Should someone with a blood clot wear compression stockings?

I was wondering if someone who already has a clot wore compression stockings, would it be safe? Might this dislodge the clot? I only just learned about compression stockings and I'm not sure of these details.

Answers from doctors (13)


Owensboro Heart & Vascular

Published on Apr 10, 2021

Yes it helps to prevent post phlebitic syndrome and it's safe

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Answered by Owensboro Heart & Vascular

Yes it helps to prevent post phlebitic syndrome and it's safe

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Jul 03, 2012

Wearing properly fitted graduated compresssion stockings is an important part of treating leg thrombosis or clots. It will help decrease the damage from the clot, improve venous return to the heart, and will not dislodge the clot.

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Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

Wearing properly fitted graduated compresssion stockings is an important part of treating leg thrombosis or clots. It will help decrease the damage from the clot, improve venous return to the heart, and will not dislodge the clot.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Jul 03, 2012

We do not think compression hose will dislodge a blood clot. In fact, it is an important part of treatment.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

We do not think compression hose will dislodge a blood clot. In fact, it is an important part of treatment.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Pacific Vein Centers

Published on Jul 03, 2012

If the clot is in the superficial vein, there is no danger of dislodging it. If the clot is in the deep vein, you should be on a "blood thinner" and be monitored.

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Answered by Pacific Vein Centers

If the clot is in the superficial vein, there is no danger of dislodging it. If the clot is in the deep vein, you should be on a "blood thinner" and be monitored.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


VeinCare Centers of Tennessee

Published on Jul 03, 2012

Elastic compression stockings should be worn by the vast majority of patients who have deep or superficial vein thrombosis. The pain and swelling will improve faster and the clot may resolve faster with elastic compression.

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Answered by VeinCare Centers of Tennessee

Elastic compression stockings should be worn by the vast majority of patients who have deep or superficial vein thrombosis. The pain and swelling will improve faster and the clot may resolve faster with elastic compression.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Jul 03, 2012

We absolutely recommend compression for those with blood clots. Also, depending on the location of the clot (above or below the knee), we recommend at least 6 months. Long term if the clot extends above the knee to reduce post-thrombotic syndrome. Compression will not dislodge clots, will help reduce swelling, skin damage and discomfort. These should be professionally measured and fitted.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

We absolutely recommend compression for those with blood clots. Also, depending on the location of the clot (above or below the knee), we recommend at least 6 months. Long term if the clot extends above the knee to reduce post-thrombotic syndrome. Compression will not dislodge clots, will help reduce swelling, skin damage and discomfort. These should be professionally measured and fitted.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Published on Jul 03, 2012

Yes, it has been found safe to wear stocking even soon after a clot develops.

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Answered by Veins etc. at Comprehensive Cardiovascular Consultants

Yes, it has been found safe to wear stocking even soon after a clot develops.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Jul 03, 2012

Usually a good idea to wear them after a blood clot. Ask your MD.

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

Usually a good idea to wear them after a blood clot. Ask your MD.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Austin Vein Specialists

Published on Jul 03, 2012

It is safe and beneficial to wear compression stockings after being diagnosed with a blood clot. Stockings should not cause the clot to become dislodged.

Answered by Austin Vein Specialists (View Profile)

It is safe and beneficial to wear compression stockings after being diagnosed with a blood clot. Stockings should not cause the clot to become dislodged.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Americas Vein Centers - Rhode Island

Published on Jul 03, 2012

Yes, wear compression stockings and, no, it will not dislodge clot.

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Answered by Americas Vein Centers - Rhode Island

Yes, wear compression stockings and, no, it will not dislodge clot.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center at University Medicine and Cardiology

Published on May 30, 2012

That is a great question. Compression stockings are meant to be a preventative device. You should discuss this with your physician before using.

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Answered by Vein Center at University Medicine and Cardiology

That is a great question. Compression stockings are meant to be a preventative device. You should discuss this with your physician before using.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Sheen Vein Institute

Published on May 23, 2012

Wearing compression stockings in the case of a blood clot is generally fine. What you do not want to do is mechanically massage your leg especially if you have a new clot. This may dislodge the clot and potentially allow it to travel to areas that you do not want it to go. Keep in mind, however, that not all blood clots are immediately life threatening. If you now have, or have previously had a Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), it may also be appropriate for you to wear compression stockings long term. Studies suggest that compression stockings worn in cases of prior DVT can actually minimize your risk of developing a post thrombotic syndrome, which if allowed to progress, can result in chronic pain and swelling in the affected leg.

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Answered by The Sheen Vein Institute

Wearing compression stockings in the case of a blood clot is generally fine. What you do not want to do is mechanically massage your leg especially if you have a new clot. This may dislodge the clot and potentially allow it to travel to areas that you do not want it to go. Keep in mind, however, that not all blood clots are immediately life threatening. If you now have, or have previously had a Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), it may also be appropriate for you to wear compression stockings long term. Studies suggest that compression stockings worn in cases of prior DVT can actually minimize your risk of developing a post thrombotic syndrome, which if allowed to progress, can result in chronic pain and swelling in the affected leg.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on May 22, 2012

Compression stockings should be worn by those with DVT and even those with superficial phlebitis. The purpose of the stockings is to provide venous compression to decrease swelling, increase venous return and improve leg discomfort. Compression stocking will not dislodge clots. In fact, some feel that the stockings actually enhance clot adherence to the vein.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Compression stockings should be worn by those with DVT and even those with superficial phlebitis. The purpose of the stockings is to provide venous compression to decrease swelling, increase venous return and improve leg discomfort. Compression stocking will not dislodge clots. In fact, some feel that the stockings actually enhance clot adherence to the vein.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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