Can wearing compression stockings do more harm than good or cause more damage?

I feel when I wear compression stockings my legs get worse.

Answers from doctors (8)


The Vein & Aesthetic Center of Boston

Published on Dec 27, 2017

Medical grade compression hose that are fitted properly should help decrease the symptoms related to superficial venous insufficiency (varicose veins). Compression hose work by compressing the superficial veins and preventing the back flow of blood into the abnormal veins, and thus decreasing the associated leg symptoms such as aching, throbbing, tired heavy legs, and swelling. The questions I have are why are you wearing compression hose and where did you get them? If you don't have venous disease or if you were not fitted properly for the compression hose then they could make your legs feel worse.

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Answered by The Vein & Aesthetic Center of Boston

Medical grade compression hose that are fitted properly should help decrease the symptoms related to superficial venous insufficiency (varicose veins). Compression hose work by compressing the superficial veins and preventing the back flow of blood into the abnormal veins, and thus decreasing the associated leg symptoms such as aching, throbbing, tired heavy legs, and swelling. The questions I have are why are you wearing compression hose and where did you get them? If you don't have venous disease or if you were not fitted properly for the compression hose then they could make your legs feel worse.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Apr 30, 2014

Compression hose are mainly for swelling. They do cause discomfort in most patients.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Compression hose are mainly for swelling. They do cause discomfort in most patients.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


It's hard to say why they are making your legs feel worse without more details. It is best if you refer back to the person who prescribed them to you. An evaluation may be in order.

Answered by HeartCare Associates Vein Center (View Profile)

It's hard to say why they are making your legs feel worse without more details. It is best if you refer back to the person who prescribed them to you. An evaluation may be in order.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Surgical Arts

Published on Apr 23, 2014

It's not clear to me what you mean by your legs getting worse. Do you have more pain, swelling, cramps? Compression hose are medical devices, and they need to be treated with care and respect. Wrong compression or fit can cause more problems because the distribution of compression on your legs is
not uniform and graduated. If they are too long, for example, they can bunch up, causing ring-like segments that can bind your legs. I would consult with your doctor or pharmacist who knows about compression hoses to make sure you have the right fit and proper compression level for your situation.

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Answered by Advanced Surgical Arts

It's not clear to me what you mean by your legs getting worse. Do you have more pain, swelling, cramps? Compression hose are medical devices, and they need to be treated with care and respect. Wrong compression or fit can cause more problems because the distribution of compression on your legs is
not uniform and graduated. If they are too long, for example, they can bunch up, causing ring-like segments that can bind your legs. I would consult with your doctor or pharmacist who knows about compression hoses to make sure you have the right fit and proper compression level for your situation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Apr 22, 2014

Compression stockings should not make your veins or leg problems worse. Stockings need to fit properly and not be too loose or too tight. If you are having problems with your stockings then you should consider being measured for a custom fitting pair.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Compression stockings should not make your veins or leg problems worse. Stockings need to fit properly and not be too loose or too tight. If you are having problems with your stockings then you should consider being measured for a custom fitting pair.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Published on Apr 22, 2014

Most of the time stockings help without harm, but they could be uncomfortable.

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Answered by Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Most of the time stockings help without harm, but they could be uncomfortable.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Apr 22, 2014

Firstly, I would want to know why you are wearing them. If you have varicose veins with insufficiency and the hose are professionally measured and fitted, the legs should feel better. However, if you have underlying arterial deficiency, hose can make them feel worse. Hose should be of a good quality, medical style and correctly fitted. Over-the-counter hose are often poor fits and can create problems.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Firstly, I would want to know why you are wearing them. If you have varicose veins with insufficiency and the hose are professionally measured and fitted, the legs should feel better. However, if you have underlying arterial deficiency, hose can make them feel worse. Hose should be of a good quality, medical style and correctly fitted. Over-the-counter hose are often poor fits and can create problems.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Apr 22, 2014

Do they fit properly. There are some conditions they don't help, but properly fitted and prescribed compression stockings should not make things worse.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

Do they fit properly. There are some conditions they don't help, but properly fitted and prescribed compression stockings should not make things worse.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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