If I stop wearing compression stockings will my veins get bigger?

Answers from doctors (10)


Tulane Heart & Vascular Institute

Published on Jul 31, 2013

Statistically speaking, yes. Vein disease is more likely to progress if appropriate support is not used.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1316_1409862499.jpg
Answered by Tulane Heart & Vascular Institute

Statistically speaking, yes. Vein disease is more likely to progress if appropriate support is not used.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

Published on Apr 30, 2013

Yes, the veins may get larger after you discontinue wearing compression stockings.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/713_1408044075.jpg
Answered by Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

Yes, the veins may get larger after you discontinue wearing compression stockings.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


VeinSolutions - Edina

Published on Apr 24, 2013

It is possible.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/861_1409954875.jpg
Answered by VeinSolutions - Edina

It is possible.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Apr 24, 2013

If you have varicose veins or spider veins, these are part of a "chronic" condition which can get worse with time. Compression hose cannot prevent these veins but can certainly slow down the progression and help maintain the efforts of treatmentbe it endovenous laser ablation, sclerotherapy or some other procedure. A stocking with a lower compression is best for maintenance. There are many styles now which are attractive and practical (wool for winter, cotton for summer or very sheer with open toes).

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/623_1499902138.jpg
Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

If you have varicose veins or spider veins, these are part of a "chronic" condition which can get worse with time. Compression hose cannot prevent these veins but can certainly slow down the progression and help maintain the efforts of treatmentbe it endovenous laser ablation, sclerotherapy or some other procedure. A stocking with a lower compression is best for maintenance. There are many styles now which are attractive and practical (wool for winter, cotton for summer or very sheer with open toes).

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Apr 24, 2013

Great question. The short answer is that we don't know if support stockings will prevent progression and decrease the size of veins. They will, however, help with swelling and some aching in the legs. So far, studies that have looked at compression stockings slowing the progression of vein size have failed to show any help.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

Great question. The short answer is that we don't know if support stockings will prevent progression and decrease the size of veins. They will, however, help with swelling and some aching in the legs. So far, studies that have looked at compression stockings slowing the progression of vein size have failed to show any help.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Apr 24, 2013

There is a possibility that your veins will get bigger after you stop wearing compression stockings.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/554_1447800116.jpg
Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

There is a possibility that your veins will get bigger after you stop wearing compression stockings.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein & Laser Centre, Ltd.

Published on Apr 24, 2013

No, your veins will not get bigger if you stop wearing compression stockings.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/632_1504890617.jpg
Answered by Advanced Vein & Laser Centre, Ltd.

No, your veins will not get bigger if you stop wearing compression stockings.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Apr 24, 2013

Compression stockings work by decreasing venous pressure and increasing venous return. If both of these issues worsen and if you have an underlying vein problem, the veins will worsen over time.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1053_1499982262.jpg
Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Compression stockings work by decreasing venous pressure and increasing venous return. If both of these issues worsen and if you have an underlying vein problem, the veins will worsen over time.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Apr 23, 2013

Compression stockings serve three purposes. Prior to definitive procedures, like vein ablation or sclerotherapy, compression stockings can help reduce symptoms by limiting the amount of blood pooling in the abnormal legs veins and reducing the pressure on the tissues that causes inflammation, pain, and compromised tissue health. Immediately after therapeutic procedures, compression stockings are proven to assist healing and reduce the frequency of recurrence. In the long run, stockings can be helpful even when there isn't any remaining reflux. They can be used particularly during stressful conditions, such as when you know you will be standing or sitting for prolonged periods, or when you are taking long trips by plane or car. All this being said, compression stockings do not have any healing power on their own. They will not cure failing venous valves and will not prevent the progression of disease. Eventually, most people with symptomatic disease will benefit from a definitive procedure to eliminate the abnormal veins from their circulation.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1017_1499980280.jpg
Answered by Advanced Vein Center

Compression stockings serve three purposes. Prior to definitive procedures, like vein ablation or sclerotherapy, compression stockings can help reduce symptoms by limiting the amount of blood pooling in the abnormal legs veins and reducing the pressure on the tissues that causes inflammation, pain, and compromised tissue health. Immediately after therapeutic procedures, compression stockings are proven to assist healing and reduce the frequency of recurrence. In the long run, stockings can be helpful even when there isn't any remaining reflux. They can be used particularly during stressful conditions, such as when you know you will be standing or sitting for prolonged periods, or when you are taking long trips by plane or car. All this being said, compression stockings do not have any healing power on their own. They will not cure failing venous valves and will not prevent the progression of disease. Eventually, most people with symptomatic disease will benefit from a definitive procedure to eliminate the abnormal veins from their circulation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center at University Medicine and Cardiology

Published on Apr 23, 2013

Compression stockings only help slow down the progression of venous disease and are not to be viewed as a cure for vein problems.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1245_1425080188.jpg
Answered by Vein Center at University Medicine and Cardiology

Compression stockings only help slow down the progression of venous disease and are not to be viewed as a cure for vein problems.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Related Questions for Compression Stockings

Compression Stockings -7 answers
And should you be physically active while wearing the crompression socks?
See More
Compression Stockings -15 answers
I am 21 weeks pregnant and my whole leg and feet really hurt. I only have knee-length compression hose. Can I sleep with them on?
See More
Compression Stockings -13 answers
How big of a size do compression stockings come in?
See More
Compression Stockings -10 answers
I got knee surgery and have been wearin the socks for 3 weeks with some rests a day. I walk on my leg so blood circulates and crutches help me in public. Is it safe to not wear the stockings at all anymore? I just really don't want a blood clot.
See More
Compression Stockings -12 answers
I wear compression stockings for varicose veins during my pregnancy. They ease the pain and tiredness, but my legs get so itchy sometimes - especially after I take my stockings off. What can i do to prevent the itchiness and are they too tight?
See More
Compression Stockings -13 answers
I was wondering if someone who already has a clot wore compression stockings, would it be safe? Might this dislodge the clot? I only just learned about compression stockings and I'm not sure of these details.
See More
Compression Stockings -7 answers
I had the procedure this morning and wore the compression stockings all day but I can't remember if the Dr. said to wear them when I sleep?
See More
Compression Stockings -11 answers
Do you recommend wearing compression stockings on long flights? I have two flights: one 8 hours with a break of 12 hours and continuing another 12 hours after. I have store bought knee highs and thigh highs. Any disadvantages?
See More
Compression Stockings -9 answers
The knee highs are so much more comfortable. Are they effective enough?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works
Compression Stockings -9 answers
I'm wondering if the pressure from compression stockings can harm the fetus?
See More
Compression Stockings -6 answers
If I have problems with just one leg, can I wear one compression knee high or should I wear both?
See More
Compression Stockings -4 answers
How long after starting to wear these, will I see results?My calve has improved, but the ankle is still huge and the foot quite puffy.
See More
Compression Stockings -8 answers
I presently suffer from a sciatica for the 1st time. Lots of pain in my calf area and particularly in one pinpoint spot in the calf along with hip/groin pain.I wonder if stockings will help my calf pain and is it safe at 20/30 compression?Thank you
See More
Compression Stockings -13 answers
I am wearing compression stockings and was wondering how long should I wear them? Six and a half weeks after my C-section, I am still not mobile much.
See More
Compression Stockings -8 answers
What are the differences? Is it worth the additional cost?
See More
Compression Stockings -9 answers
It seems like tight clothes wouldn't benefit circulation.
See More
Compression Stockings -8 answers
My vascular surgeon did an ultrasound and prescribed endovenous laser ablation. She also suggested that I wear compression stockings after the procedure. However, due to severe psoriasis and eczema on my feet, I cannot wear full-coverage stockings that cover them. They must always be in wet dressings, but cannot be fully covered. Would footless compression stockings be just as effective as full-coverage hose following the procedure?
See More
Compression Stockings -9 answers
I would like "save" my legs and buy compression stockings. I dont have any other medical problems that would require me to use the stockings other that I am a nurse and am on my feet a lot. What level of comrpession would you recommend I start with?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works

Related Articles

Have specific questions?
ASK A DOCTOR