My knee-high compression stockings are hurting my upper thighs and groin. Is this normal?

I have venous insufficieny in both legs. I wear knee-high compression stockings, but now they are hurting my upper thighs and groin area. Is this normal?

Answers from doctors (10)


Kansas Surgical Arts

Published on Oct 31, 2013

Compression hose only help to alleviate the symptoms, but do not fix the problem. You could try a thigh-high compression hose but, again, those will only help with the symptoms. You may want to consider treatment if you are still having symptoms with compression hose.

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Answered by Kansas Surgical Arts

Compression hose only help to alleviate the symptoms, but do not fix the problem. You could try a thigh-high compression hose but, again, those will only help with the symptoms. You may want to consider treatment if you are still having symptoms with compression hose.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

Published on Oct 23, 2013

In order to determine the source of your pain, get evaluated.

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Answered by Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

In order to determine the source of your pain, get evaluated.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Oct 14, 2013

You may need thigh-high compression stockings. Please follow up with your doctor for an evaluation.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

You may need thigh-high compression stockings. Please follow up with your doctor for an evaluation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Arizona Vein Specialists

Published on Oct 14, 2013

Venous insufficiency is not normal, but associated pain is. A trial of a stocking compressing the thigh or compression wrapping of the thigh is recommended. If still suffering, see a vein specialist.

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Answered by Arizona Vein Specialists

Venous insufficiency is not normal, but associated pain is. A trial of a stocking compressing the thigh or compression wrapping of the thigh is recommended. If still suffering, see a vein specialist.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Oct 14, 2013

Very unusual. You may need full-length hose.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Very unusual. You may need full-length hose.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center at Highfield

Published on Oct 14, 2013

We can't really know what this could be without seeing you. Consult with the doctor who diagnosed your venous insufficiency.

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Answered by Vein Center at Highfield

We can't really know what this could be without seeing you. Consult with the doctor who diagnosed your venous insufficiency.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Sheen Vein Institute

Published on Oct 12, 2013

Since you have venous insufficiency, you really should not wear knee-high compression stockings. Thigh-high stockings would be more appropriate given that it does not sound like you have ever been treated for your vein disease. The reason your thigh and groin hurt is because when you wear the knee-high stockings, it essentially puts a constriction right below your knee. This constriction causes an increase pooling of venous blood in your abnormal veins above this constriction. This increased pooling, in turn, results in an increased dilation in all of your abnormal veins above this constriction. In turn, you get more inflammation in these abnormal veins due to the increased pooling of blood and more pain from the dilation of the veins themselves. The combination of the two effects helps to explain your thigh and groin discomfort. My advice to you would be to have your vein issues addressed. Most people do not report your complaints unless they have a significant amount of vein disease. Do not just assume that your vein issues are just a cosmetic thing. Cosmetic issues do not hurt.

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Answered by The Sheen Vein Institute

Since you have venous insufficiency, you really should not wear knee-high compression stockings. Thigh-high stockings would be more appropriate given that it does not sound like you have ever been treated for your vein disease. The reason your thigh and groin hurt is because when you wear the knee-high stockings, it essentially puts a constriction right below your knee. This constriction causes an increase pooling of venous blood in your abnormal veins above this constriction. This increased pooling, in turn, results in an increased dilation in all of your abnormal veins above this constriction. In turn, you get more inflammation in these abnormal veins due to the increased pooling of blood and more pain from the dilation of the veins themselves. The combination of the two effects helps to explain your thigh and groin discomfort. My advice to you would be to have your vein issues addressed. Most people do not report your complaints unless they have a significant amount of vein disease. Do not just assume that your vein issues are just a cosmetic thing. Cosmetic issues do not hurt.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Oct 11, 2013

Venous insufficiency isn't normal. If you have GSV (long saphenous) reflux, you should be wearing a thigh-length hose. This will compress the length of the saphenous vein if this is the cause of your symptoms. Knee-length hose may contribute to your symptoms, or may be increasing them. You should consider laser ablation of the saphenous vein to seal the vein, which will improve the circulation of blood in your leg if you are a candidate. However, a thorough evaluation by an experienced surgeon who specializes in the treatment of venous problems is appropriate.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Venous insufficiency isn't normal. If you have GSV (long saphenous) reflux, you should be wearing a thigh-length hose. This will compress the length of the saphenous vein if this is the cause of your symptoms. Knee-length hose may contribute to your symptoms, or may be increasing them. You should consider laser ablation of the saphenous vein to seal the vein, which will improve the circulation of blood in your leg if you are a candidate. However, a thorough evaluation by an experienced surgeon who specializes in the treatment of venous problems is appropriate.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Published on Oct 11, 2013

Yes, it is normal for knee-high compression stockings to cause pain to some who wear them.

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Answered by Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Yes, it is normal for knee-high compression stockings to cause pain to some who wear them.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Oct 11, 2013

This is not normal. Compression stockings should make your legs feel better because they work by compressing the calves to increase the venous return and decrease the venous hypertension. Knee-high stockings should not cause thigh or groin discomfort. Look for another reason for the problem.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

This is not normal. Compression stockings should make your legs feel better because they work by compressing the calves to increase the venous return and decrease the venous hypertension. Knee-high stockings should not cause thigh or groin discomfort. Look for another reason for the problem.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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