Are my compression socks too tight?

I purchased my compression stockings from a sports store. I have spider veins and am on my feet many hours at my place of work. I get red marks and indentations at the top of my knee-highs after wearing them for 8 to 10 hours. Are my compression socks too tight?

Answers from doctors (10)


Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Published on Apr 15, 2014

It sounds as though they might be too tight. Did you get measured for your compression stockings? I would recommend you go to a medical supply company to be measured. They specialize in compression stockings. The sports store does not specialize in compression stockings. You will need a prescription for any compression stronger than 20 mmhg pressure.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1172_1408044089.jpg
Answered by Vein Clinic of North Carolina

It sounds as though they might be too tight. Did you get measured for your compression stockings? I would recommend you go to a medical supply company to be measured. They specialize in compression stockings. The sports store does not specialize in compression stockings. You will need a prescription for any compression stronger than 20 mmhg pressure.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Apr 11, 2014

For wearing over long hours, you should be correctly measured and fitted into a medical quality compression sock.
Medical compression should not leave a band mark at the top. They will be more expensive but much more comfortable. A reputable medical supply store or a vein treatment center may be able to help.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/623_1499902138.jpg
Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

For wearing over long hours, you should be correctly measured and fitted into a medical quality compression sock.
Medical compression should not leave a band mark at the top. They will be more expensive but much more comfortable. A reputable medical supply store or a vein treatment center may be able to help.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Apr 10, 2014

A vein specialist can better answer that question in person following an exam of both your legs and your stockings. Compression stockings should be properly fitted by measurement (not simply by height and weight), the proper strength, and gradient. If any of those requirements are not met you can have a problem, so a sports store may not be the best place to purchase stockings for a vein problem.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1015_1408044084.jpg
Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

A vein specialist can better answer that question in person following an exam of both your legs and your stockings. Compression stockings should be properly fitted by measurement (not simply by height and weight), the proper strength, and gradient. If any of those requirements are not met you can have a problem, so a sports store may not be the best place to purchase stockings for a vein problem.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Apr 10, 2014

The compression stockings may be the wrong size.



//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/554_1447800116.jpg
Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

The compression stockings may be the wrong size.



Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Apr 09, 2014

Your compression stockings are possibly too tight. What strength are they? Were they measured and fitted by a profession, or were they purchased over the counter? They still may be the right size, but you
should get it checked.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

Your compression stockings are possibly too tight. What strength are they? Were they measured and fitted by a profession, or were they purchased over the counter? They still may be the right size, but you
should get it checked.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Milford Vascular Institute

Published on Apr 09, 2014

It's possible they are too tight, However, your problem may be venous insufficiency which often starts at the level of the groin. If so, you would need thigh-high compression stocking to treat the entire leg. An ultrasound would easily answer this question.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1373_1445876067.jpg
Answered by Milford Vascular Institute

It's possible they are too tight, However, your problem may be venous insufficiency which often starts at the level of the groin. If so, you would need thigh-high compression stocking to treat the entire leg. An ultrasound would easily answer this question.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


No, over-the-counter stocking should not be too tight. It is not uncommon to leave an indentation or have mild redness from rubbing of the stocking. Another option is to get medical stockings that may have a different top, which may be less irritating to the skin. I would stop wearing them if you have pain or develop an open sore to the area. An open sore requires prompt medical attention.

Answered by HeartCare Associates Vein Center (View Profile)

No, over-the-counter stocking should not be too tight. It is not uncommon to leave an indentation or have mild redness from rubbing of the stocking. Another option is to get medical stockings that may have a different top, which may be less irritating to the skin. I would stop wearing them if you have pain or develop an open sore to the area. An open sore requires prompt medical attention.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bellagio Vein Clinic

Published on Apr 08, 2014

It's too tight around the top of your calves. Compression stockings should generally be tight, minimum 20 to 30 mmHg pressure. Depending on their designs and the shape of your calves, they can be too tight in certain areas, and not tight enough in others. Try different brands or models, and experiment until you find ones that feel good when you wear them.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1242_1408044091.jpg
Answered by Bellagio Vein Clinic

It's too tight around the top of your calves. Compression stockings should generally be tight, minimum 20 to 30 mmHg pressure. Depending on their designs and the shape of your calves, they can be too tight in certain areas, and not tight enough in others. Try different brands or models, and experiment until you find ones that feel good when you wear them.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Published on Apr 08, 2014

It's a possibility your compression socks are too tight. See your treating physician, or go to a medical supply store and have them check.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1187_1408044089.jpg
Answered by Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

It's a possibility your compression socks are too tight. See your treating physician, or go to a medical supply store and have them check.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Apr 08, 2014

The most common complaint from wearing compression stocking is that they do not fit properly. This seems to be your case. They appear to be too tight. For spider veins, you only require around 20 to 24mmHg compression.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1053_1499982262.jpg
Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

The most common complaint from wearing compression stocking is that they do not fit properly. This seems to be your case. They appear to be too tight. For spider veins, you only require around 20 to 24mmHg compression.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Related Questions for Compression Stockings

Compression Stockings -7 answers
And should you be physically active while wearing the crompression socks?
See More
Compression Stockings -15 answers
I am 21 weeks pregnant and my whole leg and feet really hurt. I only have knee-length compression hose. Can I sleep with them on?
See More
Compression Stockings -13 answers
How big of a size do compression stockings come in?
See More
Compression Stockings -10 answers
I got knee surgery and have been wearin the socks for 3 weeks with some rests a day. I walk on my leg so blood circulates and crutches help me in public. Is it safe to not wear the stockings at all anymore? I just really don't want a blood clot.
See More
Compression Stockings -12 answers
I wear compression stockings for varicose veins during my pregnancy. They ease the pain and tiredness, but my legs get so itchy sometimes - especially after I take my stockings off. What can i do to prevent the itchiness and are they too tight?
See More
Compression Stockings -13 answers
I was wondering if someone who already has a clot wore compression stockings, would it be safe? Might this dislodge the clot? I only just learned about compression stockings and I'm not sure of these details.
See More
Compression Stockings -7 answers
I had the procedure this morning and wore the compression stockings all day but I can't remember if the Dr. said to wear them when I sleep?
See More
Compression Stockings -11 answers
Do you recommend wearing compression stockings on long flights? I have two flights: one 8 hours with a break of 12 hours and continuing another 12 hours after. I have store bought knee highs and thigh highs. Any disadvantages?
See More
Compression Stockings -9 answers
The knee highs are so much more comfortable. Are they effective enough?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works
Compression Stockings -9 answers
I'm wondering if the pressure from compression stockings can harm the fetus?
See More
Compression Stockings -6 answers
If I have problems with just one leg, can I wear one compression knee high or should I wear both?
See More
Compression Stockings -4 answers
How long after starting to wear these, will I see results?My calve has improved, but the ankle is still huge and the foot quite puffy.
See More
Compression Stockings -8 answers
I presently suffer from a sciatica for the 1st time. Lots of pain in my calf area and particularly in one pinpoint spot in the calf along with hip/groin pain.I wonder if stockings will help my calf pain and is it safe at 20/30 compression?Thank you
See More
Compression Stockings -13 answers
I am wearing compression stockings and was wondering how long should I wear them? Six and a half weeks after my C-section, I am still not mobile much.
See More
Compression Stockings -8 answers
What are the differences? Is it worth the additional cost?
See More
Compression Stockings -9 answers
It seems like tight clothes wouldn't benefit circulation.
See More
Compression Stockings -8 answers
My vascular surgeon did an ultrasound and prescribed endovenous laser ablation. She also suggested that I wear compression stockings after the procedure. However, due to severe psoriasis and eczema on my feet, I cannot wear full-coverage stockings that cover them. They must always be in wet dressings, but cannot be fully covered. Would footless compression stockings be just as effective as full-coverage hose following the procedure?
See More
Compression Stockings -9 answers
I would like "save" my legs and buy compression stockings. I dont have any other medical problems that would require me to use the stockings other that I am a nurse and am on my feet a lot. What level of comrpession would you recommend I start with?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works

Related Articles

Have specific questions?
ASK A DOCTOR