Could poorly fitting compression socks cause me to develop a clot on a plane ride?

I'm 8wks pregnant & wore compression stockings for my 9.5 hr plane ride to Italy. I took them off 2/3 into the flight b/c the top band was cutting into my legs & it hurt. Now my calf muscle has been sore for 3 days. Should I be concerned? If you are wearing ill fitting compression stockings on a plan ride, can they cause a blood clot to develop?

Answers from doctors (13)


Finesse Surgical Solutions

Published on Apr 29, 2014

The improper fit of the stockings may cause discomfort, but they are unlikely to cause a blood clot. Long periods of inactivity and sitting (like a transatlantic flight), as well as pregnancy are all risk factors for developing thrombophlebitis. You should have an ultrasound to evaluate your vein for a clot.

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Answered by Finesse Surgical Solutions

The improper fit of the stockings may cause discomfort, but they are unlikely to cause a blood clot. Long periods of inactivity and sitting (like a transatlantic flight), as well as pregnancy are all risk factors for developing thrombophlebitis. You should have an ultrasound to evaluate your vein for a clot.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Daniels Vein and Cosmetic Center

Published on Apr 23, 2014

It is possible for a clot to develop despite wearing compression stockings. However, there is no way of knowing if your symptoms could be related to a clot unless you are evaluated. It is best that you seek immediate medical attention.

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Answered by Daniels Vein and Cosmetic Center

It is possible for a clot to develop despite wearing compression stockings. However, there is no way of knowing if your symptoms could be related to a clot unless you are evaluated. It is best that you seek immediate medical attention.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Published on Apr 23, 2014

If the stockings are not fitted correctly, they can cause soreness where the band was too tight. It should not cause a blood clot, however. If you are having calf pain, you should be checked since there is an increased risk of developing blood clots while flying long hours.

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Answered by Vein Clinic of North Carolina

If the stockings are not fitted correctly, they can cause soreness where the band was too tight. It should not cause a blood clot, however. If you are having calf pain, you should be checked since there is an increased risk of developing blood clots while flying long hours.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Tulane Heart & Vascular Institute

Published on Apr 23, 2014

You should get your legs scanned ASAP. Blood clots can develop if the stocking below the band is not firm enough. If you developed a clot, it's because of the plane ride.

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Answered by Tulane Heart & Vascular Institute

You should get your legs scanned ASAP. Blood clots can develop if the stocking below the band is not firm enough. If you developed a clot, it's because of the plane ride.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Ross T. Lyon, MD, FACS

Published on Apr 22, 2014

Stockings must be worn properly to do what they are supposed to do. If part of the stocking rolls down and forms a tourniquet on the leg, it can cause constriction and increase the risk of developing a clot.

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Answered by Ross T. Lyon, MD, FACS

Stockings must be worn properly to do what they are supposed to do. If part of the stocking rolls down and forms a tourniquet on the leg, it can cause constriction and increase the risk of developing a clot.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Ozark Regional Vein Center

Published on Apr 22, 2014

You are at higher risk for developing a blood clot on a plane due to the altitude and the prolonged immobility. Compression stockings can help mitigate this risk. However, poorly fitted stockings will not only be unhelpful, they make increase your risks. If you have calf pain, you will need a diagnostic ultrasound ASAP.

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Answered by Ozark Regional Vein Center

You are at higher risk for developing a blood clot on a plane due to the altitude and the prolonged immobility. Compression stockings can help mitigate this risk. However, poorly fitted stockings will not only be unhelpful, they make increase your risks. If you have calf pain, you will need a diagnostic ultrasound ASAP.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


I do not think the stocking caused any significant problem like a blood clot. The pain should resolve in a few days and is most likely related to irritation from the stocking itself if it localized to the area of the stocking band. I would just monitor it for now.

Answered by HeartCare Associates Vein Center (View Profile)

I do not think the stocking caused any significant problem like a blood clot. The pain should resolve in a few days and is most likely related to irritation from the stocking itself if it localized to the area of the stocking band. I would just monitor it for now.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Apr 22, 2014

It is possible but very unlikely.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

It is possible but very unlikely.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Apr 22, 2014

The compression hose help prevent clots in the deep veins. However, the hose may cause clots in varicose veins if you have them and be painful. Clots in varicose veins do not move and are treated with Ibuprofen.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

The compression hose help prevent clots in the deep veins. However, the hose may cause clots in varicose veins if you have them and be painful. Clots in varicose veins do not move and are treated with Ibuprofen.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Apr 22, 2014

You should immediately be evaluated to rule out a blood clot. Medical-grade compression stockings should not have a tight band at the top. When flying long distances, it is important to drink lots water, walk around frequently throughout the flight and carry out the exercises listed in flight magazine. Women who are pregnant have an increased risk for blood clots.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

You should immediately be evaluated to rule out a blood clot. Medical-grade compression stockings should not have a tight band at the top. When flying long distances, it is important to drink lots water, walk around frequently throughout the flight and carry out the exercises listed in flight magazine. Women who are pregnant have an increased risk for blood clots.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Apr 21, 2014

Poorly fitting compression hose, and especially ones that cut into your skin as you describe, could potentially impede the venous return and lead to a clot. However, more likely, you are feeling the discomfort in the calves from the poor fitting of the hose. You should definitely have a venous ultrasound to rule out any serious venous problem, and I would do this as soon as possible.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Poorly fitting compression hose, and especially ones that cut into your skin as you describe, could potentially impede the venous return and lead to a clot. However, more likely, you are feeling the discomfort in the calves from the poor fitting of the hose. You should definitely have a venous ultrasound to rule out any serious venous problem, and I would do this as soon as possible.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Surgical Arts

Published on Apr 21, 2014

The quality of how well your compression stockings fit your legs has a lot to do with how well they work at reducing the chance for blood clot in your legs. I don't know if you had them fitted to your legs or not, but if they are too tight for you, then your pain could be from over-compression and tightness of the band. I am not sure how much of a role taking them off in mid-flight would have in developing blood clots in your legs, but if the pain persists, you should have it evaluated by a vein specialist, and possibly obtain a duplex ultrasound. Aside from pain, other symptoms and signs you should look out for include redness, swelling, increasing pain and swelling moving toward the thighs, fever, chills. Also, if you have any doubts or concerns about a possible blood clot, even without these symptoms, you should consider seeing a specialist to exclude blood clots in your legs, if only to put your mind at ease.

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Answered by Advanced Surgical Arts

The quality of how well your compression stockings fit your legs has a lot to do with how well they work at reducing the chance for blood clot in your legs. I don't know if you had them fitted to your legs or not, but if they are too tight for you, then your pain could be from over-compression and tightness of the band. I am not sure how much of a role taking them off in mid-flight would have in developing blood clots in your legs, but if the pain persists, you should have it evaluated by a vein specialist, and possibly obtain a duplex ultrasound. Aside from pain, other symptoms and signs you should look out for include redness, swelling, increasing pain and swelling moving toward the thighs, fever, chills. Also, if you have any doubts or concerns about a possible blood clot, even without these symptoms, you should consider seeing a specialist to exclude blood clots in your legs, if only to put your mind at ease.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Published on Apr 21, 2014

Not very likely.

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Answered by Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Not very likely.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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