Is swelling normal after wearing compression stockings?

I have had a fractured knee, ACL and MCL tear. Two weeks ago my doctor recommended compression stockings (TED hose), as I am not allowed to bear any weight on the right leg. When I don't have the TED hose on, my right foot swells up. Is this dangerous? How long do I need to wear compression stockings, and is it okay if I just wear them on one leg?

Answers from doctors (11)


Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Published on Jul 03, 2012

You should ask your physician about the TED stockings.

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Answered by Vein Clinic of North Carolina

You should ask your physician about the TED stockings.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Jul 03, 2012

You should wear your compression stockings daily. It will help control your swelling and decrease your risk of a deep vein look clot (DVT). I would recommend you wear them on both legs. If the TED hose control your swelling great. If you still get swelling with the hose on, I would recommend you be measured and fitted professionally for a higher compression.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

You should wear your compression stockings daily. It will help control your swelling and decrease your risk of a deep vein look clot (DVT). I would recommend you wear them on both legs. If the TED hose control your swelling great. If you still get swelling with the hose on, I would recommend you be measured and fitted professionally for a higher compression.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Jul 03, 2012

Stockings are used to prevent the swelling. The swelling is likely from your injury. Elevation of your leg will help, especially when you don't have the stockings on. Elevate your leg to the level of your heart. Graded compression socks are better than TED hose. See your MD. You can wear them on one leg only. Generally, the stockings are worn when your legs are down during the day and can come off at night, but check with your MD.

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

Stockings are used to prevent the swelling. The swelling is likely from your injury. Elevation of your leg will help, especially when you don't have the stockings on. Elevate your leg to the level of your heart. Graded compression socks are better than TED hose. See your MD. You can wear them on one leg only. Generally, the stockings are worn when your legs are down during the day and can come off at night, but check with your MD.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Jul 03, 2012

You only need to have compression on the swollen leg. Wear it as often as you need to control the swelling. Make sure you're stocking is a graduated compression hose. Ted hose is not.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

You only need to have compression on the swollen leg. Wear it as often as you need to control the swelling. Make sure you're stocking is a graduated compression hose. Ted hose is not.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Published on Jul 03, 2012

Talk to your doctor please.

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Answered by Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Talk to your doctor please.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Published on Jul 03, 2012

Definitely discuss with your physician.

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Answered by Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Definitely discuss with your physician.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


VeinCare Centers of Tennessee

Published on Jul 03, 2012

TED hose are light compression stockings designed to provide the same compression from the ankle to the highest level of the stocking and are designed for the person who is flat in bed or on an operating table. TED hose are NOT graduated compression stockings and are not designed for the venous pressures in a leg when sitting or standing. Swelling of the calf is common with knee injuries, and use of compression stockings, elevation of the leg higher than the heart, and repetitive contraction of the muscles in the back of the calf will help with the swelling. Deep vein thrombosis also is a risk with a leg injury and some patients who develop more swelling than expected, or calf pain, need to be studied with ultrasound to be sure they do not have a clot in the deep veins of the calf.

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Answered by VeinCare Centers of Tennessee

TED hose are light compression stockings designed to provide the same compression from the ankle to the highest level of the stocking and are designed for the person who is flat in bed or on an operating table. TED hose are NOT graduated compression stockings and are not designed for the venous pressures in a leg when sitting or standing. Swelling of the calf is common with knee injuries, and use of compression stockings, elevation of the leg higher than the heart, and repetitive contraction of the muscles in the back of the calf will help with the swelling. Deep vein thrombosis also is a risk with a leg injury and some patients who develop more swelling than expected, or calf pain, need to be studied with ultrasound to be sure they do not have a clot in the deep veins of the calf.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Your swelling may be due mostly to your injury. The most important reason for wearing the TED hose is to prevent you from getting a serious blood clot, or DVT, in your legs. This often happens after an injury when someone's mobility is suddenly limited. It is important for you to wear these on both legs. Wear them until you are told you can stop.

Answered by North Country Thoracic & Vascular (View Profile)

Your swelling may be due mostly to your injury. The most important reason for wearing the TED hose is to prevent you from getting a serious blood clot, or DVT, in your legs. This often happens after an injury when someone's mobility is suddenly limited. It is important for you to wear these on both legs. Wear them until you are told you can stop.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Austin Vein Specialists

Published on Jul 03, 2012

You should have an ultrasound done to rule out any underlying problem, such as a blood clot, which can be dangerous. It is OK to wear the stocking on just one leg, and you should wear the stockings until the swelling resolves.

Answered by Austin Vein Specialists (View Profile)

You should have an ultrasound done to rule out any underlying problem, such as a blood clot, which can be dangerous. It is OK to wear the stocking on just one leg, and you should wear the stockings until the swelling resolves.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center at University Medicine and Cardiology

Published on May 30, 2012

TED hose are different than graduated compression stockings, but you should follow the directions of your physician. It sounds like they were recommended to help prevent DVT (blood clots), and I advise you address your concerns with your physician who knows your exact situation.

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Answered by Vein Center at University Medicine and Cardiology

TED hose are different than graduated compression stockings, but you should follow the directions of your physician. It sounds like they were recommended to help prevent DVT (blood clots), and I advise you address your concerns with your physician who knows your exact situation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on May 29, 2012

It is normal for the leg and/or foot to swell following knee or hip procedures. This is why compression hose are recommended. However, if the swelling is excessive, then a venous ultrasound should be done to rule out a DVT. You should follow up with your orthopedic surgeon for this. As a rule, the stockings should be worn as long as the swelling persists. It is better to wear a stocking on both legs, but if this is a problem, then wearing a compression stocking/sock on the affected leg is sufficient.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

It is normal for the leg and/or foot to swell following knee or hip procedures. This is why compression hose are recommended. However, if the swelling is excessive, then a venous ultrasound should be done to rule out a DVT. You should follow up with your orthopedic surgeon for this. As a rule, the stockings should be worn as long as the swelling persists. It is better to wear a stocking on both legs, but if this is a problem, then wearing a compression stocking/sock on the affected leg is sufficient.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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