Why would compression stockings relieve pain in my upper legs but increase pain in my lower legs?

I have noticed that when I wear compression hose the back of my upper legs feel better but my calves and lower legs feel worse (burning and aching). I know compression stockings are supposed to help the whole leg. Do you have any suggestions?

Answers from doctors (11)


Tulane Heart & Vascular Institute

Published on Apr 05, 2013

There are a number of reasons why this could be the case. To determine the answer(s), consult with a physician.

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Answered by Tulane Heart & Vascular Institute

There are a number of reasons why this could be the case. To determine the answer(s), consult with a physician.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein 911

Published on Mar 16, 2013

The most common cause of these symptoms would be improperly fitted compression hose. Get remeasured for hose, try hose with less compression and/or try a different brand of hose.

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Answered by Vein 911

The most common cause of these symptoms would be improperly fitted compression hose. Get remeasured for hose, try hose with less compression and/or try a different brand of hose.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Arizona Vein Specialists

Published on Mar 14, 2013

The compression stockings may be too tight or you may have arterial insufficiency. See your doctor for an evaluation.

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Answered by Arizona Vein Specialists

The compression stockings may be too tight or you may have arterial insufficiency. See your doctor for an evaluation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

Published on Mar 14, 2013

Compression stockings can offer relief, but only temporarily. In order to better understand what is going on, you need to have your leg further evaluated.

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Answered by Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

Compression stockings can offer relief, but only temporarily. In order to better understand what is going on, you need to have your leg further evaluated.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Mar 14, 2013

Make sure the hose are fitted right.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Make sure the hose are fitted right.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Miller Vein

Published on Mar 12, 2013

It's very important to make sure that the compression stockings fit properly. I would recommend getting remeasured. Also, I would suggest making sure you have the correct diagnosis. Stockings are great for venous insufficiency, but not for peripheral arterial disease.

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Answered by Miller Vein

It's very important to make sure that the compression stockings fit properly. I would recommend getting remeasured. Also, I would suggest making sure you have the correct diagnosis. Stockings are great for venous insufficiency, but not for peripheral arterial disease.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Mar 12, 2013

The fit of the stocking may not be correct. Switching to another brand could help. Most of my patients only wear knee-high hose.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

The fit of the stocking may not be correct. Switching to another brand could help. Most of my patients only wear knee-high hose.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Mar 12, 2013

I suspect the stockings are not properly fitted. Perhaps they are too tight.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

I suspect the stockings are not properly fitted. Perhaps they are too tight.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Mar 11, 2013

The simple answer is that they either don't fit properly or your leg symptoms are due to something that support stockings won't help. If your stockings are too loose from the knee down or have lost their compression, then you may get these symptoms. If you have an underlying arterial problem, then the stockings could actually worsen the issue. You should follow up with your treating physician.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

The simple answer is that they either don't fit properly or your leg symptoms are due to something that support stockings won't help. If your stockings are too loose from the knee down or have lost their compression, then you may get these symptoms. If you have an underlying arterial problem, then the stockings could actually worsen the issue. You should follow up with your treating physician.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Published on Mar 11, 2013

Not sure. You might want to try a different brand and make sure the fit is proper. Also, you could get a lighter grade compression.

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Answered by Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Not sure. You might want to try a different brand and make sure the fit is proper. Also, you could get a lighter grade compression.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Mar 11, 2013

If your hose are correctly measured and fitted by a certified fitter, they should not cause such discomfort. It is important during the day to occasionally pull up the hose from the ankle to the knee in case they have "crept" down a little. This keeps the compression correct. The compression should also be appropriate. If you are wearing them for maintenance, 15-20 mmHg is adequate. If you have some venous insufficiency, smaller/less extensive varicose or spider veins, 20-30 mmHg is better. If you have a more severe insufficiency and varicose veins, you may be prescribed 30-40 mmHg. You should discuss this with your physician if they are a prescription hose. I would recommend being refitted and measured. Additionally, think back to how long you've had the hose. Depending on the brand, most stockings will start to lose compression after 4 months.


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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

If your hose are correctly measured and fitted by a certified fitter, they should not cause such discomfort. It is important during the day to occasionally pull up the hose from the ankle to the knee in case they have "crept" down a little. This keeps the compression correct. The compression should also be appropriate. If you are wearing them for maintenance, 15-20 mmHg is adequate. If you have some venous insufficiency, smaller/less extensive varicose or spider veins, 20-30 mmHg is better. If you have a more severe insufficiency and varicose veins, you may be prescribed 30-40 mmHg. You should discuss this with your physician if they are a prescription hose. I would recommend being refitted and measured. Additionally, think back to how long you've had the hose. Depending on the brand, most stockings will start to lose compression after 4 months.


Published on Jul 11, 2012


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