I had a pulomonary embolism, can I take my compression stockings off while I exercise?

I had a pulmonary embolism a month ago. I want to start exercising gradually (I'm an active young adult), but I think it'll be uncomfortable with the compression stockings. I know it can be difficult to put them on again and that I should wear them all day. What do you recommend? Is it OK to take them off when I exercise?

Answers from doctors (8)


Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

Published on Nov 07, 2013

No, you should not take them off. But, given your health background, you require another duplex and exam
before you start exercising

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Answered by Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

No, you should not take them off. But, given your health background, you require another duplex and exam
before you start exercising

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Nov 07, 2013

As Clint Eastwood once said, "do you feel lucky?" If your embolism came from your legs, then I would not recommend removing the stockings to exercise. If the embolism came from another source, removing the stockings would be less risky.

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Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

As Clint Eastwood once said, "do you feel lucky?" If your embolism came from your legs, then I would not recommend removing the stockings to exercise. If the embolism came from another source, removing the stockings would be less risky.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Nov 07, 2013

Yes, you can remove the compression stockings while you exercise.


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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Yes, you can remove the compression stockings while you exercise.


Published on Jul 11, 2012


Arizona Vein Specialists

Published on Nov 06, 2013

Blood clots can travel, so no strenuous activity for 3 to 6 months. I assume you are anticoagulated, so wear your stockings like your life depended on them and walk as much as you can.

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Answered by Arizona Vein Specialists

Blood clots can travel, so no strenuous activity for 3 to 6 months. I assume you are anticoagulated, so wear your stockings like your life depended on them and walk as much as you can.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Nov 06, 2013

I would recommend following your treating physician/hematologist instructions. At this stage you are most likely still on anti-coagulation therapy, so hose makes sense. You can also get yourself a pair of runners/exercise compression hose to wear while you work out. These are slightly lower compression but are very effective.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

I would recommend following your treating physician/hematologist instructions. At this stage you are most likely still on anti-coagulation therapy, so hose makes sense. You can also get yourself a pair of runners/exercise compression hose to wear while you work out. These are slightly lower compression but are very effective.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Nov 05, 2013

It really is important to wear the compression stockings when you are upright, including when you are exercising.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

It really is important to wear the compression stockings when you are upright, including when you are exercising.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Published on Nov 05, 2013

Yes, you can remove the compressions stockings while you exercise. I hope you are on blood thinner.

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Answered by Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Yes, you can remove the compressions stockings while you exercise. I hope you are on blood thinner.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Nov 05, 2013

The function of compression hose is to reduce the venous pressure and increase the venous return to the heart. This is exactly what exercise does. It would be OK to remove the stockings while exercising and then to reapply them when finished.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

The function of compression hose is to reduce the venous pressure and increase the venous return to the heart. This is exactly what exercise does. It would be OK to remove the stockings while exercising and then to reapply them when finished.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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