If I start wearing compression stockings, and then stop, will my varicose veins get worse than if I had not started?

If I start wearing compression stockings, and then stop, will my varicose veins get worse than if I had not started? What about if I wear them on some days and not others?


Answers from doctors (8)


Orange County Vein Care

Published on Mar 14, 2019

Your varicose veins should not get worse than you started. Compression stockings will help bring your leaky valves together and enhance the normal direction of blood flow, thus decreasing venous pressure. It helps with symptoms of venous insufficiency if you have them. Best to wear daily while on your feet.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/8787_1552000751.jpg
Answered by Orange County Vein Care

Your varicose veins should not get worse than you started. Compression stockings will help bring your leaky valves together and enhance the normal direction of blood flow, thus decreasing venous pressure. It helps with symptoms of venous insufficiency if you have them. Best to wear daily while on your feet.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


VeinCare Centers of Tennessee

Published on Feb 28, 2012

Intermittent use of compression hose will not make the venous insufficiency worse, but daily use is better for you.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/755_1499906765.jpg
Answered by VeinCare Centers of Tennessee

Intermittent use of compression hose will not make the venous insufficiency worse, but daily use is better for you.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Miller Vein

Published on Feb 28, 2012

Wearing compression stockings will not make your varicose veins worse. They
may make your legs feel better. If you wear the stockings at intervals, it
will not make the varicose veins worse or better.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1175_1500663995.jpg
Answered by Miller Vein

Wearing compression stockings will not make your varicose veins worse. They
may make your legs feel better. If you wear the stockings at intervals, it
will not make the varicose veins worse or better.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Feb 22, 2012

Any use is better than none, intermittent use will not make you worse.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/922_1408044082.jpg
Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

Any use is better than none, intermittent use will not make you worse.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Published on Feb 22, 2012

They should be OK to wear as needed.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/772_1408044077.jpg
Answered by Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

They should be OK to wear as needed.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Feb 22, 2012

We recommend wearing compression to alleviate symptoms of varicose veins and to slow the progress of venous insufficiency.
If you have been evaluated and are waiting for a treatment, we usually recommend wearing them on the days that you will be standing/sitting/travelling the most. If you have a "down" day where you can exercise, hydrate, elevate your legs and take a break from the hose it is ok. If you have severe varicose veins, a history of deep or superficial blood clots and swelling, we recommend wearing them daily, starting as early in the morning as possible.
It you take a day off here and there, it will not impact your varicose veins. Remember, it took quite some time to develop varicose veins. I highly recommend a full evaluation including a comprehensive ultrasound examination by a surgeon who specializes in vein treatment.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/623_1499902138.jpg
Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

We recommend wearing compression to alleviate symptoms of varicose veins and to slow the progress of venous insufficiency.
If you have been evaluated and are waiting for a treatment, we usually recommend wearing them on the days that you will be standing/sitting/travelling the most. If you have a "down" day where you can exercise, hydrate, elevate your legs and take a break from the hose it is ok. If you have severe varicose veins, a history of deep or superficial blood clots and swelling, we recommend wearing them daily, starting as early in the morning as possible.
It you take a day off here and there, it will not impact your varicose veins. Remember, it took quite some time to develop varicose veins. I highly recommend a full evaluation including a comprehensive ultrasound examination by a surgeon who specializes in vein treatment.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Feb 22, 2012

Compression stockings can give symptomatic relief to varicose veins by reducing the venous pressure in the legs and improving the venous return. Unfortunately, compression stockings do not treat the underlying problem which is usually incompetent valves in the saphenous veins. If you don't wear the stockings then your veins will worsen over time. Intermittently wearing the stockings will intermittently help you! To solve your problem, you should consider having your veins evaluated with a venous ultrasound and treatment dependent on those results.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1053_1499982262.jpg
Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Compression stockings can give symptomatic relief to varicose veins by reducing the venous pressure in the legs and improving the venous return. Unfortunately, compression stockings do not treat the underlying problem which is usually incompetent valves in the saphenous veins. If you don't wear the stockings then your veins will worsen over time. Intermittently wearing the stockings will intermittently help you! To solve your problem, you should consider having your veins evaluated with a venous ultrasound and treatment dependent on those results.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Heart and Vein Center

Published on Feb 22, 2012

Compression stockings will not change the natural course of your vein disease too much. They will help to reduce some of the symptoms due to venous insufficiency. So the days that you use them you will feel better, your veins might be less prominent and you might have less swelling. The oposite will happen the days that you do not wear them, but your veins will not just become much worse than if you would not use them at all.
Ideally you should have a Vein Specialist to treat and eliminate your varicose veins for good.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/923_1408044082.jpg
Answered by Heart and Vein Center

Compression stockings will not change the natural course of your vein disease too much. They will help to reduce some of the symptoms due to venous insufficiency. So the days that you use them you will feel better, your veins might be less prominent and you might have less swelling. The oposite will happen the days that you do not wear them, but your veins will not just become much worse than if you would not use them at all.
Ideally you should have a Vein Specialist to treat and eliminate your varicose veins for good.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Related Questions for Compression Stockings

Compression Stockings -7 answers
And should you be physically active while wearing the crompression socks?
See More
Compression Stockings -15 answers
I am 21 weeks pregnant and my whole leg and feet really hurt. I only have knee-length compression hose. Can I sleep with them on?
See More
Compression Stockings -13 answers
How big of a size do compression stockings come in?
See More
Compression Stockings -10 answers
I got knee surgery and have been wearin the socks for 3 weeks with some rests a day. I walk on my leg so blood circulates and crutches help me in public. Is it safe to not wear the stockings at all anymore? I just really don't want a blood clot.
See More
Compression Stockings -12 answers
I wear compression stockings for varicose veins during my pregnancy. They ease the pain and tiredness, but my legs get so itchy sometimes - especially after I take my stockings off. What can i do to prevent the itchiness and are they too tight?
See More
Compression Stockings -13 answers
I was wondering if someone who already has a clot wore compression stockings, would it be safe? Might this dislodge the clot? I only just learned about compression stockings and I'm not sure of these details.
See More
Compression Stockings -7 answers
I had the procedure this morning and wore the compression stockings all day but I can't remember if the Dr. said to wear them when I sleep?
See More
Compression Stockings -11 answers
Do you recommend wearing compression stockings on long flights? I have two flights: one 8 hours with a break of 12 hours and continuing another 12 hours after. I have store bought knee highs and thigh highs. Any disadvantages?
See More
Compression Stockings -9 answers
The knee highs are so much more comfortable. Are they effective enough?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works
Compression Stockings -9 answers
I'm wondering if the pressure from compression stockings can harm the fetus?
See More
Compression Stockings -6 answers
If I have problems with just one leg, can I wear one compression knee high or should I wear both?
See More
Compression Stockings -4 answers
How long after starting to wear these, will I see results?My calve has improved, but the ankle is still huge and the foot quite puffy.
See More
Compression Stockings -8 answers
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
See More
Compression Stockings -13 answers
I am wearing compression stockings and was wondering how long should I wear them? Six and a half weeks after my C-section, I am still not mobile much.
See More
Compression Stockings -8 answers
What are the differences? Is it worth the additional cost?
See More
Compression Stockings -9 answers
It seems like tight clothes wouldn't benefit circulation.
See More
Compression Stockings -8 answers
My vascular surgeon did an ultrasound and prescribed endovenous laser ablation. She also suggested that I wear compression stockings after the procedure. However, due to severe psoriasis and eczema on my feet, I cannot wear full-coverage stockings that cover them. They must always be in wet dressings, but cannot be fully covered. Would footless compression stockings be just as effective as full-coverage hose following the procedure?
See More
Compression Stockings -9 answers
I would like "save" my legs and buy compression stockings. I dont have any other medical problems that would require me to use the stockings other that I am a nurse and am on my feet a lot. What level of comrpession would you recommend I start with?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works

Related Articles

Have specific questions?
ASK A DOCTOR