Sciatica pain. Will compression stockings help with the pain?

I presently suffer from a sciatica for the 1st time. Lots of pain in my calf area and particularly in one pinpoint spot in the calf along with hip/groin pain.I wonder if stockings will help my calf pain and is it safe at 20/30 compression?Thank you

Answers from doctors (8)


More About Doctor Desert Vein Institute

Published on Apr 25, 2018

Stockings will not make it any worse. It's worth a try, and 20/30 compression is good.

Answered by Desert Vein Institute (View Profile)

Stockings will not make it any worse. It's worth a try, and 20/30 compression is good.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Nu Vela Vein Center

Published on Mar 22, 2011

If you have no vein disease concurrently, compression stockings would not be helpful

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Answered by Nu Vela Vein Center

If you have no vein disease concurrently, compression stockings would not be helpful

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialists

Published on Mar 21, 2011

If it is truly sciatica it is unlikely to benefit from compression hose
therapy. However, some patients have a mixed picture of "sciatica" and "leg
pain" from venous insufficiency. If your pain is worse at the end of the
day and improved with elevation and rest you might have a component of
venous insufficiency. Other classic characteristics of venous
insufficiency are pain worse with sitting or standing and improved with
ambulation(walking). If this sounds familiar you might benefit from a vein
evaluation before you resign yourself to the diagnosis of sciatica alone.

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Answered by Vein Specialists

If it is truly sciatica it is unlikely to benefit from compression hose
therapy. However, some patients have a mixed picture of "sciatica" and "leg
pain" from venous insufficiency. If your pain is worse at the end of the
day and improved with elevation and rest you might have a component of
venous insufficiency. Other classic characteristics of venous
insufficiency are pain worse with sitting or standing and improved with
ambulation(walking). If this sounds familiar you might benefit from a vein
evaluation before you resign yourself to the diagnosis of sciatica alone.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Mar 21, 2011

Compression stockings will probably not help with sciatic pain. Stockings work by compressing the veins to enhance the venous return to the heart. This should not effect nerve related pain in any way. 20/30 compression should not harm sciatic pain either.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Compression stockings will probably not help with sciatic pain. Stockings work by compressing the veins to enhance the venous return to the heart. This should not effect nerve related pain in any way. 20/30 compression should not harm sciatic pain either.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Published on Mar 21, 2011

Will only help with pain and venous insufficiency.
David A. Engleman M.D.

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Answered by Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Will only help with pain and venous insufficiency.
David A. Engleman M.D.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Heart and Vein Center

Published on Mar 21, 2011

If you have pain due to ciatic nerve problems, the compression stockings will probably not help much, unless you also have veins problems.
Dr Farhy

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Answered by Heart and Vein Center

If you have pain due to ciatic nerve problems, the compression stockings will probably not help much, unless you also have veins problems.
Dr Farhy

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Angelo N. Makris MD

Published on Mar 21, 2011

Compression hose will not help sciatica related symptoms.

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Answered by Angelo N. Makris MD

Compression hose will not help sciatica related symptoms.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Mar 21, 2011

The only way to know is to try the hose. We have seen this helpful to some patients. 20-30 mmHg pressure would be fine and perhaps thigh length. We find physical therapy and ongoing home exercises are very helpful.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

The only way to know is to try the hose. We have seen this helpful to some patients. 20-30 mmHg pressure would be fine and perhaps thigh length. We find physical therapy and ongoing home exercises are very helpful.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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