Can wearing compression socks cause a red line on the back of your leg?

A patient of ours has wore stockings before and had just purchased a new pair. She wore them once and now has a red mark across her calf. Could this be caused by the stockings? She said they fit really well.

Answers from doctors (9)


Arizona Vein Specialists

Published on Oct 07, 2013

There appears to be a gradient in the weave of compression stockings that demarcates on some legs.
The only thing I can suggest is adjust them to vary the location of the mark on the skin.

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Answered by Arizona Vein Specialists

There appears to be a gradient in the weave of compression stockings that demarcates on some legs.
The only thing I can suggest is adjust them to vary the location of the mark on the skin.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Oct 01, 2013

My apologies, but I can't help you with this question.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

My apologies, but I can't help you with this question.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Sheen Vein Institute

Published on Sep 27, 2013

Despite the fact that your patient has worn stockings before, the new stockings may not fit exactly the same. This could be due to anything from the brand of stocking to the patient's leg dimensions. That said, could the stocking cause the red mark? The answer is yes.

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Answered by The Sheen Vein Institute

Despite the fact that your patient has worn stockings before, the new stockings may not fit exactly the same. This could be due to anything from the brand of stocking to the patient's leg dimensions. That said, could the stocking cause the red mark? The answer is yes.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Sep 26, 2013

Yes, compression stockings can cause a red line to appear on a patient's leg. Check to make sure the hose are fitting properly and are not creased.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

Yes, compression stockings can cause a red line to appear on a patient's leg. Check to make sure the hose are fitting properly and are not creased.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Published on Sep 26, 2013

Generally if the stockings are causing redness, the red line should disappear when the hose are removed.

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Answered by Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Generally if the stockings are causing redness, the red line should disappear when the hose are removed.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Published on Sep 26, 2013

There may be an area of overlapped stocking causing more compression. Plus, as the day goes by legs get congested and larger, causing more pressure. Thx

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Answered by Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

There may be an area of overlapped stocking causing more compression. Plus, as the day goes by legs get congested and larger, causing more pressure. Thx

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Sep 26, 2013

At times, hose can cause a temporary mark just as any article of clothing can (bra straps, belts etc). However, if there is a red line which doesn't resolve and she doesn't feel the hose have rubbed, then it may be from another cause. Perhaps she scratched herself while applying the hose or removing it? It is difficult to say.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

At times, hose can cause a temporary mark just as any article of clothing can (bra straps, belts etc). However, if there is a red line which doesn't resolve and she doesn't feel the hose have rubbed, then it may be from another cause. Perhaps she scratched herself while applying the hose or removing it? It is difficult to say.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Sep 26, 2013

I have seen compression stockings leave red lines, indentations, cause aching and cramping and even pain. Sometimes it is hard to explain various symptoms as due to the stockings. I would first try a topical lotion such as aloe before applying the stocking. If the red line continues then switch brand of stockings.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

I have seen compression stockings leave red lines, indentations, cause aching and cramping and even pain. Sometimes it is hard to explain various symptoms as due to the stockings. I would first try a topical lotion such as aloe before applying the stocking. If the red line continues then switch brand of stockings.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bellagio Vein Clinic

Published on Sep 26, 2013

It depends on where she got the red mark. If the red mark is at the top of the stocking, it could mean that her stocking rolled down a little bit and put extra pressure in that area. If the red mark is at the middle of the
stocking, the stocking may not have been pulled up all the way, leaving an area of stocking "bunched up."

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Answered by Bellagio Vein Clinic

It depends on where she got the red mark. If the red mark is at the top of the stocking, it could mean that her stocking rolled down a little bit and put extra pressure in that area. If the red mark is at the middle of the
stocking, the stocking may not have been pulled up all the way, leaving an area of stocking "bunched up."

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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