Is it normal for compression stockings to cause pain after the VNUS closure procedure?

My doctor told me to wear knee-high compression socks post-VNUS closure of my greater saphenous vein. My leg hurts much more when I wear them, especially in the thigh area. The socks are fitting properly and are being worn correctly. Is this normal?

Answers from doctors (5)


Center for Vein Care and Surgery

Published on Apr 10, 2013

This is not uncommon. Unfortunately, even the best attempt to obtain the proper fitting compression hose results in discomfort in many individuals. If the pain is in the thigh area, the hose may be binding too tight or rubbing across the treated tender sapenous vein. I recommend to do the best you can with the hose, but it is not necessary to wear them past one week in my practice. I am sure that many of my patients are not fully compliant. I can also tell you failure of treatment does not appear to be related to the lack of wearing the hose. There is significant variation in vein practices regarding how long, how high and what strength compression hose therapy should include. I would say if it hurts more when wearing the hose, discuss this with your physician and see if adjustments to the post-procedure plan can be made. So, why wear them? We feel that in many cases, compression hose can offer pain relieve after treatment with a feeling of covered support and may assist in improving venous circulation during the post-treatment phase.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1467_1408044096.jpg
Answered by Center for Vein Care and Surgery

This is not uncommon. Unfortunately, even the best attempt to obtain the proper fitting compression hose results in discomfort in many individuals. If the pain is in the thigh area, the hose may be binding too tight or rubbing across the treated tender sapenous vein. I recommend to do the best you can with the hose, but it is not necessary to wear them past one week in my practice. I am sure that many of my patients are not fully compliant. I can also tell you failure of treatment does not appear to be related to the lack of wearing the hose. There is significant variation in vein practices regarding how long, how high and what strength compression hose therapy should include. I would say if it hurts more when wearing the hose, discuss this with your physician and see if adjustments to the post-procedure plan can be made. So, why wear them? We feel that in many cases, compression hose can offer pain relieve after treatment with a feeling of covered support and may assist in improving venous circulation during the post-treatment phase.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Feb 21, 2013

Properly fit compression stockings usually make the legs feel better, not worse after vein ablation. I suggest you bring your stockings in and have your doctor make sure they are the correct size and strength.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1015_1408044084.jpg
Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

Properly fit compression stockings usually make the legs feel better, not worse after vein ablation. I suggest you bring your stockings in and have your doctor make sure they are the correct size and strength.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Feb 21, 2013

In some cases the compression hose are the wrong fit. In other cases the compression hose are the correct fit and the patient just seems to have a low tolerance for wearing them. This is more of an issue for patients that need to wear them for life. In that situation, changing brands sometimes helps and sometimes doesn't.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/464_1408044069.jpg
Answered by Advanced Vein Center

In some cases the compression hose are the wrong fit. In other cases the compression hose are the correct fit and the patient just seems to have a low tolerance for wearing them. This is more of an issue for patients that need to wear them for life. In that situation, changing brands sometimes helps and sometimes doesn't.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Feb 21, 2013

The most common complaint I see is about compression stockings. After a VNUS closure procedure, many patients complain of thigh pain that is worsened by compression stockings. This is due to the pressure of the stockings on the treated vein. If the stockings bother you, then don't wear them.

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

The most common complaint I see is about compression stockings. After a VNUS closure procedure, many patients complain of thigh pain that is worsened by compression stockings. This is due to the pressure of the stockings on the treated vein. If the stockings bother you, then don't wear them.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Milford Vascular Institute

Published on Feb 21, 2013

You should be wearing thigh-high stockings instead. That is probably why your thigh hurts more.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1373_1445876067.jpg
Answered by Milford Vascular Institute

You should be wearing thigh-high stockings instead. That is probably why your thigh hurts more.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Related Questions for VNUS

VNUS -7 answers
I am 34 years old and want to proceed with VNUS and phlebectomy as a treatment for saphenous vein reflux. I have unsightly red, blue, and brown spots and enlarged veins on my feet. Are there any long-term effects of saphenous vein removal to consider?
See More
VNUS -8 answers
I am 34 years old and have severe spider veins. My legs ache sometimes, but there is no sign of swelling. My left GS has .66 sec reflux. The right was WNL. I am a runner and of normal weight. A vascular surgeon has suggested the VNUS closure procedure. I am nervous. What are the risks vs benefits?
See More
VNUS -12 answers
I am a skinny 25 year old who has never been pregnant. I live an active lifestyle and maintain a healthy diet. I work out for an hour a day, plus I take my dog on 3-4 walks a day. I don't keep my legs crossed and I wear compression socks. Why do I have varicose veins?
See More
VNUS -10 answers
I had VNUS radio-frequency ablation (from knee to my groin) 2 weeks ago with a review scheduled in 4 weeks. The unsightly vein in my calf is now reduced, but is still about 30 percent the size it was previously. Will it reduce completely and finally disappear? How long would this take?
See More
VNUS -9 answers
I had the VNUS closure 9 days ago, and until now the part around and below the area where I had the incision is still numb. Every once in a while I experience some sharp, tolerable pain near my ankle. Are these side effects normal?
See More
VNUS -8 answers
Does the procedure have down time?
See More
VNUS -8 answers
I had vnus closure on both legs in July/August 2011. I recently increased my exercise to get my legs in shape. I now have dark blue veins appearing, getting worse by the minute down my entire outer thighs, back of legs, and back of knees and calves. Why is this?
See More
VNUS -7 answers
I've heard that squatting puts added pressure on your leg veins, which is not good for people prone to varicose veins. I've also heard that squatting is a good exercise for people with vein issues. Which is true? Is it safe to squat 7 weeks after the VNUS closure procedure?
See More
VNUS -9 answers
I need to have the VNUS procedure done, and the doctor I was referred to said they have a nurse practitioner who does this VNUS procedure. Is that safe? Is that legal? I thought only physicians (MDs) were authorized to perform the VNUS procedure.
See More
VNUS -8 answers
I had the VNUS closure procedure done almost five weeks ago and still have swollen, tender and cord-like veins on the inside of my leg. When will they disappear? Also, can sleeping on my side with the veins pressing against the mattress delay the healing?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works
VNUS -8 answers
It has been suggested by a vascular surgeon that I have CVI or venous reflux. She performed sclerotherapy yesterday on my ankle after a spider vein burst. She suggested that I may be a candidate for VNUS, but my weight is a concern (I am 375 at 5'8").
See More
VNUS -5 answers
How is it different from EVLT and ELVeS?
See More
VNUS -2 answers
Ijust had VNUS closure surgery 4 days ago and the pain is minimal. But, I did notice today it feels like there is a throbbing or heartbeat, almost like a twitching or pumping in my upper leg. It doesn't hurt. Is this normal? What's causing the pulsing/throbbing? Also, am I able to tan (tanning bed or stand up) if I wear my support hose so my leg is not directly exposed to the light, and if I don't use tanning lotion on the leg?? When will the fat, worm-like veins go down or look better?
See More
VNUS -5 answers
I just had the VNUS closure procedure this AM. Is it normal to feel nauseated and just a little light headed since the procedure?
See More
VNUS -4 answers
I had the procedure done a little over three weeks ago and am still having pain/heaviness. It was started at the ankle and up to my groin. Does that mean the vein has not fully closed?
See More
VNUS -5 answers
I had VNUS surgery 3 years ago on my left leg. I have a dull ache in my leg that I never had before surgery. I especially notice it at night in bed. It often bothers me enough to wake me up. I never had the ache before surgery. What causes this?
See More
VNUS -3 answers
I had VNUS done a year ago. It doesn't seem like there is any difference in the appearance of my veins. They still bulge when I stand. My doctor says this is caused by new veins which developed after the surgery. Do I need to have it done again?
See More
VNUS -4 answers
I had the closure procedure done October 2010. I am suffering with the left leg. I have tingling/numbness by the inner ankle, and sharp pains when I run. My Surgeon said this was normal. Can I expect this pain to go away? I am only 24.
See More
VNUS -4 answers
I have swam & used hot saunas almost every day for 30 years, so much so that my body has gotten used to it. I also exercise. How long before I can safely return to my routine? Also, how long after the procedure is it safe to travel by airplane? I am a 59 yo F who is 5'5.
See More
VNUS -5 answers
If I drink alcohol on a nightly basis post-procedure, will it affect the outcome and success of the VNUS closure procedure?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works

Related Articles

Have specific questions?
ASK A DOCTOR