Can I cut the feet off of my compression stockings?

I just had the sclerotherapy procedure today. I would love to cut off the feet of my compression stockings. I feel like it would be much more comfortable. Would that defeat the purpose?

Answers from doctors (11)


Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

Published on Apr 30, 2013

No, you should not cut the feet off of your compression hose. Not only will that defeat the purpose, but it would make things worse.

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Answered by Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

No, you should not cut the feet off of your compression hose. Not only will that defeat the purpose, but it would make things worse.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Tulane Heart & Vascular Institute

Published on Apr 05, 2013

Yes

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Answered by Tulane Heart & Vascular Institute

Yes

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Sheen Vein Institute

Published on Mar 28, 2013

I do not generally recommend that my patients cut the feet off of their compression stockings for the following reason: The compression stockings that I routinely pass out are called graduated compression stockings. This means that as you go from the foot to the thigh, the amount of compression applied to the leg gradually decreases as you go up the leg. That being said, if you were to cut the foot portion off, you are essentially taking all of the compression off of the foot but maintaining the compression at or around the ankle. Some of my patients who went ahead and cut the foot off of their stockings experienced some extra swelling in their foot. Cutting the stockings will not necessary defeat the purpose, but it can cause some added discomfort in the feet.

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Answered by The Sheen Vein Institute

I do not generally recommend that my patients cut the feet off of their compression stockings for the following reason: The compression stockings that I routinely pass out are called graduated compression stockings. This means that as you go from the foot to the thigh, the amount of compression applied to the leg gradually decreases as you go up the leg. That being said, if you were to cut the foot portion off, you are essentially taking all of the compression off of the foot but maintaining the compression at or around the ankle. Some of my patients who went ahead and cut the foot off of their stockings experienced some extra swelling in their foot. Cutting the stockings will not necessary defeat the purpose, but it can cause some added discomfort in the feet.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Intermountain Vein Center

Published on Mar 25, 2013

It wouldn't defeat the purpose, but the stockings might fray. If you have the compression stockings that have the toe too, then you can cut the toe off just before the seam, but cutting the entire foot off might ruin the stocking.

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Answered by Intermountain Vein Center

It wouldn't defeat the purpose, but the stockings might fray. If you have the compression stockings that have the toe too, then you can cut the toe off just before the seam, but cutting the entire foot off might ruin the stocking.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Arizona Vein Specialists

Published on Mar 22, 2013

The point is that compressing the foot is the only way to move the blood in the foot uphill. If the foot is cut off of the hose, you will develop swelling in the uncompressed foot. You will still benefit from enhanced calf muscle emptying. The stockings will probably unravel. Now informed, it's your choice.

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Answered by Arizona Vein Specialists

The point is that compressing the foot is the only way to move the blood in the foot uphill. If the foot is cut off of the hose, you will develop swelling in the uncompressed foot. You will still benefit from enhanced calf muscle emptying. The stockings will probably unravel. Now informed, it's your choice.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Mar 22, 2013

It is not a good idea to cut off the feet of your compression stockings; it will cause foot swelling.

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

It is not a good idea to cut off the feet of your compression stockings; it will cause foot swelling.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Mar 22, 2013

If you cut off the feet of your compression stockings, your ankles might swell and the stockings may start to unravel.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

If you cut off the feet of your compression stockings, your ankles might swell and the stockings may start to unravel.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein & Laser Centre, Ltd.

Published on Mar 22, 2013

Not a good idea. Compression stockings are specially designed with the toe integrated. If you can't tolerate this type of hose, ask you physician for an open toe style.



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Answered by Advanced Vein & Laser Centre, Ltd.

Not a good idea. Compression stockings are specially designed with the toe integrated. If you can't tolerate this type of hose, ask you physician for an open toe style.



Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Mar 22, 2013

Please do not cut the feet off your compression hose. They usually roll up and can cause a tourniquet effect, or they can unravel. I typically put my patients in open toe styles if they are wearing them post-sclerotherapy. We all find it's nice to have the toes out and less constricting.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Please do not cut the feet off your compression hose. They usually roll up and can cause a tourniquet effect, or they can unravel. I typically put my patients in open toe styles if they are wearing them post-sclerotherapy. We all find it's nice to have the toes out and less constricting.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Published on Mar 22, 2013

Although there is no major harm, cutting off the feet of your compression stockings might cause your feet to swell and would ruin an otherwise good pair of stockings.

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Answered by Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Although there is no major harm, cutting off the feet of your compression stockings might cause your feet to swell and would ruin an otherwise good pair of stockings.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Mar 22, 2013

Although cutting off the feet of the compression stockings may be more comfortable, you will defeat the graduated compression, which is highest at the foot and ankle. If the stockings are uncomfortable, then you should get a better fitting pair.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Although cutting off the feet of the compression stockings may be more comfortable, you will defeat the graduated compression, which is highest at the foot and ankle. If the stockings are uncomfortable, then you should get a better fitting pair.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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