How do you know the right compression to wear?

I have a blood clot with a "basket" that has been inserted to catch it. I was told by a PA that I should be wearing a compression stocking to the knee. How do you know the right compression to purchase?

Answers from doctors (9)


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Sep 17, 2015

The usual recommended compression is 20 to 30 mmHg. If you have significant swelling or signs of chronic venous stasis such as brownish discoloration around your ankle then you may want to wear 30 to 40 mmHg compression. The higher the compression, the harder it is to put on the stockings and the less the compliance. Your best bet would be 20 to 30mmHg.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

The usual recommended compression is 20 to 30 mmHg. If you have significant swelling or signs of chronic venous stasis such as brownish discoloration around your ankle then you may want to wear 30 to 40 mmHg compression. The higher the compression, the harder it is to put on the stockings and the less the compliance. Your best bet would be 20 to 30mmHg.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Finesse Surgical Solutions

Published on Mar 17, 2014

Your doctor should ultimately guide you in this decision. Generally, a graded compression pressure at least 20-30 mmHg is recommended. This may be modified depending on your weight, the location of the DVT, and the amount of swelling you are experiencing.

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Answered by Finesse Surgical Solutions

Your doctor should ultimately guide you in this decision. Generally, a graded compression pressure at least 20-30 mmHg is recommended. This may be modified depending on your weight, the location of the DVT, and the amount of swelling you are experiencing.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Michael F. Gioscia, MD, FACS, ABVLM

Published on Mar 15, 2014

You should probably be wearing a thigh-high compression stocking as opposed to a knee-high, regardless of the level of DVT (popliteal, femoral, or even tibial). Compression for DVT usually requires a high-grade compression (30- 40mmHg) stocking, unless otherwise contraindicated.

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Answered by Michael F. Gioscia, MD, FACS, ABVLM

You should probably be wearing a thigh-high compression stocking as opposed to a knee-high, regardless of the level of DVT (popliteal, femoral, or even tibial). Compression for DVT usually requires a high-grade compression (30- 40mmHg) stocking, unless otherwise contraindicated.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Mar 13, 2014

Your vein professional should know and recommend the proper strength
stocking for your case. A graduated 30-40 mmHg stocking should be about right for someone with your history. However, if you had a blood clot in your thigh, then a full-length stocking would be more appropriate. 20-30 mmHg stockings are usually used for milder venous insufficiency without clots or after vein treatment.

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Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

Your vein professional should know and recommend the proper strength
stocking for your case. A graduated 30-40 mmHg stocking should be about right for someone with your history. However, if you had a blood clot in your thigh, then a full-length stocking would be more appropriate. 20-30 mmHg stockings are usually used for milder venous insufficiency without clots or after vein treatment.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


VeinSolutions - Edina

Published on Mar 13, 2014

You should have been told the grade of compression by your doctor or the PA you mentioned in your question. There are basically three levels of prescription compression: 20-30 mmHg, 30-40 mmHg and 40-50 mmHg. This is an important decision that needs to be made by the practitioner who is currently handling your case.

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Answered by VeinSolutions - Edina

You should have been told the grade of compression by your doctor or the PA you mentioned in your question. There are basically three levels of prescription compression: 20-30 mmHg, 30-40 mmHg and 40-50 mmHg. This is an important decision that needs to be made by the practitioner who is currently handling your case.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Published on Mar 12, 2014

You would need a prescription from your PA. It would have the compression you would need on it. The stockings in the drug stores or other stores are not generally used for patients with blood clots.


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Answered by Vein Clinic of North Carolina

You would need a prescription from your PA. It would have the compression you would need on it. The stockings in the drug stores or other stores are not generally used for patients with blood clots.


Published on Jul 11, 2012


Miller Vein

Published on Mar 12, 2014

"Some" compression is better than "no" compression. I usually prescribe 20-30 but lower compression is fine too. Most drug stores sell these garments and all you need to know is your shoe size. Make sure you ask your health care provider whether your IVC Filter (basket) is
permanent or not.

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Answered by Miller Vein

"Some" compression is better than "no" compression. I usually prescribe 20-30 but lower compression is fine too. Most drug stores sell these garments and all you need to know is your shoe size. Make sure you ask your health care provider whether your IVC Filter (basket) is
permanent or not.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Mar 12, 2014

These should be measured and fitted. If your clot was above the knee, you should wear a thigh length hose of at least 20-30 mmHg. If below the knee, knee length is fine. If you have residual swelling then a 30-40 mmHg hose is appropriate. You should have a prescription and can be measured and fitted as early in the day as possible by someone experienced.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

These should be measured and fitted. If your clot was above the knee, you should wear a thigh length hose of at least 20-30 mmHg. If below the knee, knee length is fine. If you have residual swelling then a 30-40 mmHg hose is appropriate. You should have a prescription and can be measured and fitted as early in the day as possible by someone experienced.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The degree of compression depends upon whether or not you have venous insufficiency meaning backflow through your veins. The "Basket" is called an IVC (inferior vena cava) filter and is to protect you from blood clots.These clots can travel to your lungs which can be a serious medical problem. If you do not have substantial vein reflux which can be identified by a simple ultrasound then I would say that knee high stockings at a compression of 20-30mmHG is sufficient. If there is reflux then I would use a higher compression 30-40mmHG to help reduce the backflow. Either would require a prescription from your provider and purchased at a medical supply pharmacy.

Answered by HeartCare Associates Vein Center (View Profile)

The degree of compression depends upon whether or not you have venous insufficiency meaning backflow through your veins. The "Basket" is called an IVC (inferior vena cava) filter and is to protect you from blood clots.These clots can travel to your lungs which can be a serious medical problem. If you do not have substantial vein reflux which can be identified by a simple ultrasound then I would say that knee high stockings at a compression of 20-30mmHG is sufficient. If there is reflux then I would use a higher compression 30-40mmHG to help reduce the backflow. Either would require a prescription from your provider and purchased at a medical supply pharmacy.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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