Are knee-highs effective enough to prevent spider veins in legs?

I'm a 25-year-old LNA. I don't have any pain in my legs, but I do have spider veins above my knees and cold feet. I hate hose. Would knee-high socks help at all? Would they make the spider veins above them worse? What compression do you recommend?

Answers from doctors (11)


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Nov 29, 2012

There is no strong evidence compression hose prevents spider veins. It may help with varicose veins. Wearing compression hose will make your legs feel better if you're on your feet a lot. I recommend the 18-20 for everyday use.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

There is no strong evidence compression hose prevents spider veins. It may help with varicose veins. Wearing compression hose will make your legs feel better if you're on your feet a lot. I recommend the 18-20 for everyday use.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Published on Nov 20, 2012

Compression stockings of any length will not help prevent spider veins from forming. They do help with swelling and giving you legs energy. For comfort, over-the-counter hose up to 20 mm can be purchased without a prescription.

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Answered by Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Compression stockings of any length will not help prevent spider veins from forming. They do help with swelling and giving you legs energy. For comfort, over-the-counter hose up to 20 mm can be purchased without a prescription.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Sheen Vein Institute

Published on Nov 20, 2012

I generally do not recommend knee high compression stockings in my patients unless they have already had their vein issues addressed above their knees. Wearing knee high compression stockings can essentially place a constricting band around the calf and allow any abnormal veins above the knee to pool right at the knee. The result is an increase in venous pressure right at the knee which for some people can actually cause pain in the knee itself. Thigh-high compression stockings of at lease 20-30 mmHg compression is what I recommend. Keep in mind that you should not expect any of your vein issues to go away, even with the stockings. Only by having your veins treated can you expect them to truly disappear.

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Answered by The Sheen Vein Institute

I generally do not recommend knee high compression stockings in my patients unless they have already had their vein issues addressed above their knees. Wearing knee high compression stockings can essentially place a constricting band around the calf and allow any abnormal veins above the knee to pool right at the knee. The result is an increase in venous pressure right at the knee which for some people can actually cause pain in the knee itself. Thigh-high compression stockings of at lease 20-30 mmHg compression is what I recommend. Keep in mind that you should not expect any of your vein issues to go away, even with the stockings. Only by having your veins treated can you expect them to truly disappear.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Published on Nov 14, 2012

Compression needs to be in the area of the veins.

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Answered by Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Compression needs to be in the area of the veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Arizona Vein Specialists

Published on Nov 14, 2012

20-30 mmHg or 30-40 mmHg comp calf stockings work well. Thigh length has
reduced compression above the knee anyway.

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Answered by Arizona Vein Specialists

20-30 mmHg or 30-40 mmHg comp calf stockings work well. Thigh length has
reduced compression above the knee anyway.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Nov 14, 2012

Compression hose will not prevent spider veins or varicose veins. This is usually an inherited problem and something which develops over a long period of time. However, if you undergo a series of treatments to clear veins, regular compression if you stand or sit a lot at work can possibly slow the development of new veins. Apart from that, your legs will feel better.

As far as compression strength 15-20 mmHg is usually adequate for comfort. A knee hose is great for everyday use and comfort. If you are planning treatment for spider veins we require 20-30 mmHg hose. If your spider veins extend into or above the knee we typically advise thigh hose.
The spider veins above the knees should not get worse.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Compression hose will not prevent spider veins or varicose veins. This is usually an inherited problem and something which develops over a long period of time. However, if you undergo a series of treatments to clear veins, regular compression if you stand or sit a lot at work can possibly slow the development of new veins. Apart from that, your legs will feel better.

As far as compression strength 15-20 mmHg is usually adequate for comfort. A knee hose is great for everyday use and comfort. If you are planning treatment for spider veins we require 20-30 mmHg hose. If your spider veins extend into or above the knee we typically advise thigh hose.
The spider veins above the knees should not get worse.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein & Laser Centre, Ltd.

Published on Nov 14, 2012

I recommend 20-30mm HG thigh high or full pantyhose. When fitted properly,
your legs should feel better in support hose.

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Answered by Advanced Vein & Laser Centre, Ltd.

I recommend 20-30mm HG thigh high or full pantyhose. When fitted properly,
your legs should feel better in support hose.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Tulane Heart & Vascular Institute

Published on Nov 14, 2012

15-20 mm Hg. Knee high hose may make the veins above the knee more prominent but may prevent them below the knees.

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Answered by Tulane Heart & Vascular Institute

15-20 mm Hg. Knee high hose may make the veins above the knee more prominent but may prevent them below the knees.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

Published on Nov 14, 2012

We don't recommend knee socks. There are many companies make pantyhose-style compression stocking. We always recommend to get free scanning for the first visit for evaluation.

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Answered by Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

We don't recommend knee socks. There are many companies make pantyhose-style compression stocking. We always recommend to get free scanning for the first visit for evaluation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Heart and Vein Center

Published on Nov 14, 2012

Knee-high stockings will not prevent spiders above the knee. On the other hand, thigh-high compressions might no prevent them either.

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Answered by Heart and Vein Center

Knee-high stockings will not prevent spiders above the knee. On the other hand, thigh-high compressions might no prevent them either.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Nov 14, 2012

There is no guarantee that wearing supp hose will prevent the formation of spider veins since these are caused by many factors including hereditary, pregnancies, aging, etc. Support hose may slow the process but again there is no guarantee. If you have a lot of spiders you may want to have a venous reflux exam to see is there could be an underlying reflux problem. Knee-high socks will not help above knee spiders. Usual compression for spiders is around 20mmHg.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

There is no guarantee that wearing supp hose will prevent the formation of spider veins since these are caused by many factors including hereditary, pregnancies, aging, etc. Support hose may slow the process but again there is no guarantee. If you have a lot of spiders you may want to have a venous reflux exam to see is there could be an underlying reflux problem. Knee-high socks will not help above knee spiders. Usual compression for spiders is around 20mmHg.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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