If my compression stockings are causing my legs and ankles to swell even during elevation, what should I do?

I had a deep vein thrombosis. My legs and ankles have become swollen while wearing compression stockings, making getting shoes on and walking extremely uncomfortable. Elevating my legs with the stockings on doesn't help either. It is only when I take them off and elevate my legs do I feel relief. What should I do?

Answers from doctors (7)


Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

Published on Jul 24, 2013

You need to be evaluated.

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Answered by Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

You need to be evaluated.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Arizona Vein Specialists

Published on Jul 23, 2013

Not all compression stockings are the same. This sounds very confusing to me so I recommend you see a vein specialist trained in post-DVT compression therapy to figure out exactly what is going on.

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Answered by Arizona Vein Specialists

Not all compression stockings are the same. This sounds very confusing to me so I recommend you see a vein specialist trained in post-DVT compression therapy to figure out exactly what is going on.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Jul 23, 2013

If the compression stockings are causing pain, swelling and discomfort, take them off. You may want to contact your treating physician or the physician who prescribed the stockings to discuss. It could be that the hose are too tight and ill-fitting. Should that be the case and provided your doctor still recommends their use, you can be refitted for another pair.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

If the compression stockings are causing pain, swelling and discomfort, take them off. You may want to contact your treating physician or the physician who prescribed the stockings to discuss. It could be that the hose are too tight and ill-fitting. Should that be the case and provided your doctor still recommends their use, you can be refitted for another pair.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Jul 23, 2013

It may be possible that your compression hose are not correctly fitted. Your legs should be measured when you have the least amount of swelling, which is typically in the early morning. I have seen many people who have had hose measured and fitted to swollen limbs. This can allow the limb to continue swelling. Hose should be applied preferably before you get out of bed. When elevating your legs, the feet should be leveled with or above the heart, and the knees slightly bent.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

It may be possible that your compression hose are not correctly fitted. Your legs should be measured when you have the least amount of swelling, which is typically in the early morning. I have seen many people who have had hose measured and fitted to swollen limbs. This can allow the limb to continue swelling. Hose should be applied preferably before you get out of bed. When elevating your legs, the feet should be leveled with or above the heart, and the knees slightly bent.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Published on Jul 22, 2013

Since every physician has their own thoughts regarding deep vein thrombosis, you should refer back to the physician who treated you.

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Answered by Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Since every physician has their own thoughts regarding deep vein thrombosis, you should refer back to the physician who treated you.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Jul 22, 2013

There are two possibilities for why compression stockings are causing your legs and ankles to swell: either they don't fit right and are for some reason tighter at the calf or thigh than they should be, or they are not
strong enough. It is important to wear compression after a DVT, so please follow up with your vein specialist.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

There are two possibilities for why compression stockings are causing your legs and ankles to swell: either they don't fit right and are for some reason tighter at the calf or thigh than they should be, or they are not
strong enough. It is important to wear compression after a DVT, so please follow up with your vein specialist.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Jul 22, 2013

The compression stockings are not fitting properly; they need to be graduated compression, not just compression. The greatest amount of compression needs to be below the toes, with the compression reducing as the stocking goes up the leg. A stocking that doesn't fit properly should not be worn. You need to get new stockings.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

The compression stockings are not fitting properly; they need to be graduated compression, not just compression. The greatest amount of compression needs to be below the toes, with the compression reducing as the stocking goes up the leg. A stocking that doesn't fit properly should not be worn. You need to get new stockings.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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