Why do my thighs get red and puffy after I take off my knee-high compression stockings?

About an hour after I take off my compression socks, I notice that my thighs will feel puffy and hot. Does this mean my socks are too tight? Thanks!

Answers from doctors (9)


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on May 09, 2013

It is not unusual for patients to have red and puffy legs after taking off their compression stockings; it means they are working.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

It is not unusual for patients to have red and puffy legs after taking off their compression stockings; it means they are working.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Arizona Vein Specialists

Published on Apr 30, 2013

I do not know. It is difficult to comment without knowing your age, medical status, and other information. If you have fluid overload, it is kept out of your lower leg and may accumulate in the thigh.

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Answered by Arizona Vein Specialists

I do not know. It is difficult to comment without knowing your age, medical status, and other information. If you have fluid overload, it is kept out of your lower leg and may accumulate in the thigh.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

Published on Apr 30, 2013

The compression is too low and should be at the upper thigh.

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Answered by Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

The compression is too low and should be at the upper thigh.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Apr 30, 2013

I am sorry, but I do not have an answer for that one.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

I am sorry, but I do not have an answer for that one.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Michael F. Gioscia, MD, FACS, ABVLM

Published on Apr 30, 2013

It seems that the stockings are not fitting properly. The most important aspect of compression is that they are the correct size and fit. You must be measured properly and the stocking brand you're prescribed must be the right one for you. Too many patients get stockings off the Internet, or are sold stockings by physicians' offices that only carry one brand.

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Answered by Michael F. Gioscia, MD, FACS, ABVLM

It seems that the stockings are not fitting properly. The most important aspect of compression is that they are the correct size and fit. You must be measured properly and the stocking brand you're prescribed must be the right one for you. Too many patients get stockings off the Internet, or are sold stockings by physicians' offices that only carry one brand.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Apr 30, 2013

In order to better understand why you are experiencing the symptoms you describe, it is at least necessary to know more about why you are wearing knee-high compression stockings. Do you have a history of deep vein thrombosis or superficial venous reflux? What symptoms have you had? What therapeutic interventions have you had so far?

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

In order to better understand why you are experiencing the symptoms you describe, it is at least necessary to know more about why you are wearing knee-high compression stockings. Do you have a history of deep vein thrombosis or superficial venous reflux? What symptoms have you had? What therapeutic interventions have you had so far?

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Apr 29, 2013

Having puffy and hot thighs does not mean the compression stockings are too tight. They might be too short though. You may want to try thigh-high stockings instead.

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

Having puffy and hot thighs does not mean the compression stockings are too tight. They might be too short though. You may want to try thigh-high stockings instead.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Apr 29, 2013

This sounds somewhat unusual. If your compression stockings have been measured and fitted correctly, it may just be the increased blood flow after you remove your hose. The boost in blood flow could be causing the redness and tingling/hot sensation you are experiencing. Depending on why you are wearing compression and the prescribed strength, you may do better with a slightly decreased strength hose.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

This sounds somewhat unusual. If your compression stockings have been measured and fitted correctly, it may just be the increased blood flow after you remove your hose. The boost in blood flow could be causing the redness and tingling/hot sensation you are experiencing. Depending on why you are wearing compression and the prescribed strength, you may do better with a slightly decreased strength hose.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Apr 29, 2013

If your socks were too tight, then you should have swelling above them while wearing the stockings. It seems as if you are having some sort of reflex vasodilation when you remove the stockings. Try wearing less tight stockings or thigh-length and see if the symptoms resolve. If the symptoms improve, then it would be prudent to change the current stockings.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

If your socks were too tight, then you should have swelling above them while wearing the stockings. It seems as if you are having some sort of reflex vasodilation when you remove the stockings. Try wearing less tight stockings or thigh-length and see if the symptoms resolve. If the symptoms improve, then it would be prudent to change the current stockings.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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