Can compression stockings cause a clot if they fit poorly?

My 30-40 mmHg strength thigh-high compression stockings roll down at the thigh and cause intense discomfort (like a tourniquet). The discomfort occurred repeatedly for 1.5 weeks and now I am having right calf pain. Could the rolling at the upper thigh level have caused a deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

Answers from doctors (13)


Vascular Institute of Chattanooga

Published on Aug 08, 2019

Stockings rely on elastic to maintain compression and to stay in place. Like an elastic (think rubber band) over time, it loses its recoil and can become loose. It might be time for a new stocking, or you may need to be remeasured for a different size stocking.

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Answered by Vascular Institute of Chattanooga

Stockings rely on elastic to maintain compression and to stay in place. Like an elastic (think rubber band) over time, it loses its recoil and can become loose. It might be time for a new stocking, or you may need to be remeasured for a different size stocking.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor St. Louis Vein Center

Published on Jan 28, 2019

It's unlikely for compression stockings to cause a clot to develop but it is possible. I'd recommend you get checked out by a vein specialist.

Answered by St. Louis Vein Center (View Profile)

It's unlikely for compression stockings to cause a clot to develop but it is possible. I'd recommend you get checked out by a vein specialist.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Mar 12, 2013

Although I've never seen such a case, it is theoretically possible to develop a clot if the stocking bunches up enough to create a tourniquet effect.

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Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

Although I've never seen such a case, it is theoretically possible to develop a clot if the stocking bunches up enough to create a tourniquet effect.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Mar 05, 2013

If fitted and measured correctly, compression stockings shouldn't roll down. Occasionally, due to body shape, this can happen. Our patients use a special adhesive to keep them up. You need to be evaluated immediately, including an ultrasound examination to rule out DVT. Anytime blood is unable to flow there is increased risk of clotting.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

If fitted and measured correctly, compression stockings shouldn't roll down. Occasionally, due to body shape, this can happen. Our patients use a special adhesive to keep them up. You need to be evaluated immediately, including an ultrasound examination to rule out DVT. Anytime blood is unable to flow there is increased risk of clotting.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Mar 04, 2013

I have never heard of this and could find no literature suggesting it. I think your pain is due to something else. You should see your doctor and get an ultrasound. That will answer your question.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

I have never heard of this and could find no literature suggesting it. I think your pain is due to something else. You should see your doctor and get an ultrasound. That will answer your question.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein 911

Published on Mar 04, 2013

Poorly fitting hose can be very aggravating for patients. Blood clots can form for many reasons (with or without vein treatment), and they can form with or without poorly fitting hose. If pain and/or swelling is present, see your doctor immediately and get an ultrasound to make sure no clot has developed.

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Answered by Vein 911

Poorly fitting hose can be very aggravating for patients. Blood clots can form for many reasons (with or without vein treatment), and they can form with or without poorly fitting hose. If pain and/or swelling is present, see your doctor immediately and get an ultrasound to make sure no clot has developed.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Mar 04, 2013

I do not think so. I would recommend you follow up with your doctor.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

I do not think so. I would recommend you follow up with your doctor.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Mar 04, 2013

It is unlikely that the compression stockings will cause a DVT, unless they fit very poorly. Get refitted.

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

It is unlikely that the compression stockings will cause a DVT, unless they fit very poorly. Get refitted.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Michael F. Gioscia, MD, FACS, ABVLM

Published on Mar 04, 2013

Compression stockings can roll down and act as a tourniquet. If the excess pressure and resulting pain are sustained for a lengthy period of time, it can contribute to the development of a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). You should be examined and, if necessary, undergo a Doppler ultrasound to rule out deep (or superficial) thrombosis.

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Answered by Michael F. Gioscia, MD, FACS, ABVLM

Compression stockings can roll down and act as a tourniquet. If the excess pressure and resulting pain are sustained for a lengthy period of time, it can contribute to the development of a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). You should be examined and, if necessary, undergo a Doppler ultrasound to rule out deep (or superficial) thrombosis.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Mar 04, 2013

Yes, it is possible.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Yes, it is possible.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Published on Mar 04, 2013

Sounds like they are not fitting properly, but it would be unusual for compression stockings to be so constrictive that they cause deep vein thrombosis.

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Answered by Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Sounds like they are not fitting properly, but it would be unusual for compression stockings to be so constrictive that they cause deep vein thrombosis.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Mar 04, 2013

The most common complaint that I see is from compression stockings not fitting properly. If compression stockings are too tight and are acting as a tourniquet, they have the potential to cause a clot to form. Tight stockings alone are uncomfortable but should not form a clot. If the stockings do not fit properly, I would recommend that you get proper fitting stockings. 30 to 40 mmHg compression is, in general, too tight for most people. You may want to try 20 to 30 mmHg. Also, you should follow up with your physician to see if a venous ultrasound is indicated.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

The most common complaint that I see is from compression stockings not fitting properly. If compression stockings are too tight and are acting as a tourniquet, they have the potential to cause a clot to form. Tight stockings alone are uncomfortable but should not form a clot. If the stockings do not fit properly, I would recommend that you get proper fitting stockings. 30 to 40 mmHg compression is, in general, too tight for most people. You may want to try 20 to 30 mmHg. Also, you should follow up with your physician to see if a venous ultrasound is indicated.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Heart and Vein Center

Published on Mar 04, 2013

Depending on the circumstances and the patient, it is possible to make the circulation in the leg veins worse if the compression stockings are not fitting properly. By your description, I would certainly be concerned about having a clot in the calf veins. Make sure to have it checked ASAP.

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Answered by Heart and Vein Center

Depending on the circumstances and the patient, it is possible to make the circulation in the leg veins worse if the compression stockings are not fitting properly. By your description, I would certainly be concerned about having a clot in the calf veins. Make sure to have it checked ASAP.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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