Can wearing Compression Stockings improve varicose and spider veins if they are not too bad?

I'm hoping to only have to wear them for several months. If there is improvement will discontinuing their use make the vein problems come back?

Answers from doctors (10)


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Nov 21, 2018

Compression hose will not cure varicose or spider veins, but it can slow the process and decrease symptoms (heaviness, aching, swelling, pain, cramping etc). However, if there is an underlying cause such as venous reflux and there are symptoms, these should be treated. This is an office procedure with minimal downtime.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Compression hose will not cure varicose or spider veins, but it can slow the process and decrease symptoms (heaviness, aching, swelling, pain, cramping etc). However, if there is an underlying cause such as venous reflux and there are symptoms, these should be treated. This is an office procedure with minimal downtime.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Aug 25, 2010

Compression stockings can improve the appearance of varicose and spider veins by decreasing the venous pressure and increasing the venous return to the heart but this is only a temporary measure. They will not make the veins go away.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Compression stockings can improve the appearance of varicose and spider veins by decreasing the venous pressure and increasing the venous return to the heart but this is only a temporary measure. They will not make the veins go away.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Innovative Vein

Published on Apr 15, 2010

Yes. Any improvement is temporary. It is rare to get improvement from stockings. The benefit is that they improve symptoms while being worn.

Answered by Innovative Vein (View Profile)

Yes. Any improvement is temporary. It is rare to get improvement from stockings. The benefit is that they improve symptoms while being worn.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Miller Vein

Published on Apr 07, 2010

The compression stockings may help with the symptoms of venous insufficiency but will not improve varicose or spider veins.

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Answered by Miller Vein

The compression stockings may help with the symptoms of venous insufficiency but will not improve varicose or spider veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Angelo N. Makris MD

Published on Apr 04, 2010

Compression hose will improve symptoms of venous insufficiency. They will slow the progression of further varicose veins, but your current varicose veins will not go away. Also the symptoms will return when not wearing the hose.

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Answered by Angelo N. Makris MD

Compression hose will improve symptoms of venous insufficiency. They will slow the progression of further varicose veins, but your current varicose veins will not go away. Also the symptoms will return when not wearing the hose.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


HealthQare Associates of Northern Virginia

Published on Apr 04, 2010

Compression Stockings temporarily improve the symptoms of venous insufficiency and are preventative. However, there effects are only good when you wear them.

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Answered by HealthQare Associates of Northern Virginia

Compression Stockings temporarily improve the symptoms of venous insufficiency and are preventative. However, there effects are only good when you wear them.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Apr 02, 2010

Wearing Compression hose will improve varicose and spider veins ONLY when they are on. They are not expected to correct the varicose process or faulty anatomy of these veins.However the wearing of compression can improve the edema (swelling) of the legs
that frequently accompany varicosities.
Once compression hose are discontinued, the veins and edema will return to their current state.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

Wearing Compression hose will improve varicose and spider veins ONLY when they are on. They are not expected to correct the varicose process or faulty anatomy of these veins.However the wearing of compression can improve the edema (swelling) of the legs
that frequently accompany varicosities.
Once compression hose are discontinued, the veins and edema will return to their current state.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Center for Venous Disease - Glendale

Published on Apr 01, 2010

There is no study to indicate that compression hose cures venous disease. They do help relieve swelling and help return blood that is pulling in your lower legs back towards the Heart. You need to be evaluated.

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Answered by Center for Venous Disease - Glendale

There is no study to indicate that compression hose cures venous disease. They do help relieve swelling and help return blood that is pulling in your lower legs back towards the Heart. You need to be evaluated.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


VeinCare Centers of Tennessee

Published on Mar 31, 2010

Support hose usually help with symptoms and may slow down progression of varicose veins, but they do not solve the problem.

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Answered by VeinCare Centers of Tennessee

Support hose usually help with symptoms and may slow down progression of varicose veins, but they do not solve the problem.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialists

Published on Mar 31, 2010

Compression therapy is a temporizing measure only and will not correct the underlying problem.; Insurance requires 3-6 months of conservative therapy prior to proceeding with more formal endovenous closure therapy.

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Answered by Vein Specialists

Compression therapy is a temporizing measure only and will not correct the underlying problem.; Insurance requires 3-6 months of conservative therapy prior to proceeding with more formal endovenous closure therapy.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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