Which compression hose length and strength level is appropriate for a nurse with no known venous problems?

There are no medical problems, but I am wondering whether it is a good idea to wear knee-high compression stockings if I am a nurse who is on her feet for 13 hours a day. If so, what mmHg level is best?

Answers from doctors (11)


Lonnie Harrison, MD

Published on Aug 23, 2018

You will probably get more than one opinion on this, but if you have no symptoms, I would suggest thigh-high 15/20 pound compression for support. We like to go to higher pressure in people with symptoms. If the thigh-highs are not comfortable, then panty support stockings may be better. Certainly knee-high will give you some support and may make your legs feel better.

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Answered by Lonnie Harrison, MD

You will probably get more than one opinion on this, but if you have no symptoms, I would suggest thigh-high 15/20 pound compression for support. We like to go to higher pressure in people with symptoms. If the thigh-highs are not comfortable, then panty support stockings may be better. Certainly knee-high will give you some support and may make your legs feel better.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Sheen Vein Institute

Published on Oct 12, 2013

If you do not have vein disease, then why do you need to wear compression stockings? People who do not have vein disease and are constantly moving around, really have no need to wear the stockings. If you feel like your legs are heavy and tired at the end of a shift, you probably have vein disease and just don't know it. People with normal circulations should not have tired legs at the end of a typical work day. Only their feet might hurt from walking all day. You do not really tax your circulation just by walking around if you have a normal circulation. This is why you really should not feel fatigue. If you have vein issues and do not know it, you can build up excess metabolic waste product during the course of a work day. This is why people have tired legs at the end of the day. If you have fatigue, you may want us to just take a look to confirm that you do not actually have vein issues.

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Answered by The Sheen Vein Institute

If you do not have vein disease, then why do you need to wear compression stockings? People who do not have vein disease and are constantly moving around, really have no need to wear the stockings. If you feel like your legs are heavy and tired at the end of a shift, you probably have vein disease and just don't know it. People with normal circulations should not have tired legs at the end of a typical work day. Only their feet might hurt from walking all day. You do not really tax your circulation just by walking around if you have a normal circulation. This is why you really should not feel fatigue. If you have vein issues and do not know it, you can build up excess metabolic waste product during the course of a work day. This is why people have tired legs at the end of the day. If you have fatigue, you may want us to just take a look to confirm that you do not actually have vein issues.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Palm Vein Center

Published on Oct 08, 2013

Knee-high 20-30 mmHg compression stockings work best.

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Answered by Palm Vein Center

Knee-high 20-30 mmHg compression stockings work best.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Published on Sep 01, 2013

Any strength is good and will help with discomfort and tired legs. However, if symptoms are present, then a higher compression is recommended.

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Answered by Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Any strength is good and will help with discomfort and tired legs. However, if symptoms are present, then a higher compression is recommended.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Arizona Vein Specialists

Published on Aug 29, 2013

Your legs may feel less fatigued as a result of wearing the compression stockings. Try 20-30 mmHg.

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Answered by Arizona Vein Specialists

Your legs may feel less fatigued as a result of wearing the compression stockings. Try 20-30 mmHg.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Aug 27, 2013

20 to 30mmHg knee-length compression hose is best. Be sure to get measured and properly fitted by a medical professional.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

20 to 30mmHg knee-length compression hose is best. Be sure to get measured and properly fitted by a medical professional.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Aug 27, 2013

20mmHg max

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

20mmHg max

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Miller Vein

Published on Aug 27, 2013

There are studies to suggest that anyone will benefit from compression stockings. Knee-high would be fine. You could use 18-20 mmHg and see how that works. If you want more compression, you could use 20-30 mmHg.

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Answered by Miller Vein

There are studies to suggest that anyone will benefit from compression stockings. Knee-high would be fine. You could use 18-20 mmHg and see how that works. If you want more compression, you could use 20-30 mmHg.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Published on Aug 26, 2013

10-15 mmHg is OK.

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Answered by Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

10-15 mmHg is OK.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Aug 26, 2013

18 to 20 or 22mmhg pressure is probably the best since they are comfortable, easy to apply and give some gentle compression.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

18 to 20 or 22mmhg pressure is probably the best since they are comfortable, easy to apply and give some gentle compression.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Aug 26, 2013

Start with 15-20 mmHg knee-high compression stockings. Still, it is probably best to check with your MD as well since he/she is more aware of your medical history.

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

Start with 15-20 mmHg knee-high compression stockings. Still, it is probably best to check with your MD as well since he/she is more aware of your medical history.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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