Can I remove my compression stockings while sitting?

Answers from doctors (10)


More About Doctor St. Louis Vein Center

Published on Dec 29, 2020

No, it is best to keep the compression on while sitting. Compression works by counteracting the forces of gravity. Having legs hang down from a chair exposes your legs to gravity forces and is best counteract gravity.

Answered by St. Louis Vein Center (View Profile)

No, it is best to keep the compression on while sitting. Compression works by counteracting the forces of gravity. Having legs hang down from a chair exposes your legs to gravity forces and is best counteract gravity.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Treatment Clinic

Published on Aug 27, 2018

If this is a case of post-vein treatment or conservative management, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions.

For post-procedure, I recommend keeping a dressing with your medical-grade compression stocking over it for the first day and night. Then, only keep medical compression stocking for one week during the day when walking, standing or sitting--but not at night.

It is important to refrain from doing demanding exercises or weightlifting for two weeks to prevent your treated vein from reopening. However, walking and normal activities are encouraged to stay active.

It is very important to be in close communication with your vein specialist for any post-procedure instructions or conservative management questions or concerns.

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Answered by Vein Treatment Clinic

If this is a case of post-vein treatment or conservative management, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions.

For post-procedure, I recommend keeping a dressing with your medical-grade compression stocking over it for the first day and night. Then, only keep medical compression stocking for one week during the day when walking, standing or sitting--but not at night.

It is important to refrain from doing demanding exercises or weightlifting for two weeks to prevent your treated vein from reopening. However, walking and normal activities are encouraged to stay active.

It is very important to be in close communication with your vein specialist for any post-procedure instructions or conservative management questions or concerns.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

Published on Jul 24, 2013

Yes, the compression hose can be removed while you sit.

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Answered by Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

Yes, the compression hose can be removed while you sit.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Published on Jul 18, 2013

I need more information as to why you are wearing the compression stockings prior to answering.

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Answered by Vein Clinic of North Carolina

I need more information as to why you are wearing the compression stockings prior to answering.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Jul 18, 2013

Since your legs are lower while sitting, the benefits of compression stockings will be lost if you remove them while upright.

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Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

Since your legs are lower while sitting, the benefits of compression stockings will be lost if you remove them while upright.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Arizona Vein Specialists

Published on Jul 18, 2013

Yes, but compression stockings are beneficial as long as your heart is above your legs.

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Answered by Arizona Vein Specialists

Yes, but compression stockings are beneficial as long as your heart is above your legs.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Jul 18, 2013

It is not recommended that compression stockings be removed while sitting. Rather, we recommend that they be taken off when the patient is ready for bed.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

It is not recommended that compression stockings be removed while sitting. Rather, we recommend that they be taken off when the patient is ready for bed.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Jul 18, 2013

Best to leave the compression hose on when sitting or during prolonged standing.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Best to leave the compression hose on when sitting or during prolonged standing.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Jul 18, 2013

It depends on why are wearing compression stockings. If you have venous insufficiency, it is recommended that you wear them when inactive or standing for long periods of time. The hose help blood return from the legs. If you are at home in the evening with your legs elevated, you should be able to remove them. Again, it all depends upon why you are wearing them. Also, check with the prescribing physician. He/she should be guiding you on their use.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

It depends on why are wearing compression stockings. If you have venous insufficiency, it is recommended that you wear them when inactive or standing for long periods of time. The hose help blood return from the legs. If you are at home in the evening with your legs elevated, you should be able to remove them. Again, it all depends upon why you are wearing them. Also, check with the prescribing physician. He/she should be guiding you on their use.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Jul 17, 2013

You should wear compression stockings when sitting because they work by reducing the venous pressure and increasing the venous return to the heart. When legs are dependent, as in sitting, the calf muscle pump is not working, causing an increase in venous pressure and a decrease in venous return.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

You should wear compression stockings when sitting because they work by reducing the venous pressure and increasing the venous return to the heart. When legs are dependent, as in sitting, the calf muscle pump is not working, causing an increase in venous pressure and a decrease in venous return.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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