Will compression stockings cut off my circulation?

It seems like tight clothes wouldn't benefit circulation.

Answers from doctors (9)


Vascular Institute of Chattanooga

Published on Oct 05, 2018

This is a great question! First of all, doctors often use compression stockings to counteract the high venous pressure in patients who have painful varicosities. This is appropriate as long as the patient has normal artery circulation. This can be calculated by a simple test called ABI, which is a non-invasive ultrasound test. Also, patients with a diagnosis of PAD, diabetes, or patients with poorly healing sores of the toes and foot should be evaluated for artery problems before we treat the vein problems with compression.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/8640_1525890014.jpg
Answered by Vascular Institute of Chattanooga

This is a great question! First of all, doctors often use compression stockings to counteract the high venous pressure in patients who have painful varicosities. This is appropriate as long as the patient has normal artery circulation. This can be calculated by a simple test called ABI, which is a non-invasive ultrasound test. Also, patients with a diagnosis of PAD, diabetes, or patients with poorly healing sores of the toes and foot should be evaluated for artery problems before we treat the vein problems with compression.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Sep 03, 2010

Compression stockings work by decreasing venous pressure and increasing venous return. They should not cut off the circulation. However, if they do not fit properly or are not worn properly, they will be uncomfortable and not do the job. Constricting garments can certainly restrict the venous return.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/1053_1499982262.jpg
Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Compression stockings work by decreasing venous pressure and increasing venous return. They should not cut off the circulation. However, if they do not fit properly or are not worn properly, they will be uncomfortable and not do the job. Constricting garments can certainly restrict the venous return.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Miller Vein

Published on Feb 11, 2010

Compression stockings are specially designed to direct blood upwards in your veins. It is important to be fitted for the appropriate size.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/873_1500663762.jpg
Answered by Miller Vein

Compression stockings are specially designed to direct blood upwards in your veins. It is important to be fitted for the appropriate size.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Innovative Vein

Published on Feb 11, 2010

Compression stocking, when fitted properly, should be comfortable and not cut off blood flow.? The point of wearing stocking is to apply enough pressure to our superficial veins that are supposed to be moving blood back up to our heart.? When veins are broken the blood pools in these veins.? The stocking help prevent that, thereby making legs feel better.

Answered by Innovative Vein (View Profile)

Compression stocking, when fitted properly, should be comfortable and not cut off blood flow.? The point of wearing stocking is to apply enough pressure to our superficial veins that are supposed to be moving blood back up to our heart.? When veins are broken the blood pools in these veins.? The stocking help prevent that, thereby making legs feel better.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Heart and Vein Center

Published on Feb 10, 2010

Compression stockings will not cut the circulation. They will compress the superficial veins (diseased ones)?and "redirect" the blood flow into the deep veins.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/923_1408044082.jpg
Answered by Heart and Vein Center

Compression stockings will not cut the circulation. They will compress the superficial veins (diseased ones)?and "redirect" the blood flow into the deep veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

Published on Feb 10, 2010

A medical grade compression stocking properly fit improves venous circulation.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/772_1408044077.jpg
Answered by Bella MD Laser Vein and Aesthetic Center

A medical grade compression stocking properly fit improves venous circulation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Feb 10, 2010

The best way to improve venous and lymphatic circulation is with graduated compression. That is compression that is strongest to the foot and ankle and then lessen as you go up the leg. Mild compression garment like UnderArmour actually have a slightly improve venous and lymphatic circulation. To be helpful the compression need to be enough to be greater than forces that are wanting to slow venous return but not greater than the pressure in arterial circulation . If the pressure is of a stocking or clothing was greater than the arterial circulation that would cut off circulation. [this is generally much higher than any stocking or clothing is made and therefore in almost all cases compression stocking help circulation.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

The best way to improve venous and lymphatic circulation is with graduated compression. That is compression that is strongest to the foot and ankle and then lessen as you go up the leg. Mild compression garment like UnderArmour actually have a slightly improve venous and lymphatic circulation. To be helpful the compression need to be enough to be greater than forces that are wanting to slow venous return but not greater than the pressure in arterial circulation . If the pressure is of a stocking or clothing was greater than the arterial circulation that would cut off circulation. [this is generally much higher than any stocking or clothing is made and therefore in almost all cases compression stocking help circulation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


VeinSolutions - Edina

Published on Feb 10, 2010

No, they will not cut off your circulation, in fact they improve it. It is graduated compression, tighter at the foot and ankle, lighter at the thigh. The compression hose will cause the blood in your veins to flow in the proper upward direction instead of pooling at the bottom of your legs (which causes varicose veins).

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/861_1409954875.jpg
Answered by VeinSolutions - Edina

No, they will not cut off your circulation, in fact they improve it. It is graduated compression, tighter at the foot and ankle, lighter at the thigh. The compression hose will cause the blood in your veins to flow in the proper upward direction instead of pooling at the bottom of your legs (which causes varicose veins).

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Angelo N. Makris MD

Published on Feb 10, 2010

No, not unless you have severe arterial insufficiency.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/977_1408044083.jpg
Answered by Angelo N. Makris MD

No, not unless you have severe arterial insufficiency.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Related Questions for Compression Stockings

Compression Stockings -7 answers
And should you be physically active while wearing the crompression socks?
See More
Compression Stockings -15 answers
I am 21 weeks pregnant and my whole leg and feet really hurt. I only have knee-length compression hose. Can I sleep with them on?
See More
Compression Stockings -13 answers
How big of a size do compression stockings come in?
See More
Compression Stockings -10 answers
I got knee surgery and have been wearin the socks for 3 weeks with some rests a day. I walk on my leg so blood circulates and crutches help me in public. Is it safe to not wear the stockings at all anymore? I just really don't want a blood clot.
See More
Compression Stockings -12 answers
I wear compression stockings for varicose veins during my pregnancy. They ease the pain and tiredness, but my legs get so itchy sometimes - especially after I take my stockings off. What can i do to prevent the itchiness and are they too tight?
See More
Compression Stockings -13 answers
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.
See More
Compression Stockings -7 answers
I had the procedure this morning and wore the compression stockings all day but I can't remember if the Dr. said to wear them when I sleep?
See More
Compression Stockings -11 answers
Do you recommend wearing compression stockings on long flights? I have two flights: one 8 hours with a break of 12 hours and continuing another 12 hours after. I have store bought knee highs and thigh highs. Any disadvantages?
See More
Compression Stockings -9 answers
The knee highs are so much more comfortable. Are they effective enough?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works
Compression Stockings -9 answers
I'm wondering if the pressure from compression stockings can harm the fetus?
See More
Compression Stockings -6 answers
If I have problems with just one leg, can I wear one compression knee high or should I wear both?
See More
Compression Stockings -4 answers
How long after starting to wear these, will I see results?My calve has improved, but the ankle is still huge and the foot quite puffy.
See More
Compression Stockings -8 answers
I presently suffer from a sciatica for the 1st time. Lots of pain in my calf area and particularly in one pinpoint spot in the calf along with hip/groin pain.I wonder if stockings will help my calf pain and is it safe at 20/30 compression?Thank you
See More
Compression Stockings -13 answers
I am wearing compression stockings and was wondering how long should I wear them? Six and a half weeks after my C-section, I am still not mobile much.
See More
Compression Stockings -8 answers
What are the differences? Is it worth the additional cost?
See More
Compression Stockings -8 answers
My vascular surgeon did an ultrasound and prescribed endovenous laser ablation. She also suggested that I wear compression stockings after the procedure. However, due to severe psoriasis and eczema on my feet, I cannot wear full-coverage stockings that cover them. They must always be in wet dressings, but cannot be fully covered. Would footless compression stockings be just as effective as full-coverage hose following the procedure?
See More
Compression Stockings -9 answers
I would like "save" my legs and buy compression stockings. I dont have any other medical problems that would require me to use the stockings other that I am a nurse and am on my feet a lot. What level of comrpession would you recommend I start with?
See More
Compression Stockings -6 answers
Should compression stockings be worn 24 hours per day continuously or not just worn at bedtime?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works

Related Articles

Have specific questions?
ASK A DOCTOR