Are knee high compression stockings ok for a male working on concrete?

My male friend wears knee high nylons for working his shift on concrete. Is this correct?

Answers from doctors (18)


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Feb 14, 2019

It’s a great idea! Standing all day is a risk factor for varicose veins. The fact that he’s willing to wear knee-high compression socks or stockings is half the battle of compliance. I could tell you that thigh-highs are better, but if he hates them and they sit in his drawers, then they aren’t.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

It’s a great idea! Standing all day is a risk factor for varicose veins. The fact that he’s willing to wear knee-high compression socks or stockings is half the battle of compliance. I could tell you that thigh-highs are better, but if he hates them and they sit in his drawers, then they aren’t.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Lafayette Regional Vein & Laser Center

Published on Jul 18, 2012

Compression to the knee is perfect for supporting the venous system in a work environment that predisposes you to developing vein problems. The key is getting a stocking that is comfortable, properly fitted, and with a strength that matches the reason for use. General guidelines: If no symptoms or visible veins, 15-20 mmHg is reasonable; if symptoms or visible veins are present, 20-30 mmHg is recommended; if significant swelling, pain, or skin changes are evident, 30-40 mmHg are recommended. The height is not the key for occupational use, rather a comfortable stocking you will be able to wear routinely for vein health. We recommend anyone with a sitting or standing job to wear compression to support their venous health.

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Answered by Lafayette Regional Vein & Laser Center

Compression to the knee is perfect for supporting the venous system in a work environment that predisposes you to developing vein problems. The key is getting a stocking that is comfortable, properly fitted, and with a strength that matches the reason for use. General guidelines: If no symptoms or visible veins, 15-20 mmHg is reasonable; if symptoms or visible veins are present, 20-30 mmHg is recommended; if significant swelling, pain, or skin changes are evident, 30-40 mmHg are recommended. The height is not the key for occupational use, rather a comfortable stocking you will be able to wear routinely for vein health. We recommend anyone with a sitting or standing job to wear compression to support their venous health.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Interventional Radiology Consultants

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Absolutely, compression stockings can be worn in almost any setting.

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Answered by Interventional Radiology Consultants

Absolutely, compression stockings can be worn in almost any setting.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Vein Clinic

Published on Jul 03, 2012

Sure, but I would recommend the proper compression which can be determined by his phlebologist.

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Answered by The Vein Clinic

Sure, but I would recommend the proper compression which can be determined by his phlebologist.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Jul 03, 2012

Knee high compression hose 18-20 or 20-30 can help legs feel better. This is true especially in standing occupations even if there is no venous disease.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

Knee high compression hose 18-20 or 20-30 can help legs feel better. This is true especially in standing occupations even if there is no venous disease.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialists

Published on Jul 03, 2012

Yes. The pressure is highest at the ankle so that is the key place to have the highest compression.

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Answered by Vein Specialists

Yes. The pressure is highest at the ankle so that is the key place to have the highest compression.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Smith Vein Institute, LLC

Published on Jul 03, 2012

It depends. Does he have venous disease? If so, and if he has great saphenous reflux, then he should wear thigh high stockings. If he has only small saphenous reflux then knee high stockings are fine.

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Answered by Smith Vein Institute, LLC

It depends. Does he have venous disease? If so, and if he has great saphenous reflux, then he should wear thigh high stockings. If he has only small saphenous reflux then knee high stockings are fine.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Jul 03, 2012

Yes, if it helps prevent swelling or aching at night.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Yes, if it helps prevent swelling or aching at night.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Heart and Vein Center

Published on Jul 03, 2012

If they are the right size and compression, yes.

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Answered by Heart and Vein Center

If they are the right size and compression, yes.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Austin Vein Specialists

Published on Jul 03, 2012

The knee-highs should be adequate. Thigh-highs are even more effective, but often less practical.

Answered by Austin Vein Specialists (View Profile)

The knee-highs should be adequate. Thigh-highs are even more effective, but often less practical.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Jul 03, 2012

Yes, knee high compression stockings work well.

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

Yes, knee high compression stockings work well.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Americas Vein Centers - Rhode Island

Published on Jul 03, 2012

Yes, but thigh-high compression stockings are better for circulation and to avoid a tourniquet effect. However, if your male friend has a vein disease, stockings usually don't cure the underlying problem.

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Answered by Americas Vein Centers - Rhode Island

Yes, but thigh-high compression stockings are better for circulation and to avoid a tourniquet effect. However, if your male friend has a vein disease, stockings usually don't cure the underlying problem.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bellagio Vein Clinic

Published on Jul 03, 2012

If he has varicose vein and there are no signs of bulging, yes it is okay for him to use knee highs.

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Answered by Bellagio Vein Clinic

If he has varicose vein and there are no signs of bulging, yes it is okay for him to use knee highs.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Jul 03, 2012

Yes, this is correct. However, we recommend getting measured and fitted at a medical supply store. The correctly-fitted stockings will give the maximum support and correct fit to help reduce fatigue from standing.
Anyone who stands or sits for prolonged periods of time can benefit from this.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Yes, this is correct. However, we recommend getting measured and fitted at a medical supply store. The correctly-fitted stockings will give the maximum support and correct fit to help reduce fatigue from standing.
Anyone who stands or sits for prolonged periods of time can benefit from this.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Compression hose are good for anyone who spends a lot of time on their feet. If he doesn't have venous insufficiency, knee highs are fine. If he has venous insufficiency then knee high hose can sometimes make it worse because it makes the return of blood flow worse. Thigh highs would be better in that situation.

Answered by North Country Thoracic & Vascular (View Profile)

Compression hose are good for anyone who spends a lot of time on their feet. If he doesn't have venous insufficiency, knee highs are fine. If he has venous insufficiency then knee high hose can sometimes make it worse because it makes the return of blood flow worse. Thigh highs would be better in that situation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Published on Jul 03, 2012

Yes, knee high compression stockings are okay for working on concrete. However, there may be an underlying cause for his symptoms and his need to wear the compression knee high stockings. If he has pain, swelling, varicose veins or other symptoms, he needs to be evaluated.

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Answered by Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Yes, knee high compression stockings are okay for working on concrete. However, there may be an underlying cause for his symptoms and his need to wear the compression knee high stockings. If he has pain, swelling, varicose veins or other symptoms, he needs to be evaluated.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Jun 17, 2012

Knee high compression is usually adequate for many venous issues. However, your question is too vague and does not give enough info as to what is being treated. Thigh high compression is usually indicated for varicose veins extending above the knee and for chronic venous insufficiency.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Knee high compression is usually adequate for many venous issues. However, your question is too vague and does not give enough info as to what is being treated. Thigh high compression is usually indicated for varicose veins extending above the knee and for chronic venous insufficiency.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vascular Center and Vein Clinic of Southern Indiana

Published on Jun 17, 2012

Compression stockings or compression socks can help reduce leg swelling.

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Answered by Vascular Center and Vein Clinic of Southern Indiana

Compression stockings or compression socks can help reduce leg swelling.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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