Compression Stockings: When They Help
When compression stockings are useful for varicose veins, after a DVT, after vein treatment and on long flights, how they are fitted, and when not to wear them.
Short answer: properly selected compression stockings can ease aching and swelling from varicose veins and can help control swelling after a DVT, but they do not repair faulty valves or replace blood thinners. Strong compression may be unsafe if the arteries in the legs are narrowed, so the circulation should be checked before strong stockings are started.
When stockings can help
- Varicose veins: they can help some symptoms, such as aching and ankle swelling, while you decide on treatment. They do not repair the leaking valves. See varicose veins.
- After vein treatment: walking, avoiding long periods of sitting still and, where advised, compression are part of recovery. See varicose vein treatment options.
- After a DVT: compression may help swelling or discomfort, but it does not replace anticoagulation. See DVT treatment.
- Long flights: long flights raise everyone's risk of a deep vein clot slightly. Wearing compression stockings, moving your calves regularly and staying hydrated are the standard precautions. After a DVT, keep taking your blood thinner on schedule and ask about stockings before you travel. See are varicose veins dangerous?
- Post-thrombotic syndrome: compression can help control swelling and discomfort in established post-thrombotic syndrome. See post-thrombotic syndrome.
Strength, length and fitting
Stockings come in different strengths and lengths. The right strength and size are chosen for the problem being treated and fitted to the leg, and the arterial circulation is checked before strong compression is used. Stockings that are too tight, wrinkled or rolled down can cause harm, so fitting matters as much as the stocking itself.
When not to wear them
- Strong compression may be inappropriate when arterial circulation is impaired, including in some people with peripheral arterial disease.
- Do not start strong compression if arterial circulation or a new wound has not been assessed.
- Do not use stockings to postpone assessment of new, unexplained swelling. A newly swollen, painful leg needs a scan the same day to look for a clot.
When to seek urgent care
Call 995 for sudden breathlessness or chest pain. If a leg becomes cold, pale, numb or more painful while wearing a stocking, take it off and seek urgent assessment.
Common questions
Will stockings cure my varicose veins?
No. They can help some symptoms but do not repair faulty valves. A duplex scan shows which veins are leaking and whether treatment would help.
Will wearing stockings after a DVT prevent post-thrombotic syndrome?
Not for everyone. Stockings can relieve swelling and discomfort, but wearing them does not guarantee that post-thrombotic syndrome will be avoided.
Can I wear stockings if I have poor circulation?
Strong compression may be unsafe when the leg arteries are narrowed. Have the arterial circulation checked first.
WhatsApp Dr Choong on +65 9027 8636 (he usually replies within the hour) or see all contact options. Clinic: Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, Singapore.