Why do my muscles hurt more in my legs?

I was measured for the stockings and need to use them during my pregnancy, but I find them uncomfortable, itchy and my leg muscles or calf muscles have been killing me since I started using these stockings. I'm thinking it's not worth it!

Answers from doctors (7)


North Shore Vein Center

Published on Apr 04, 2012

Get a pair of custom fitted, high quality stockings. 20-30 mm Hg thigh high stockings from a reputable company should be fine. Try to stay off your feet and avoid prolonged sitting and/or standing. Use a good skin moisturizer and get some mild daily exercise.

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Answered by North Shore Vein Center

Get a pair of custom fitted, high quality stockings. 20-30 mm Hg thigh high stockings from a reputable company should be fine. Try to stay off your feet and avoid prolonged sitting and/or standing. Use a good skin moisturizer and get some mild daily exercise.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Lubbock Vein Specialists

Published on Mar 28, 2012

It sounds to me like the stockings do not fit correctly. I would
suggest that you go back to where you purchased them and tell them the
problems you are having with the stockings. They should remeasure you.
Your measurements may fall into a "gray area" of sizing and you may
have options for a different size. You may also want to consider a
different brand of stockings. The sizing and material varies from
company to company and individual comfort often varies with the
manufacturer as well.
I wear compression hose everyday and have done so for years. Believe
me, it IS worth it!

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Answered by Lubbock Vein Specialists

It sounds to me like the stockings do not fit correctly. I would
suggest that you go back to where you purchased them and tell them the
problems you are having with the stockings. They should remeasure you.
Your measurements may fall into a "gray area" of sizing and you may
have options for a different size. You may also want to consider a
different brand of stockings. The sizing and material varies from
company to company and individual comfort often varies with the
manufacturer as well.
I wear compression hose everyday and have done so for years. Believe
me, it IS worth it!

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Miller Vein

Published on Mar 28, 2012

Support stockings work by promoting circulation and the return of blood back
up to your heart through the venous system. They apply gradual amounts of
pressure to your leg with the most compression occurring at your ankle and
lessening the further up the leg you go. The stockings should make your
legs feel better because of the support. It is possible you were measured
incorrectly. Try putting them on first thing in the morning before getting
out of bed. Although support hose are meant to help your circulation,
improper use can cut off your circulation and lead to further complications.


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Answered by Miller Vein

Support stockings work by promoting circulation and the return of blood back
up to your heart through the venous system. They apply gradual amounts of
pressure to your leg with the most compression occurring at your ankle and
lessening the further up the leg you go. The stockings should make your
legs feel better because of the support. It is possible you were measured
incorrectly. Try putting them on first thing in the morning before getting
out of bed. Although support hose are meant to help your circulation,
improper use can cut off your circulation and lead to further complications.


Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Mar 27, 2012

Maybe your leg symptoms are not venous in origin. See your MD.
There are other types of stockings available in cotton that may work better for you as well.

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

Maybe your leg symptoms are not venous in origin. See your MD.
There are other types of stockings available in cotton that may work better for you as well.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Mar 27, 2012

If you were measured correctly you should not be experiencing any discomfort. There are also many brands of hose with some better than others. Price wown't always the guide. I assume you are probably in 20-30 mmHg strength. All of our staff wear these daily and for travel. We find our patients are most comfortable in Bauerfeind micro or Sigvaris Eversheer.

I would recommend they re-measure you and check sizing. You could also discuss this with your Obstetrician and have them do an ultrasound examination of your legs. I see a lot of pregnant women for supportive therapy during pregnancy.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

If you were measured correctly you should not be experiencing any discomfort. There are also many brands of hose with some better than others. Price wown't always the guide. I assume you are probably in 20-30 mmHg strength. All of our staff wear these daily and for travel. We find our patients are most comfortable in Bauerfeind micro or Sigvaris Eversheer.

I would recommend they re-measure you and check sizing. You could also discuss this with your Obstetrician and have them do an ultrasound examination of your legs. I see a lot of pregnant women for supportive therapy during pregnancy.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Published on Mar 27, 2012

Make sure you have the correct size.

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Answered by Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Make sure you have the correct size.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Mar 27, 2012

The most common complaint I have from patients is related to stockings-too loose, too tight, too hot, too long, too short, etc. If your stockings do not fit properly then don't wear them. If you are wearing thigh length then you may want to switch to knee length. Most importantly, you need a proper fitting stocking what you will wear, not a poorly fitting one which you won't wear.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

The most common complaint I have from patients is related to stockings-too loose, too tight, too hot, too long, too short, etc. If your stockings do not fit properly then don't wear them. If you are wearing thigh length then you may want to switch to knee length. Most importantly, you need a proper fitting stocking what you will wear, not a poorly fitting one which you won't wear.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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