My compression socks make my legs hurt more and they become swollen when I wear them. Is that normal?

How big of a size do compression stockings come in?

Answers from doctors (13)


Vascular Institute of Chattanooga

Published on Aug 26, 2019

No, this is not normal. Compression stockings may be poorly fitting, or this mode of therapy may not address the underlying problems. Be evaluated by a vascular specialist for both deep and superficial venous insufficiency.

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Answered by Vascular Institute of Chattanooga

No, this is not normal. Compression stockings may be poorly fitting, or this mode of therapy may not address the underlying problems. Be evaluated by a vascular specialist for both deep and superficial venous insufficiency.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

Published on Aug 14, 2012

Compression stockings maybe better than socks, but you will need to be evaluated under ultrasound machine. Please call one of our vein centers to book a free consultation.

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Answered by Americas Vein Centers - Southborough

Compression stockings maybe better than socks, but you will need to be evaluated under ultrasound machine. Please call one of our vein centers to book a free consultation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Aug 12, 2012

Compression stockings come in many strengths, sizes, and configurations designed to fit properly for a given person's legs and should make your legs feel better, not worse. Check with your doctor or supplier to see what's wrong.

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Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

Compression stockings come in many strengths, sizes, and configurations designed to fit properly for a given person's legs and should make your legs feel better, not worse. Check with your doctor or supplier to see what's wrong.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialists

Published on Aug 08, 2012

It is not unusual for compression hose to "hurt" when you first apply them.
It takes some getting used to and I usually advise my patients to ease
themselves into the wearing of hose(2 hours the first day then 4 hours and
then longer as you can tolerate them). Remember that any length of time is
more than you were wearing before and will be of benefit. Compression
hose are most effective when applied first thing in the morning before you
get out of bed. Obviously, this may not be possible for some, but the
general idea is to apply them as early in the day as possible to prevent the
pressure from building in the veins and the fluid (serum) from seeping out
of the veins into the surrounding tissue. Compression hose in bed at night
is not critical(as there is little hydrostatic pressure in the veins when
lying supine in bed) and may be omitted for comfort.

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Answered by Vein Specialists

It is not unusual for compression hose to "hurt" when you first apply them.
It takes some getting used to and I usually advise my patients to ease
themselves into the wearing of hose(2 hours the first day then 4 hours and
then longer as you can tolerate them). Remember that any length of time is
more than you were wearing before and will be of benefit. Compression
hose are most effective when applied first thing in the morning before you
get out of bed. Obviously, this may not be possible for some, but the
general idea is to apply them as early in the day as possible to prevent the
pressure from building in the veins and the fluid (serum) from seeping out
of the veins into the surrounding tissue. Compression hose in bed at night
is not critical(as there is little hydrostatic pressure in the veins when
lying supine in bed) and may be omitted for comfort.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Aug 07, 2012

I would guess your compression stocking is not a good fit because you should not have these problems. We stock several brands because the best fit for each patient may vary from one brand to another. Get fitted again and go to a reputable medical supply store or vein practice that deals with this on a regular basis.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

I would guess your compression stocking is not a good fit because you should not have these problems. We stock several brands because the best fit for each patient may vary from one brand to another. Get fitted again and go to a reputable medical supply store or vein practice that deals with this on a regular basis.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Aug 06, 2012

The hose can cause those symptoms. Also, hose come in all sizes and custom hose are available. You may need another size.

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Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

The hose can cause those symptoms. Also, hose come in all sizes and custom hose are available. You may need another size.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Published on Aug 03, 2012

Your compression socks should not make your legs hurt worse or cause more swelling. Have you been measured and prescribed compression stockings? If you have not, I would recommend you get measured to make sure you have the correct size. And, have you had an evaluation for cause of pain and swelling? If not, I also recommend you have an evaluation for your symptoms.

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Answered by Vein Clinic of North Carolina

Your compression socks should not make your legs hurt worse or cause more swelling. Have you been measured and prescribed compression stockings? If you have not, I would recommend you get measured to make sure you have the correct size. And, have you had an evaluation for cause of pain and swelling? If not, I also recommend you have an evaluation for your symptoms.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


HealthQare Associates of Northern Virginia

Published on Aug 03, 2012

No, it is not normal for the compression stockings to hurt and they should not be causing swelling. The stockings come in a variety of sizes, up to XXL. You should be measured to ensure that you get the right size stockings.

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Answered by HealthQare Associates of Northern Virginia

No, it is not normal for the compression stockings to hurt and they should not be causing swelling. The stockings come in a variety of sizes, up to XXL. You should be measured to ensure that you get the right size stockings.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Tulane Heart & Vascular Institute

Published on Aug 03, 2012

If the swelling gets worse with the compression hose then the compression is not adequate. If the compression is not adequate and the swelling gets worse, it would be expected that the symptoms get worse. It's not a matter of size, it's a matter of elastic recoil and the associated pressure.

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Answered by Tulane Heart & Vascular Institute

If the swelling gets worse with the compression hose then the compression is not adequate. If the compression is not adequate and the swelling gets worse, it would be expected that the symptoms get worse. It's not a matter of size, it's a matter of elastic recoil and the associated pressure.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Aug 03, 2012

This is not normal. Most people can get by with over-the-counter support hose. However, in your case, you cay require custom fitted stockings and you should see a vein specialist for an evaluation.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

This is not normal. Most people can get by with over-the-counter support hose. However, in your case, you cay require custom fitted stockings and you should see a vein specialist for an evaluation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein & Laser Centre, Ltd.

Published on Aug 03, 2012

If the compression hose make your legs hurt more than without them, they are probably not the proper fit for you. I'd contact the physician who prescribed them and have him/her make a recommendation. Compression hose do come in various sizes (small to XX large).

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Answered by Advanced Vein & Laser Centre, Ltd.

If the compression hose make your legs hurt more than without them, they are probably not the proper fit for you. I'd contact the physician who prescribed them and have him/her make a recommendation. Compression hose do come in various sizes (small to XX large).

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Aug 03, 2012

Sounds like you may need a size adjustment. See your doctor for better, customized fitting.

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

Sounds like you may need a size adjustment. See your doctor for better, customized fitting.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center at University Medicine and Cardiology

Published on Aug 03, 2012

Most medical supply stores should carry up to XXL, but larger sizes can be custom ordered.

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Answered by Vein Center at University Medicine and Cardiology

Most medical supply stores should carry up to XXL, but larger sizes can be custom ordered.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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