Is it better to get full-length compression stockings or knee-highs?

The knee highs are so much more comfortable. Are they effective enough?

Answers from doctors (9)


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Sep 14, 2010

In general, knee-high are easier to wear that thigh-high, but the length that you may require depends on the source and location of your problem A venous reflux exam will make the diagnosis. .

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

In general, knee-high are easier to wear that thigh-high, but the length that you may require depends on the source and location of your problem A venous reflux exam will make the diagnosis. .

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Oct 30, 2009

Completely depends on what type of treatment you are having and where the involved veins are.

For most treatments, because the involved veins are on the full length of the leg, one must
use either a thigh-high, or pantyhose version.

Knee high would only be appropriate if the involved veins are limited to below the knee.
Once treatment is completed, and if stockings are needed on a more prolonged basis, because of the nature of one's occupation or activities, then knee high might be appropriate at that time.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

Completely depends on what type of treatment you are having and where the involved veins are.

For most treatments, because the involved veins are on the full length of the leg, one must
use either a thigh-high, or pantyhose version.

Knee high would only be appropriate if the involved veins are limited to below the knee.
Once treatment is completed, and if stockings are needed on a more prolonged basis, because of the nature of one's occupation or activities, then knee high might be appropriate at that time.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialists

Published on Oct 30, 2009

The compression is most important long term at the level of the ankle where most of the complications of venous insufficiency and hypertension occur(skin changes and ulcerations), so knee high usually suffice for treatment unless there are large varicose veins in the thigh regions or spider veins which are being treated in the thigh regions. Basically, whatever will be worn by the patient is what they should buy. If the panty or thigh high hose are going to remain in the box, then the calf high hose seem to be the most logical choice. Some compression is better than no compression.

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Answered by Vein Specialists

The compression is most important long term at the level of the ankle where most of the complications of venous insufficiency and hypertension occur(skin changes and ulcerations), so knee high usually suffice for treatment unless there are large varicose veins in the thigh regions or spider veins which are being treated in the thigh regions. Basically, whatever will be worn by the patient is what they should buy. If the panty or thigh high hose are going to remain in the box, then the calf high hose seem to be the most logical choice. Some compression is better than no compression.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Miller Vein

Published on Oct 30, 2009

Usually thigh high is better than knee high but it really depends on your ultrasound findings as to what you need.

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Answered by Miller Vein

Usually thigh high is better than knee high but it really depends on your ultrasound findings as to what you need.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialty Medical Clinic, Inc.

Published on Oct 29, 2009

After treatment of greater saphenous varicosty and other varicose veins with source of reflux above knee level, it is recommended to wear full-length compression stockings for 1-2 weeks. However, when source of reflux is limited to below knee, such as lesser sapheous vein reflux or cockett perforators reflux, wearing below knee compression stockings is sufficient. I suggest for healthy elderly individuals to wear below knee stockings whenever taking an air flight, specially when flight duration is more than 2 hours.

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Answered by Vein Specialty Medical Clinic, Inc.

After treatment of greater saphenous varicosty and other varicose veins with source of reflux above knee level, it is recommended to wear full-length compression stockings for 1-2 weeks. However, when source of reflux is limited to below knee, such as lesser sapheous vein reflux or cockett perforators reflux, wearing below knee compression stockings is sufficient. I suggest for healthy elderly individuals to wear below knee stockings whenever taking an air flight, specially when flight duration is more than 2 hours.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


VeinSolutions - Edina

Published on Oct 29, 2009

If you are using them for therapeutic reasons, the knee high compression
hose are effective. If you are having a procedure, you will need thigh
highs or panty hose.

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Answered by VeinSolutions - Edina

If you are using them for therapeutic reasons, the knee high compression
hose are effective. If you are having a procedure, you will need thigh
highs or panty hose.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Published on Oct 29, 2009

It completely depends on what they are being used for. If used for varicose veins then it depends on the level of valve leaking. If the leaking is mostly confined to veins below the knee the the knee high stockings are sufficient. It really comes down to what works for you. If your legs feel better and the knee high are more comfortable for you then they will usually do.

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Answered by Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

It completely depends on what they are being used for. If used for varicose veins then it depends on the level of valve leaking. If the leaking is mostly confined to veins below the knee the the knee high stockings are sufficient. It really comes down to what works for you. If your legs feel better and the knee high are more comfortable for you then they will usually do.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Innovative Vein

Published on Oct 29, 2009

Knee highs are fine, but don't give compression above the knee, obviously, where there often exists the source of the problem in the leg. The bottom line is, however, that neither stocking is a cure, just a means for controlling symptoms. There is nothing wrong with just wearing knee high compression stockings in many instances.

Answered by Innovative Vein (View Profile)

Knee highs are fine, but don't give compression above the knee, obviously, where there often exists the source of the problem in the leg. The bottom line is, however, that neither stocking is a cure, just a means for controlling symptoms. There is nothing wrong with just wearing knee high compression stockings in many instances.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Angelo N. Makris MD

Published on Oct 29, 2009

It depends on the level of reflux, but as a general rule of thumb, thigh-highs are better. However, stockings that are being worn regularly are better than those folded in a drawer.

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Answered by Angelo N. Makris MD

It depends on the level of reflux, but as a general rule of thumb, thigh-highs are better. However, stockings that are being worn regularly are better than those folded in a drawer.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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