Why are my compression stockings causing unbearable pain?

I was fitted for compression stockings and when I would wear them, my circulation seemed to get worse. It felt like my toes were going to fall off because I couldn't feel them. When I take them off, the "pins" and "needles" are unbearable. Is this normal?

Answers from doctors (11)


Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

Published on Mar 21, 2013

We recommend that patients wear thigh-high compression stockings before and/or after vein procedures. If you are wearing knee-high stockings, you may need to switch to either thigh-high or panty hose. I hope this is helpful.

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Answered by Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

We recommend that patients wear thigh-high compression stockings before and/or after vein procedures. If you are wearing knee-high stockings, you may need to switch to either thigh-high or panty hose. I hope this is helpful.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Mar 19, 2013

No, the symptoms you speak of are not normal. It sounds like the compression stockings don't fit right. Maybe you need a different brand, size or compression.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

No, the symptoms you speak of are not normal. It sounds like the compression stockings don't fit right. Maybe you need a different brand, size or compression.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Milford Vascular Institute

Published on Mar 18, 2013

No, this is not normal. Your compression stockings are probably too small and fitted improperly. I would return back to the vendor and ask to be measured again.

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Answered by Milford Vascular Institute

No, this is not normal. Your compression stockings are probably too small and fitted improperly. I would return back to the vendor and ask to be measured again.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Heart and Vein Center

Published on Mar 17, 2013

It sounds like the stockings are too tight. You need a bit less pressure or a larger size.

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Answered by Heart and Vein Center

It sounds like the stockings are too tight. You need a bit less pressure or a larger size.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein 911

Published on Mar 16, 2013

Pain or other lifestyle-limiting symptoms related to the use of compression hose is never normal. Possible explanations include improperly fitted hose or hose that are simply too tight. Compression hose have varying strengths of compression. Hose that cause foot pain, numbness or tingling should be removed and your physician consulted. These kinds of symptoms may indicate artery and/or nerve compression.

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Answered by Vein 911

Pain or other lifestyle-limiting symptoms related to the use of compression hose is never normal. Possible explanations include improperly fitted hose or hose that are simply too tight. Compression hose have varying strengths of compression. Hose that cause foot pain, numbness or tingling should be removed and your physician consulted. These kinds of symptoms may indicate artery and/or nerve compression.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Arizona Vein Specialists

Published on Mar 16, 2013

You omit your age and whether you smoke or have arterial disease. Sometimes the stockings are too tight and the next size feels better, or a reduction in compression class is helpful. Have your doctor check an ankle/brachial index. You absolutely should not wear them with the symptoms you describe.

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Answered by Arizona Vein Specialists

You omit your age and whether you smoke or have arterial disease. Sometimes the stockings are too tight and the next size feels better, or a reduction in compression class is helpful. Have your doctor check an ankle/brachial index. You absolutely should not wear them with the symptoms you describe.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Mar 15, 2013

Sounds like the compression stockings are too tight.

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

Sounds like the compression stockings are too tight.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Mar 15, 2013

This is not normal. Either your stockings are not fitted properly or you may have underlying peripheral arterial disease which could be a contraindication to wearing the stockings. You should follow up with a vascular surgeon.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

This is not normal. Either your stockings are not fitted properly or you may have underlying peripheral arterial disease which could be a contraindication to wearing the stockings. You should follow up with a vascular surgeon.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein & Laser Centre, Ltd.

Published on Mar 15, 2013

That is not typical. I'd recommend you discuss this with your treating physician.

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Answered by Advanced Vein & Laser Centre, Ltd.

That is not typical. I'd recommend you discuss this with your treating physician.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Mar 15, 2013

It sounds like the compression stockings don't fit correctly.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

It sounds like the compression stockings don't fit correctly.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Mar 15, 2013

There can be several reasons you are experiencing this unusual discomfort. Firstly, you were not measured correctly. The best time is as early in the morning as possible before there may be any swelling. You should be fitted and measured by someone who is experienced. The type of hose you were fitted into makes a difference also. There are less expensive brands which are difficult to apply and have less "stretch". When these are applied, it is difficult to get a good stretch in the lower leg and often this can cause discomfort. Compression hose have to be well-stretched from the foot to the knee. That is the tightest compression. Additionally, if your sizing isn't quite correct it can affect the fit. Just because someone falls into a size range doesn't mean that is the best hose for them. There are many brands out there and they do vary in fit. An experienced fitter would know this. I would talk with the people who fitted you.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

There can be several reasons you are experiencing this unusual discomfort. Firstly, you were not measured correctly. The best time is as early in the morning as possible before there may be any swelling. You should be fitted and measured by someone who is experienced. The type of hose you were fitted into makes a difference also. There are less expensive brands which are difficult to apply and have less "stretch". When these are applied, it is difficult to get a good stretch in the lower leg and often this can cause discomfort. Compression hose have to be well-stretched from the foot to the knee. That is the tightest compression. Additionally, if your sizing isn't quite correct it can affect the fit. Just because someone falls into a size range doesn't mean that is the best hose for them. There are many brands out there and they do vary in fit. An experienced fitter would know this. I would talk with the people who fitted you.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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