Can full-length compression stockings cause pain in your feet and calves? If so, is that normal?

I wear full-length compression stockings that go above my waist for trunk and leg lymphodema, but I've been having pain in my feet and calves. Is this normal? Could the discomfort be caused by the stockings?

Answers from doctors (10)


More About Doctor David Green, MD

Published on Aug 24, 2021

Compression stockings that are well tolerated when walking and standing, not uncommonly can cause foot or ankle discomfort (cramping, numbness, pain) when the leg is elevated such as when the leg is horizontal when in bed. You should relate these symptoms to your prescribing physician so that they can advise how to proceed.

Answered by David Green, MD (View Profile)

Compression stockings that are well tolerated when walking and standing, not uncommonly can cause foot or ankle discomfort (cramping, numbness, pain) when the leg is elevated such as when the leg is horizontal when in bed. You should relate these symptoms to your prescribing physician so that they can advise how to proceed.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Arizona Vein Specialists

Published on Oct 23, 2013

Sometimes stockings can be too tight, and this can cause pain in various regions of the leg. Occasionally, the compression level is too high and not tolerated. Do not wear them in bed. Are you walking enough?

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Answered by Arizona Vein Specialists

Sometimes stockings can be too tight, and this can cause pain in various regions of the leg. Occasionally, the compression level is too high and not tolerated. Do not wear them in bed. Are you walking enough?

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Oct 23, 2013

Possibly, but if they were not causing pain before, you should pursue other possibilities as well. I would recommend you consult with your doctor.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

Possibly, but if they were not causing pain before, you should pursue other possibilities as well. I would recommend you consult with your doctor.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Oct 22, 2013

The full-length compression stockings are probably causing your discomfort. Try removing for a while to see if your symptoms change. If they do, you may want to consider getting a better fitting pair.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

The full-length compression stockings are probably causing your discomfort. Try removing for a while to see if your symptoms change. If they do, you may want to consider getting a better fitting pair.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Sheen Vein Institute

Published on Oct 22, 2013

Yes, you can have pain in your feet and calves. Given that you have lymphedema and depending on how severe your edema is, your legs will continue to swell as the day progresses. The compression stockings are helpful but a circaid is more appropriate given your lymphedema history. Also, keep in mind that if your legs continue to swell as the day goes on, the stockings that you have on may become too tight and result in discomfort, especially in the feet and lower legs.

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Answered by The Sheen Vein Institute

Yes, you can have pain in your feet and calves. Given that you have lymphedema and depending on how severe your edema is, your legs will continue to swell as the day progresses. The compression stockings are helpful but a circaid is more appropriate given your lymphedema history. Also, keep in mind that if your legs continue to swell as the day goes on, the stockings that you have on may become too tight and result in discomfort, especially in the feet and lower legs.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Oct 22, 2013

If correctly measured and fitted, hose should not cause discomfort. I recommend seeing the clinic who is managing your lymphedema or PCP.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

If correctly measured and fitted, hose should not cause discomfort. I recommend seeing the clinic who is managing your lymphedema or PCP.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

Published on Oct 22, 2013

One of the primary reasons compression stockings cause pain is that they are not properly fitted. Consult with the physician who prescribed them to you, or see a medical supply store. You need to be evaluated.

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Answered by Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

One of the primary reasons compression stockings cause pain is that they are not properly fitted. Consult with the physician who prescribed them to you, or see a medical supply store. You need to be evaluated.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Oct 21, 2013

This discomfort is not normal and should not occur with proper fitting stockings. You should first look for the source of the feet and calf discomfort. If there is no other obvious source, then try not wearing the stockings for a while and see if the pain resolves. If it is due to the stockings, then you need to get proper fitting support hose.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

This discomfort is not normal and should not occur with proper fitting stockings. You should first look for the source of the feet and calf discomfort. If there is no other obvious source, then try not wearing the stockings for a while and see if the pain resolves. If it is due to the stockings, then you need to get proper fitting support hose.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Published on Oct 21, 2013

Yes, pain is reported often with compression stockings, especially at the end of the day.

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Answered by Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Yes, pain is reported often with compression stockings, especially at the end of the day.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Published on Oct 21, 2013

It is not unusual for compression stockings, regardless of length, to cause discomfort. Usually this happens if they do not fit properly. Make sure that you have been measured/fitted appropriately. You may also want to try other styles, as some brands are more comfortable than others. Additionally, thigh-high or even knee-high may work (20-30 mmHg).

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Answered by Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

It is not unusual for compression stockings, regardless of length, to cause discomfort. Usually this happens if they do not fit properly. Make sure that you have been measured/fitted appropriately. You may also want to try other styles, as some brands are more comfortable than others. Additionally, thigh-high or even knee-high may work (20-30 mmHg).

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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