Can support hose cause bruising and leg cramps?

I was prescribed compression stockings yesterday after being diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency with hypopigmentation. Today, I have new bruising on my legs and am having charlie horses. Can this be caused by the stockings? Thank you!

Answers from doctors (7)


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Nov 06, 2017

Firstly I think you mean "hyperpigmentation" (darkening pigment) as hypopigmentation (losing pigment) isn't usually associated with CVI. The hose really need to be correctly measured and fitted by an experienced fitter. Not all hose are created equal and some can be uncomfortable. You may need to try several brands.The hose should be removed at night. If the hose are too tight you can get leg cramping. 20-30 mmHg pressure is usually enough for CVI. Higher than that may cause the problems also.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Firstly I think you mean "hyperpigmentation" (darkening pigment) as hypopigmentation (losing pigment) isn't usually associated with CVI. The hose really need to be correctly measured and fitted by an experienced fitter. Not all hose are created equal and some can be uncomfortable. You may need to try several brands.The hose should be removed at night. If the hose are too tight you can get leg cramping. 20-30 mmHg pressure is usually enough for CVI. Higher than that may cause the problems also.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Arizona Vein Specialists

Published on Dec 08, 2013

Support hose are not to be worn in bed or by those with arterial insufficiency. They must be fitted for correct size and tolerable compression, which vary among individuals.

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Answered by Arizona Vein Specialists

Support hose are not to be worn in bed or by those with arterial insufficiency. They must be fitted for correct size and tolerable compression, which vary among individuals.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Dec 05, 2013

Not likely. Properly fit compression stockings should relieve the symptoms of venous insufficiency and not cause bruising. Make sure you have the right stocking strength and sizing.

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Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

Not likely. Properly fit compression stockings should relieve the symptoms of venous insufficiency and not cause bruising. Make sure you have the right stocking strength and sizing.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Dec 04, 2013

I don't have a clear answer for that question. Check with your treating physician.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

I don't have a clear answer for that question. Check with your treating physician.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Heart and Vein Center

Published on Dec 03, 2013

The bruising and cramps could be caused by the compression stockings if they are too tight or crumple in certain areas like the back of the knees.

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Answered by Heart and Vein Center

The bruising and cramps could be caused by the compression stockings if they are too tight or crumple in certain areas like the back of the knees.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Dec 03, 2013

This is a recurring question and, if the stockings do not fit properly, then you can get the symptoms that you describe. Certainly, your symptoms can be caused by other issues, but if they started after wearing the stockings, then I would be concerned that the stocking do not fit correctly. You may want to try them again for one or two times and see what happens.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

This is a recurring question and, if the stockings do not fit properly, then you can get the symptoms that you describe. Certainly, your symptoms can be caused by other issues, but if they started after wearing the stockings, then I would be concerned that the stocking do not fit correctly. You may want to try them again for one or two times and see what happens.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Published on Dec 03, 2013

Yes, compression stockings can cause bruising and cramps. It sounds as if the size may need to be adjusted.

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Answered by Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Yes, compression stockings can cause bruising and cramps. It sounds as if the size may need to be adjusted.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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