Is it normal for compression stockings to cause uncomfortable sleeping issues?

My mom had a total knee replacement five days ago and is now complaining of a lot of pressure/pain in her knee from the compression stockings. Is this normal? Would it be safe for her to take off the stockings at night and put them back on in the morning?

Answers from doctors (8)


VeinSolutions - Edina

Published on Aug 16, 2012

Compression hose, depending upon their degree of compression, can potentially be uncomfortable if very high or if worn for extended periods of time. As far as your mother having pain and pressure post-operatively after a total knee replacement, this could be subjective. If she is doing well and there are no post-op complications, then perhaps she needs to consult with the practitioner who has prescribed compression for her and be sure that the stocking is sized correctly and the degree of compression is appropriate.
Normally, one would remove compression hose at bedtime and then put them on upon rising in the morning. Your mother may indeed be a specific case, however, and in her case I would suggest that the surgeon be consulted before making any changes in protocol that they may have instituted.

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Answered by VeinSolutions - Edina

Compression hose, depending upon their degree of compression, can potentially be uncomfortable if very high or if worn for extended periods of time. As far as your mother having pain and pressure post-operatively after a total knee replacement, this could be subjective. If she is doing well and there are no post-op complications, then perhaps she needs to consult with the practitioner who has prescribed compression for her and be sure that the stocking is sized correctly and the degree of compression is appropriate.
Normally, one would remove compression hose at bedtime and then put them on upon rising in the morning. Your mother may indeed be a specific case, however, and in her case I would suggest that the surgeon be consulted before making any changes in protocol that they may have instituted.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Arizona Vein Specialists

Published on Aug 15, 2012

You should contact your orthopedic surgeon immediately. It is inappropriate to comment on your mom's condition sight unseen and when she is undergoing treatment for recent surgery.

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Answered by Arizona Vein Specialists

You should contact your orthopedic surgeon immediately. It is inappropriate to comment on your mom's condition sight unseen and when she is undergoing treatment for recent surgery.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Aug 14, 2012

No it is not normal. They probably don't fit right. You should ask her doctor if it's OK to take them off at night.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

No it is not normal. They probably don't fit right. You should ask her doctor if it's OK to take them off at night.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Milford Vascular Institute

Published on Aug 14, 2012

Compression stockings are used to treat a variety of conditions including leg swelling, venous insufficiency and the prevention of blood clots following surgery. Patients receive the most benefit from compression therapy while they are standing. While standing, the stocking helps the body return blood from the
legs back to the heart while fighting the effects of gravity. Stockings are designed to be tight and therefore, can aggravate joint problems, especially if not properly fitted. However, after any surgery, new or worsening pain should be addressed with the surgeon. If your mother's orthopedist agrees, it should be safe to remove stockings during the night since benefits are minimal.

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Answered by Milford Vascular Institute

Compression stockings are used to treat a variety of conditions including leg swelling, venous insufficiency and the prevention of blood clots following surgery. Patients receive the most benefit from compression therapy while they are standing. While standing, the stocking helps the body return blood from the
legs back to the heart while fighting the effects of gravity. Stockings are designed to be tight and therefore, can aggravate joint problems, especially if not properly fitted. However, after any surgery, new or worsening pain should be addressed with the surgeon. If your mother's orthopedist agrees, it should be safe to remove stockings during the night since benefits are minimal.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Aug 13, 2012

Compression hose are normally not worn at night. There is no pressure on the legs and any swelling should be reduced by the fact that the legs are elevated. My recommendation is to clear this with your orthopedic surgeon and see if that is okay.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Compression hose are normally not worn at night. There is no pressure on the legs and any swelling should be reduced by the fact that the legs are elevated. My recommendation is to clear this with your orthopedic surgeon and see if that is okay.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Aug 13, 2012

She only needs to wear them when out of bed.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

She only needs to wear them when out of bed.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Aug 13, 2012

If the pressure is on the side of the knee surgery then the discomfort is most likely due to her knee surgery rather than the stockings. Pain after knee surgery is usually worse several days later, when the local anesthetic effect wears off. If the pain is in the non-operated side, then it could be due to the stocking. She can safely remove the stocking at night if it bothers her.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

If the pressure is on the side of the knee surgery then the discomfort is most likely due to her knee surgery rather than the stockings. Pain after knee surgery is usually worse several days later, when the local anesthetic effect wears off. If the pain is in the non-operated side, then it could be due to the stocking. She can safely remove the stocking at night if it bothers her.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Published on Aug 13, 2012

Stockings should be worn during the day ,while you are on your feet.

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Answered by Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Stockings should be worn during the day ,while you are on your feet.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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