Should compression stockings make your legs & feet ache?

I have compression stockings that are supposed to come up to my knees, but they come over my knees. Not only are they very difficult to get on & off, they cause my legs and feet to ache. Is this normal?

Answers from doctors (14)


Vein Treatment Clinic

Published on Mar 02, 2020

Hello and thanks for your question.
I recommend you see a board-certified vein specialist in Venous and Lymphatic Medicine. Medical compression stockings are a type of conservative method of treatment to prevent and relieve symptoms, but you need the correct size and pressure in order to help you.
All the best.

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Answered by Vein Treatment Clinic

Hello and thanks for your question.
I recommend you see a board-certified vein specialist in Venous and Lymphatic Medicine. Medical compression stockings are a type of conservative method of treatment to prevent and relieve symptoms, but you need the correct size and pressure in order to help you.
All the best.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Dec 27, 2013

Properly fitted compression stockings should feel snug but not painful.
Seek advice from a knowledgeable professional.

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Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

Properly fitted compression stockings should feel snug but not painful.
Seek advice from a knowledgeable professional.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Arizona Vein Specialists

Published on Dec 18, 2013

Poorly fitted stockings are a problem that can be easily solved. Have someone competent to measure you and prescribe the appropriate compression you can tolerate.

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Answered by Arizona Vein Specialists

Poorly fitted stockings are a problem that can be easily solved. Have someone competent to measure you and prescribe the appropriate compression you can tolerate.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Finesse Surgical Solutions

Published on Dec 18, 2013

The compression stockings may not be fitted properly. They typically do not cause aching. Proper fit is best achieved by someone experienced in the measurement process and by selecting quality brand stockings which come in a wide range of sizes.

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Answered by Finesse Surgical Solutions

The compression stockings may not be fitted properly. They typically do not cause aching. Proper fit is best achieved by someone experienced in the measurement process and by selecting quality brand stockings which come in a wide range of sizes.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


VeinSolutions - Edina

Published on Dec 17, 2013

You may not have been fitted properly. You do not say how tall you are, but I think it likely that you are perhaps petite rather than a regular (height). As for them being too tight, I think that may be a fitting error as well. It is quite possible that you were put in too small a size compression hose circumference wise and too small a size height wise. My suggestion would be to have your fitting rechecked by a professional.

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Answered by VeinSolutions - Edina

You may not have been fitted properly. You do not say how tall you are, but I think it likely that you are perhaps petite rather than a regular (height). As for them being too tight, I think that may be a fitting error as well. It is quite possible that you were put in too small a size compression hose circumference wise and too small a size height wise. My suggestion would be to have your fitting rechecked by a professional.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Dec 17, 2013

They obviously do not fit right. You may need to go to a medical supply store and be fitted properly.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

They obviously do not fit right. You may need to go to a medical supply store and be fitted properly.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Dec 17, 2013

No, compression stockings should offer relief. If you are wearing them for vascular or swelling problems, the hose need to be measured and fitted correctly when the legs are least swollen. A knee-length hose should fit 2 finger widths below the back knee crease. For full-length hose, they should go to top of the thigh. Cheaper hose are just that. Go for one of the better medical brands, such as Bauerfeind or Sigvaris etc. These should be prescribed by your physician.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

No, compression stockings should offer relief. If you are wearing them for vascular or swelling problems, the hose need to be measured and fitted correctly when the legs are least swollen. A knee-length hose should fit 2 finger widths below the back knee crease. For full-length hose, they should go to top of the thigh. Cheaper hose are just that. Go for one of the better medical brands, such as Bauerfeind or Sigvaris etc. These should be prescribed by your physician.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Please schedule an appointment and bring your stockings with you to your appointment.

Answered by Center for Venous Disease - Santa Fe (View Profile)

Please schedule an appointment and bring your stockings with you to your appointment.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Heart and Vein Center

Published on Dec 16, 2013

It sounds as if the compression stockings you have are not fitting properly. You need to get remeasured.

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Answered by Heart and Vein Center

It sounds as if the compression stockings you have are not fitting properly. You need to get remeasured.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Smith Vein Institute, LLC

Published on Dec 16, 2013

If they come over your knees and were meant to be knee-high and not thigh-high, they were probably not measured correctly. I would recommend you take them back and get ones that fit you. However, first you need to rule out peripheral vascular (arterial) disease. If you have significant arterial disease, then compression can make the symptoms worse and can, in fact, be dangerous.

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Answered by Smith Vein Institute, LLC

If they come over your knees and were meant to be knee-high and not thigh-high, they were probably not measured correctly. I would recommend you take them back and get ones that fit you. However, first you need to rule out peripheral vascular (arterial) disease. If you have significant arterial disease, then compression can make the symptoms worse and can, in fact, be dangerous.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Dec 16, 2013

This is not normal. Compression hose should feel comfortable and not cause your legs to hurt. They appear to be too tight and the compression is too high. You need to know why you are wearing the stockings, and the compression should be appropriate to what is being treated. You may require a custom fitted stocking.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

This is not normal. Compression hose should feel comfortable and not cause your legs to hurt. They appear to be too tight and the compression is too high. You need to know why you are wearing the stockings, and the compression should be appropriate to what is being treated. You may require a custom fitted stocking.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Published on Dec 16, 2013

No, compression stockings should not cause such discomfort.

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Answered by Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

No, compression stockings should not cause such discomfort.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Midwest Vein Center - Downers Grove

Published on Dec 16, 2013

No, it is not normal. What you are describing strongly suggests that some or all of the following three things are true:
1. There is something wrong with your legs that is NOT a vein problem
2. The compression stockings that you have are not fitted properly
3. The compression stockings are not high-quality, medical grade

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Answered by Midwest Vein Center - Downers Grove

No, it is not normal. What you are describing strongly suggests that some or all of the following three things are true:
1. There is something wrong with your legs that is NOT a vein problem
2. The compression stockings that you have are not fitted properly
3. The compression stockings are not high-quality, medical grade

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Milford Vascular Institute

Published on Dec 16, 2013

In most patients, compression stockings should offer relief. Your stockings may be improperly fitted, and this may be causing your pain.

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Answered by Milford Vascular Institute

In most patients, compression stockings should offer relief. Your stockings may be improperly fitted, and this may be causing your pain.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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