Is it dangerous if your compression stockings are too tight?

I'm a 27-year-old nursing assistant who is on her feet for 7-8 hours. I wear compression stockings due to fatigue and varicose veins I've had since adolescence. I also wear them to delay the progression. The stockings I have are 15-20 mmHg. Occasionally, I'll have mild calf pain. Does this mean they are too tight? If so, is it dangerous if they are tight?

Answers from doctors (6)


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on May 20, 2014

15-20mmHg is not dangerous or too tight.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

15-20mmHg is not dangerous or too tight.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on May 19, 2014

15-20 mmHg is considered non-medical grade of compression. I would fit you into at least 20-30 mmHg especially if you have varicose veins. Hose need to be correctly measured and fitted. Not all hose are the same fit and feel. Sometimes people get better relief from thigh length hose also. I would recommend you get evaluated for vein reflux (backflow) which is the most common cause of varicose veins and symptoms. This includes ultrasound and is covered by nearly all insurance. There is minimally invasive treatment with laser with little downtime.
If your hose are too tight, they can cause problems and impair circulation, but I don't think with 15-20 pressure it is as likely. Drink lots fluids, get your legs up when you can and try an anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

15-20 mmHg is considered non-medical grade of compression. I would fit you into at least 20-30 mmHg especially if you have varicose veins. Hose need to be correctly measured and fitted. Not all hose are the same fit and feel. Sometimes people get better relief from thigh length hose also. I would recommend you get evaluated for vein reflux (backflow) which is the most common cause of varicose veins and symptoms. This includes ultrasound and is covered by nearly all insurance. There is minimally invasive treatment with laser with little downtime.
If your hose are too tight, they can cause problems and impair circulation, but I don't think with 15-20 pressure it is as likely. Drink lots fluids, get your legs up when you can and try an anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


It is possible that you need more compression. If the stockings are too tight, they would hurt soon after placing them on. If they are too loose, they won't be effective. You should be evaluated for venous reflux, which could be addressed and relieve your symptoms.

Answered by NJ Vein Care and Aesthetics Center (View Profile)

It is possible that you need more compression. If the stockings are too tight, they would hurt soon after placing them on. If they are too loose, they won't be effective. You should be evaluated for venous reflux, which could be addressed and relieve your symptoms.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The pain is not from the stockings being too tight. You would have to have severe arterial disease for 15-20mmHG stockings to impede significant blood flow. I am assuming given your age that this is not the case. If you have venous reflux or varicose veins, the 15-20mmHG may not be enough compression or the pain may be from something else entirely.

Answered by HeartCare Associates Vein Center (View Profile)

The pain is not from the stockings being too tight. You would have to have severe arterial disease for 15-20mmHG stockings to impede significant blood flow. I am assuming given your age that this is not the case. If you have venous reflux or varicose veins, the 15-20mmHG may not be enough compression or the pain may be from something else entirely.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Published on May 16, 2014

Yes, especially if you have arterial blockages.

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Answered by Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Yes, especially if you have arterial blockages.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on May 16, 2014

15-20mmHg compression is essentially a normal stocking compression. You should not be having symptoms of calf muscle pain from this minimum compression. You should see a vein specialist for an evaluation of your veins to see if they are the cause of you leg pain and to also recommend the correct stocking. Also, stockings that are too tight can cause leg problems, but this should not be your case.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

15-20mmHg compression is essentially a normal stocking compression. You should not be having symptoms of calf muscle pain from this minimum compression. You should see a vein specialist for an evaluation of your veins to see if they are the cause of you leg pain and to also recommend the correct stocking. Also, stockings that are too tight can cause leg problems, but this should not be your case.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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