Which compression stocking would you recommend for a person with orthostatic hypotension?

I was diagnosed with orthostatic hypotension. Am I better off with knee-high or thigh-high stockings? Also, which part of the body needs the most compression (ankles, calves, or thighs)?

Answers from doctors (12)


The Sheen Vein Institute

Published on Mar 28, 2013

Orthostatic hypotension is a disorder where a person's blood pressure drops when they are in the standing position. That being said, compression stockings can be very helpful in this type of situation by helping to minimize blood pressure drops. Thigh-high or even pantyhose-type compression stockings are preferable to thigh/ankle stockings in the case of orthostatic hypotension.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1116_1499984661.jpg
Answered by The Sheen Vein Institute

Orthostatic hypotension is a disorder where a person's blood pressure drops when they are in the standing position. That being said, compression stockings can be very helpful in this type of situation by helping to minimize blood pressure drops. Thigh-high or even pantyhose-type compression stockings are preferable to thigh/ankle stockings in the case of orthostatic hypotension.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein & Laser Centre, Ltd.

Published on Mar 22, 2013

I believe a full panty-style is best. The compression is highest at the ankle and less at the upper thigh.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/632_1504890617.jpg
Answered by Advanced Vein & Laser Centre, Ltd.

I believe a full panty-style is best. The compression is highest at the ankle and less at the upper thigh.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Arizona Vein Specialists

Published on Mar 21, 2013

Calf-length compression stockings may be better tolerated for long-term use. A 30-40 mmHg gradient is more effective. The compression is greatest at the foot.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1365_1408044094.jpg
Answered by Arizona Vein Specialists

Calf-length compression stockings may be better tolerated for long-term use. A 30-40 mmHg gradient is more effective. The compression is greatest at the foot.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Mar 21, 2013

Knee-high compression stockings should do the job. You get at least 80% to 100% of the benefit.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

Knee-high compression stockings should do the job. You get at least 80% to 100% of the benefit.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Heart and Vein Center

Published on Mar 21, 2013

It depends on how severe your orthostatic hypotension is. Still, you most likely need thigh-high compression stockings. The stockings produce progressive compression from the ankles to the thighs.

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

It depends on how severe your orthostatic hypotension is. Still, you most likely need thigh-high compression stockings. The stockings produce progressive compression from the ankles to the thighs.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Mar 21, 2013

If the compression stockings help at all, thigh-high would probably be best.

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

If the compression stockings help at all, thigh-high would probably be best.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Mar 21, 2013

Thigh-high would be better, and the compression should decrease from the ankle to the thigh.

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

Thigh-high would be better, and the compression should decrease from the ankle to the thigh.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Mar 21, 2013

Thigh-high compression stockings would theoretically help more, but even a knee-high hose should help.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/464_1408044069.jpg
Answered by Advanced Vein Center

Thigh-high compression stockings would theoretically help more, but even a knee-high hose should help.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Mar 21, 2013

You may need to try several strengths before you find the right pair of compression stockings. Firstly, you need to be measured and fitted correctly and given instruction on how to apply them with ease. You could start with 15-20 mmHg and a knee-high hose. The calf is the largest pump muscle in the leg. This is sub-clinical strength but they make many attractive styles, are easier to apply and offer good compression. If this isn't as effective as you need, move up to 20-30 mmHg. Again, as this is prescription clinical strength, you should be professionally measured and fitted. I do not think you need to go higher than this, but if needed you could try a thigh-length stocking. There are many brands out there that range from expensive to cheap. I recommend purchasing a better brand, as they are generally easier to apply and more comfortable to wear. Also, the fabrics are better.

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

You may need to try several strengths before you find the right pair of compression stockings. Firstly, you need to be measured and fitted correctly and given instruction on how to apply them with ease. You could start with 15-20 mmHg and a knee-high hose. The calf is the largest pump muscle in the leg. This is sub-clinical strength but they make many attractive styles, are easier to apply and offer good compression. If this isn't as effective as you need, move up to 20-30 mmHg. Again, as this is prescription clinical strength, you should be professionally measured and fitted. I do not think you need to go higher than this, but if needed you could try a thigh-length stocking. There are many brands out there that range from expensive to cheap. I recommend purchasing a better brand, as they are generally easier to apply and more comfortable to wear. Also, the fabrics are better.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


VeinSolutions - Edina

Published on Mar 21, 2013

Orthostatic hypotension is no fun and it most certainly is nothing to scoff at. In severe cases, it can be quite debilitating. As for what compression and type of hose would be the best for you that, in a very real sense, is a hard question to answer. Everyone that suffers from this condition is different, and the degree to which it effects them and their everyday life varies widely. A good general answer though would probably be to use a 20-30 mmHg compression knee-high (you shouldn't have to wear thigh high or panty hose) hose. This degree of compression should be sufficient to help counteract the acute symptoms of orthostatic hypotension. In some cases, it may also be necessary to wear an abdominal binder to aid venous return from the gut. That though is usually optional and dependent on how effective the compression hose are.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/861_1409954875.jpg
Answered by VeinSolutions - Edina

Orthostatic hypotension is no fun and it most certainly is nothing to scoff at. In severe cases, it can be quite debilitating. As for what compression and type of hose would be the best for you that, in a very real sense, is a hard question to answer. Everyone that suffers from this condition is different, and the degree to which it effects them and their everyday life varies widely. A good general answer though would probably be to use a 20-30 mmHg compression knee-high (you shouldn't have to wear thigh high or panty hose) hose. This degree of compression should be sufficient to help counteract the acute symptoms of orthostatic hypotension. In some cases, it may also be necessary to wear an abdominal binder to aid venous return from the gut. That though is usually optional and dependent on how effective the compression hose are.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Published on Mar 21, 2013

20-30 mmHg thigh-high compression stockings should be adequate.

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

20-30 mmHg thigh-high compression stockings should be adequate.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

Published on Mar 21, 2013

Given your condition, thigh-high compression stockings would work best.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/713_1408044075.jpg
Answered by Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

Given your condition, thigh-high compression stockings would work best.

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