Can I use compression stockings for varicose and spider veins in the upper thigh?

I am a 42-yr-old male and have had a lot of spider veins and some mild varicose veins in my upper right thigh for more than 7 years. I once tried women's compression stockings and they relieved my discomfort. Is it safe to use them if I'm a male?

Answers from doctors (16)


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Dec 27, 2013

Compression stockings do not discriminate and work equally well for both men and women with proper sizing and fitment.

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Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

Compression stockings do not discriminate and work equally well for both men and women with proper sizing and fitment.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Arizona Vein Specialists

Published on Dec 18, 2013

Gradient stockings are available in calf, thigh or hip length for males. They are fairly unisex. As there is not much compression above the knee, any will do. If you have not had an ultrasound by a vein specialist yet, I
do recommend it to determine choices to correct your problem and avoid the need for stockings in the future.

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Answered by Arizona Vein Specialists

Gradient stockings are available in calf, thigh or hip length for males. They are fairly unisex. As there is not much compression above the knee, any will do. If you have not had an ultrasound by a vein specialist yet, I
do recommend it to determine choices to correct your problem and avoid the need for stockings in the future.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Finesse Surgical Solutions

Published on Dec 18, 2013

Compression stockings are safe for males and females. They may relieve discomfort, but the stockings will not treat or eliminate abnormal veins.

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Answered by Finesse Surgical Solutions

Compression stockings are safe for males and females. They may relieve discomfort, but the stockings will not treat or eliminate abnormal veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


VeinSolutions - Edina

Published on Dec 17, 2013

Yes, it is perfectly fine for you to use thigh-high compression hose.

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Answered by VeinSolutions - Edina

Yes, it is perfectly fine for you to use thigh-high compression hose.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Sheen Vein Institute

Published on Dec 17, 2013

Thigh-high compression stockings can be worn for vein disease irregardless of whether you are male or female. That being said, be aware that the compression stockings do not get rid of your vein disease or even slow it down. Compression stockings in the setting of vein disease is purely a symptomatic treatment.

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Answered by The Sheen Vein Institute

Thigh-high compression stockings can be worn for vein disease irregardless of whether you are male or female. That being said, be aware that the compression stockings do not get rid of your vein disease or even slow it down. Compression stockings in the setting of vein disease is purely a symptomatic treatment.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Michael F. Gioscia, MD, FACS, ABVLM

Published on Dec 17, 2013

It is safe, but compression alone will not treat the veins. Instead, they will only help relieve the symptoms and help prevent phlebitis.

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

It is safe, but compression alone will not treat the veins. Instead, they will only help relieve the symptoms and help prevent phlebitis.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Dec 17, 2013

Compression hose are safe and effective if they fit properly.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Compression hose are safe and effective if they fit properly.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Dec 17, 2013

Yes, it is perfectly safe to wear compression stockings, even if they are made for a woman. But, there are many appropriate styles now for men. Ensure you are measured and fitted correctly, and don't go for the cheapest. Try a higher quality brand, as they will be more comfortable. I suggest being evaluated by a board-certified surgeon who's vascular trained. If non-medical, they can also be treated. We see many men for both spider and varicose veins in our clinic.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Yes, it is perfectly safe to wear compression stockings, even if they are made for a woman. But, there are many appropriate styles now for men. Ensure you are measured and fitted correctly, and don't go for the cheapest. Try a higher quality brand, as they will be more comfortable. I suggest being evaluated by a board-certified surgeon who's vascular trained. If non-medical, they can also be treated. We see many men for both spider and varicose veins in our clinic.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Thanks for your questions. It would be irresponsible of us to give you medical advice without an examination. Therefore, I suggest you consult with a board-certified vein surgeon or vein specialist who can examine your legs and recommend the appropriate treatment.

Answered by Center for Venous Disease - Santa Fe (View Profile)

Thanks for your questions. It would be irresponsible of us to give you medical advice without an examination. Therefore, I suggest you consult with a board-certified vein surgeon or vein specialist who can examine your legs and recommend the appropriate treatment.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Heart and Vein Center

Published on Dec 16, 2013

Compression stockings are surely safe to use. However, they can only produce temporary relief. Compression stockings do not resolve venous insufficiency or reflux, they just diminish some of the symptoms. You should have a consultation and treatment with a vein specialist to eliminate your problem for good.

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Answered by Heart and Vein Center

Compression stockings are surely safe to use. However, they can only produce temporary relief. Compression stockings do not resolve venous insufficiency or reflux, they just diminish some of the symptoms. You should have a consultation and treatment with a vein specialist to eliminate your problem for good.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Smith Vein Institute, LLC

Published on Dec 16, 2013

Yes, compression stockings work equally well for both sexes.

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Answered by Smith Vein Institute, LLC

Yes, compression stockings work equally well for both sexes.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Dec 16, 2013

Yes, compression stockings can be worn.

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

Yes, compression stockings can be worn.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Published on Dec 16, 2013

Yes. Compression hose are perfectly fine, but you may want to consider pantyhose type stockings since the problematic veins are in your upper thigh.

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Answered by Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Yes. Compression hose are perfectly fine, but you may want to consider pantyhose type stockings since the problematic veins are in your upper thigh.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Dec 16, 2013

You can use compression stockings safely, but more importantly, you should have your veins evaluated by a vein specialist with a venous reflux exam. Most likely you have malfunctioning (refluxing) valves of the saphenous system, which can be treated by a closure procedure. This will treat the cause of your veins, which can then be followed by eliminating the varicose and spider veins so that you will not need to wear compression hose in the future.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

You can use compression stockings safely, but more importantly, you should have your veins evaluated by a vein specialist with a venous reflux exam. Most likely you have malfunctioning (refluxing) valves of the saphenous system, which can be treated by a closure procedure. This will treat the cause of your veins, which can then be followed by eliminating the varicose and spider veins so that you will not need to wear compression hose in the future.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Midwest Vein Center - Downers Grove

Published on Dec 16, 2013

Yes, it is perfectly safe for you to wear good quality, medical grade graduated compression stockings. The only thing about medical grade compression stockings that is gender specific is the way they are marketed and labeled on the packaging. The factories that manufacture medical grade compression stockings do not have separate processes to make male and female stockings. So, in theory, you could wear women's compression stockings if you prefer.

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Answered by Midwest Vein Center - Downers Grove

Yes, it is perfectly safe for you to wear good quality, medical grade graduated compression stockings. The only thing about medical grade compression stockings that is gender specific is the way they are marketed and labeled on the packaging. The factories that manufacture medical grade compression stockings do not have separate processes to make male and female stockings. So, in theory, you could wear women's compression stockings if you prefer.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Milford Vascular Institute

Published on Dec 16, 2013

Yes, they are safe to use in men. Today, however, compression stockings are designed for both men and women. Thigh-high length would likely offer the best support for your problem.

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Answered by Milford Vascular Institute

Yes, they are safe to use in men. Today, however, compression stockings are designed for both men and women. Thigh-high length would likely offer the best support for your problem.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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