Can compression socks be causing pain in my metatarsal, behind my big toe?

I just started wearing compression socks about five days ago. The last two days I've been experiencing pain at the end of my metatarsal, behind my big toe on my right foot. The pain is a 6-7 out of 10 when I walk. It's also present at a lower severity when I'm sitting, when I wiggle my big toe.

Answers from doctors (4)


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Mar 26, 2019

I have seen this before from support hose. They can put pressure on the bony areas of the foot. If you did not have the discomfort before wearing the support hose and have it after wearing them, then most likely the pain is due to the stockings. You should try getting open-toe support hose.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

I have seen this before from support hose. They can put pressure on the bony areas of the foot. If you did not have the discomfort before wearing the support hose and have it after wearing them, then most likely the pain is due to the stockings. You should try getting open-toe support hose.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Susan B Fox, D.O. RPVI, FSVM

Published on Oct 19, 2016

Consider open toe stockings to see if the pain improves or goes away. If the hose are too tight on your feet or too short on your feet, you can get pain as this is usually the tightest portion of the hose.

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Answered by Susan B Fox, D.O. RPVI, FSVM

Consider open toe stockings to see if the pain improves or goes away. If the hose are too tight on your feet or too short on your feet, you can get pain as this is usually the tightest portion of the hose.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Oct 07, 2016

It's possible the foot pain could be from the compression hose. You might need open toe hose.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

It's possible the foot pain could be from the compression hose. You might need open toe hose.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Oct 07, 2016

If the hose are constrictive or pulled too tight when applying (e.g. not leaving "wiggle room" for the toes), it is possible this may be the cause of your pain. We often recommend an open toe hose to our patients.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

If the hose are constrictive or pulled too tight when applying (e.g. not leaving "wiggle room" for the toes), it is possible this may be the cause of your pain. We often recommend an open toe hose to our patients.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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