Had a pulmonary embolism, should I wear compression stockings?

I had a pulmonary embolism, but am not sure if it started from deep vein thrombosis. The doctor compression socks are not mandatory since I am on Xarelto. However, I figured they can only help, even if only a little. What are your thoughts? Are compression stockings safe for me to try? I just want any additional benefit I can get.

Answers from doctors (11)


The Sheen Vein Institute

Published on Mar 28, 2014

To answer your question, it really depends on where the clot originated from. The Xarelto is great but if your clot originated from one of the deep vessels in your legs, and if it by chance caused some damage in those deeper vessels, the compression stockings may be appropriate. People who have had a DVT (a blood clot in the deep veins of the leg), can over time experience a "post-thrombotic syndrome." This results from the damage that clot caused while still in the leg before it was re-absorbed or found its way to the lungs. This post-thrombotic syndrome can eventually cause you to have pain and swelling in the legs over time that will not resolve once present. The wearing of compression stocking in this instance has been shown to help minimize the likelihood of this occurring over time.

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Answered by The Sheen Vein Institute

To answer your question, it really depends on where the clot originated from. The Xarelto is great but if your clot originated from one of the deep vessels in your legs, and if it by chance caused some damage in those deeper vessels, the compression stockings may be appropriate. People who have had a DVT (a blood clot in the deep veins of the leg), can over time experience a "post-thrombotic syndrome." This results from the damage that clot caused while still in the leg before it was re-absorbed or found its way to the lungs. This post-thrombotic syndrome can eventually cause you to have pain and swelling in the legs over time that will not resolve once present. The wearing of compression stocking in this instance has been shown to help minimize the likelihood of this occurring over time.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Mar 23, 2014

If no clot in legs, compression socks are not required but still won't hurt.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

If no clot in legs, compression socks are not required but still won't hurt.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Compression stocking definitely won't hurt anything. I would only wear them when standing long periods or if you will be immobile for a lengthy period of time, such as in a car or on a plane. Also, you can walk once an hour and do calf pumps to circulate your lower leg vein blood supply. This is augmented by the compression stockings. Ultimately, the best way to prevent blood clots is anticoagulation and walking frequently. You do not need to wear stockings to bed.

Answered by HeartCare Associates Vein Center (View Profile)

Compression stocking definitely won't hurt anything. I would only wear them when standing long periods or if you will be immobile for a lengthy period of time, such as in a car or on a plane. Also, you can walk once an hour and do calf pumps to circulate your lower leg vein blood supply. This is augmented by the compression stockings. Ultimately, the best way to prevent blood clots is anticoagulation and walking frequently. You do not need to wear stockings to bed.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Daniels Vein and Cosmetic Center

Published on Mar 05, 2014

Of course, I am not versed in your history, but I see no downside to wearing the compression stockings!

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Answered by Daniels Vein and Cosmetic Center

Of course, I am not versed in your history, but I see no downside to wearing the compression stockings!

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Finesse Surgical Solutions

Published on Mar 05, 2014

Compression stockings should be safe. They may offer additional preventive benefits, especially during periods of prolonged inactivity such as travelling.

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Answered by Finesse Surgical Solutions

Compression stockings should be safe. They may offer additional preventive benefits, especially during periods of prolonged inactivity such as travelling.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Published on Mar 04, 2014

Hi,

That is a difficult question to answer without knowing your full medical condition and if you have any venous insufficiency. Sorry, I could not advise you any further.

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Answered by Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Hi,

That is a difficult question to answer without knowing your full medical condition and if you have any venous insufficiency. Sorry, I could not advise you any further.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Mar 04, 2014

Wearing compression stockings would be a smart move IF your blood clot came from your legs. Embolism is a clot that breaks off from its original site in the deep vein system and travels to the lungs. You would have to ask your doctor if it is known where your clot originated from. If you have varicose leg veins, wearing stockings would probably be a good idea.

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Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

Wearing compression stockings would be a smart move IF your blood clot came from your legs. Embolism is a clot that breaks off from its original site in the deep vein system and travels to the lungs. You would have to ask your doctor if it is known where your clot originated from. If you have varicose leg veins, wearing stockings would probably be a good idea.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Mar 04, 2014

Compression stockings are for swelling only. If your leg is swelling, use them.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Compression stockings are for swelling only. If your leg is swelling, use them.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Mar 04, 2014

There is no harm in a measure and fitted knee-length hose for maintenance. 20-30 mmHg would be fine. I believe everyone over the age of 30 should wear some sort of compression.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

There is no harm in a measure and fitted knee-length hose for maintenance. 20-30 mmHg would be fine. I believe everyone over the age of 30 should wear some sort of compression.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Published on Mar 03, 2014

Stockings are safe to try on.

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Answered by Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Stockings are safe to try on.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Mar 03, 2014

Compression stockings will help with the venous return from your legs, whether or not there was a clot there. If you had no DVT, then it is not absolutely necessary to wear compression hose. The key to treatment is anticoagulation. In the presence of a leg DVT, stockings help to reduce the incidence of post-phlebitic syndrome.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Compression stockings will help with the venous return from your legs, whether or not there was a clot there. If you had no DVT, then it is not absolutely necessary to wear compression hose. The key to treatment is anticoagulation. In the presence of a leg DVT, stockings help to reduce the incidence of post-phlebitic syndrome.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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