. While more expensive than regular hose, they are very beneficial. They should be measured and fitted by an experienced hose fitter. Typically, they are not covered by insurance.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Published on Oct 02, 2013

Despite their medium tone, control top pantyhose do not slow down the progression of venous insufficiency, nor are they likely to provide needed comfort or allay symptoms of vein disease.

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Answered by Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Despite their medium tone, control top pantyhose do not slow down the progression of venous insufficiency, nor are they likely to provide needed comfort or allay symptoms of vein disease.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Published on Oct 02, 2013

No, control top stockings are not right for a person with venous insufficiency. Instead, you need to be measured and fitted for graded compression stockings (usually 20-30 mmHg is sufficient).

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Answered by Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

No, control top stockings are not right for a person with venous insufficiency. Instead, you need to be measured and fitted for graded compression stockings (usually 20-30 mmHg is sufficient).

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Published on Oct 02, 2013

In our practice, we prescribe 20-30 mmHg compression stockings.

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Answered by Vein Clinic of North Carolina

In our practice, we prescribe 20-30 mmHg compression stockings.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Oct 02, 2013

There are many degrees of venous insufficiency and this can be due to the superficial veins, the deep veins or both. For the superficial veins, 20-30mmHg is usually sufficient. For the deep veins or if there is a combination of both, 30-40 mmHg is usually recommended. The pantyhose is fine as long as it improves your symptoms. If you have a correctable problem, then this should be addressed. You should see a vein specialist.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

There are many degrees of venous insufficiency and this can be due to the superficial veins, the deep veins or both. For the superficial veins, 20-30mmHg is usually sufficient. For the deep veins or if there is a combination of both, 30-40 mmHg is usually recommended. The pantyhose is fine as long as it improves your symptoms. If you have a correctable problem, then this should be addressed. You should see a vein specialist.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Heart and Vein Center

Published on Oct 02, 2013

Venous insufficiency has different degrees of severity. For most patients with symptoms (e.g. leg pains, heaviness, aches, cramps, swelling, tiredness etc), simple support stockings like the ones you wear will not be enough to control the symptoms. Most patients need at least 20-30mmHg or higher. However, if those support stockings are enough to control your symptoms, then they are most likely fine. As your venous insufficiency progresses and becomes more severe, you will need higher compression or, perhaps, a more definitive treatment.

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Answered by Heart and Vein Center

Venous insufficiency has different degrees of severity. For most patients with symptoms (e.g. leg pains, heaviness, aches, cramps, swelling, tiredness etc), simple support stockings like the ones you wear will not be enough to control the symptoms. Most patients need at least 20-30mmHg or higher. However, if those support stockings are enough to control your symptoms, then they are most likely fine. As your venous insufficiency progresses and becomes more severe, you will need higher compression or, perhaps, a more definitive treatment.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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