Could thigh high compression stockings make varicose veins above the knee worse?

I'm a 29 year old male and had sclerotherapy last year. I have recently developed varicose veins that extend past the knee about 7 inches (I am 6 feet tall) on the other side of the leg. I find it hard to keep thigh highs from sliding down through the day despite various measures. I realize that thigh highs would provide more benefit, but while I wait to see a doctor, would wearing knee highs could actually increase the risk of the veins progressing further vs not wearing stockings?

Answers from doctors (2)


Vascular Institute of Chattanooga

Published on Aug 18, 2019

Thigh-high compression stockings won't necessarily make the varicose veins worse, per say. The varicosities themselves, especially in the thigh, probably won't cause any problems except possibly being painful.

It really is a question of symptoms.

You may garner just as much benefit with compression stockings that extend to your knee as up into the thigh. I recommend you put on compression stockings first thing in the morning when you get up.

If you wait until an hour or two after you're out of bed you've missed the window for greatest efficacy as there will already likely be a good deal of pooling of blood in your lower legs as you've been up and about.

Wear them throughout the day and take them off at night before you go to bed. They are not needed at night because your legs are elevated, allowing for easier drainage of the veins.

Most importantly, go see your vascular specialist for recommendations on treatment to allow for you to not have to wear the compression garments anymore.

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Answered by Vascular Institute of Chattanooga

Thigh-high compression stockings won't necessarily make the varicose veins worse, per say. The varicosities themselves, especially in the thigh, probably won't cause any problems except possibly being painful.

It really is a question of symptoms.

You may garner just as much benefit with compression stockings that extend to your knee as up into the thigh. I recommend you put on compression stockings first thing in the morning when you get up.

If you wait until an hour or two after you're out of bed you've missed the window for greatest efficacy as there will already likely be a good deal of pooling of blood in your lower legs as you've been up and about.

Wear them throughout the day and take them off at night before you go to bed. They are not needed at night because your legs are elevated, allowing for easier drainage of the veins.

Most importantly, go see your vascular specialist for recommendations on treatment to allow for you to not have to wear the compression garments anymore.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Center for Vein Care

Published on May 09, 2017

Compression stockings help with symptoms. They do absolutely nothing in preventing new veins or eliminating existing veins.

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Answered by Center for Vein Care

Compression stockings help with symptoms. They do absolutely nothing in preventing new veins or eliminating existing veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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