Can tight knee pad straps cause DVT and varicose veins?

I have knee pads I use for kneeling on concrete, etc. The velcro bands are very tight around my leg. Could this cause deep vein thrombosis and varicose veins in my lower leg?

Answers from doctors (8)


Michael F. Gioscia, MD, FACS, ABVLM

Published on Jan 25, 2014

They could act as tourniquets. Although this would not "cause" varicose
veins, tight constriction can certainly increase the risk of DVT and
superficial thrombophlebitis.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1296_1408044092.jpg
Answered by Michael F. Gioscia, MD, FACS, ABVLM

They could act as tourniquets. Although this would not "cause" varicose
veins, tight constriction can certainly increase the risk of DVT and
superficial thrombophlebitis.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Jan 13, 2014

Yes, constrictive bands around the leg can impede proper venous circulation and induce DVT or varicose veins. Good question!

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1015_1408044084.jpg
Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

Yes, constrictive bands around the leg can impede proper venous circulation and induce DVT or varicose veins. Good question!

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Jan 12, 2014

It is possible but not likely if you are moving around. To be more certain,
a venous Doppler ultrasound could be done while wearing them, but it still
wouldn't replicate it completely.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

It is possible but not likely if you are moving around. To be more certain,
a venous Doppler ultrasound could be done while wearing them, but it still
wouldn't replicate it completely.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Jan 10, 2014

As long as you are moving and thereby releasing the pressure, it should no be a problem. Varicose veins are usually inherited and not caused by such things as knee pads. Support knee-length hose are recommended if you are not seeking evaluation and treatment for your veins.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/623_1499902138.jpg
Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

As long as you are moving and thereby releasing the pressure, it should no be a problem. Varicose veins are usually inherited and not caused by such things as knee pads. Support knee-length hose are recommended if you are not seeking evaluation and treatment for your veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Jan 09, 2014

It's very unlikely.



//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/554_1447800116.jpg
Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

It's very unlikely.



Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Jan 08, 2014

Knee pads could cause DVT and varicose veins. Wear knee-high graded compression socks below the knee pads and loosen the straps a bit. Socks like Sigvaris cushioned cotton or nylon with 15-20 mmHg compression are advised.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/922_1408044082.jpg
Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

Knee pads could cause DVT and varicose veins. Wear knee-high graded compression socks below the knee pads and loosen the straps a bit. Socks like Sigvaris cushioned cotton or nylon with 15-20 mmHg compression are advised.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Jan 08, 2014

Constricting garments could potentially cause DVT by impinging on the venous return, leading to venous stasis and ultimately DVT. Varicose veins are due to refluxing valves, and this should not be caused by constricting knee pads.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1053_1499982262.jpg
Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Constricting garments could potentially cause DVT by impinging on the venous return, leading to venous stasis and ultimately DVT. Varicose veins are due to refluxing valves, and this should not be caused by constricting knee pads.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Published on Jan 08, 2014

Yes, they can.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1187_1408044089.jpg
Answered by Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Yes, they can.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Related Questions for Compression Stockings

Compression Stockings -7 answers
And should you be physically active while wearing the crompression socks?
See More
Compression Stockings -15 answers
I am 21 weeks pregnant and my whole leg and feet really hurt. I only have knee-length compression hose. Can I sleep with them on?
See More
Compression Stockings -13 answers
How big of a size do compression stockings come in?
See More
Compression Stockings -10 answers
I got knee surgery and have been wearin the socks for 3 weeks with some rests a day. I walk on my leg so blood circulates and crutches help me in public. Is it safe to not wear the stockings at all anymore? I just really don't want a blood clot.
See More
Compression Stockings -12 answers
I wear compression stockings for varicose veins during my pregnancy. They ease the pain and tiredness, but my legs get so itchy sometimes - especially after I take my stockings off. What can i do to prevent the itchiness and are they too tight?
See More
Compression Stockings -13 answers
I was wondering if someone who already has a clot wore compression stockings, would it be safe? Might this dislodge the clot? I only just learned about compression stockings and I'm not sure of these details.
See More
Compression Stockings -7 answers
I had the procedure this morning and wore the compression stockings all day but I can't remember if the Dr. said to wear them when I sleep?
See More
Compression Stockings -11 answers
Do you recommend wearing compression stockings on long flights? I have two flights: one 8 hours with a break of 12 hours and continuing another 12 hours after. I have store bought knee highs and thigh highs. Any disadvantages?
See More
Compression Stockings -9 answers
The knee highs are so much more comfortable. Are they effective enough?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works
Compression Stockings -9 answers
I'm wondering if the pressure from compression stockings can harm the fetus?
See More
Compression Stockings -6 answers
If I have problems with just one leg, can I wear one compression knee high or should I wear both?
See More
Compression Stockings -4 answers
How long after starting to wear these, will I see results?My calve has improved, but the ankle is still huge and the foot quite puffy.
See More
Compression Stockings -8 answers
I presently suffer from a sciatica for the 1st time. Lots of pain in my calf area and particularly in one pinpoint spot in the calf along with hip/groin pain.I wonder if stockings will help my calf pain and is it safe at 20/30 compression?Thank you
See More
Compression Stockings -13 answers
I am wearing compression stockings and was wondering how long should I wear them? Six and a half weeks after my C-section, I am still not mobile much.
See More
Compression Stockings -8 answers
What are the differences? Is it worth the additional cost?
See More
Compression Stockings -9 answers
It seems like tight clothes wouldn't benefit circulation.
See More
Compression Stockings -8 answers
My vascular surgeon did an ultrasound and prescribed endovenous laser ablation. She also suggested that I wear compression stockings after the procedure. However, due to severe psoriasis and eczema on my feet, I cannot wear full-coverage stockings that cover them. They must always be in wet dressings, but cannot be fully covered. Would footless compression stockings be just as effective as full-coverage hose following the procedure?
See More
Compression Stockings -9 answers
I would like "save" my legs and buy compression stockings. I dont have any other medical problems that would require me to use the stockings other that I am a nurse and am on my feet a lot. What level of comrpession would you recommend I start with?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works

Related Articles

Have specific questions?
ASK A DOCTOR