I have been wearing compression stockings for years and they have kept ankle ulcers at bay, but over the last 6 months they have stopped working. Why?

I have been wearing compression stockings for years and they have kept ankle ulcers at bay, but over the last 6 months they have stopped working. Why? The stockings are not old and are very snug. I now have big weeping ulcers. I have been scheduled for schlerotherapy but am wondering why the stockings no longer work.

Answers from doctors (8)


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on May 12, 2016

It is likely that the hemodynamics of your venous insufficiency have worsened. You should have a venous Doppler exam to evaluate for treatable venous problems.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

It is likely that the hemodynamics of your venous insufficiency have worsened. You should have a venous Doppler exam to evaluate for treatable venous problems.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Susan B Fox, D.O. RPVI, FSVM

Published on May 11, 2016

Maybe you need a venous insufficiency ultrasound to see if there is a source to the problem that could be treated. Maybe you have venous insufficiency causing your problem. You may need new compression hose; this could be the problem. As well, you may need stronger stockings at this point. Try to elevate the legs, consider taking vasculera, and speak to your vascular doctor.

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

Maybe you need a venous insufficiency ultrasound to see if there is a source to the problem that could be treated. Maybe you have venous insufficiency causing your problem. You may need new compression hose; this could be the problem. As well, you may need stronger stockings at this point. Try to elevate the legs, consider taking vasculera, and speak to your vascular doctor.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on May 10, 2016

You should be thoroughly evaluated for deep and superficial (saphenous) reflux using an ultrasound (sitting and standing) to rule our venous reflux (back flow). If that is not the problem, then a vascular workup to check arterial flow is needed. If there is saphenous reflux, there are minimally invasive laser procedures to seal these veins, and ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy can be performed in the area of the ulcers. It is important to know if these are arterial or venous.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

You should be thoroughly evaluated for deep and superficial (saphenous) reflux using an ultrasound (sitting and standing) to rule our venous reflux (back flow). If that is not the problem, then a vascular workup to check arterial flow is needed. If there is saphenous reflux, there are minimally invasive laser procedures to seal these veins, and ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy can be performed in the area of the ulcers. It is important to know if these are arterial or venous.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Sheen Vein Institute

Published on May 09, 2016

The reason people have ulcers is because there is a large amount of underlying vein disease within the affected leg. The stockings are a nice temporizing measure that may work for a while but, in your case, it appears like those days are over. Your vein disease will progress with time, and this is why the stocking no longer prevents your ulcers from forming. Addressing the underlying circulation defect that results from vein disease will permanently eliminate your ulcer issues. Just doing some sclerotherapy alone is rarely adequate to permanently fix your vein issues. You really need your legs fully evaluated by a skilled vein specialist who is capable of fixing your circulation and not just the area around the ulcer.

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Answered by The Sheen Vein Institute

The reason people have ulcers is because there is a large amount of underlying vein disease within the affected leg. The stockings are a nice temporizing measure that may work for a while but, in your case, it appears like those days are over. Your vein disease will progress with time, and this is why the stocking no longer prevents your ulcers from forming. Addressing the underlying circulation defect that results from vein disease will permanently eliminate your ulcer issues. Just doing some sclerotherapy alone is rarely adequate to permanently fix your vein issues. You really need your legs fully evaluated by a skilled vein specialist who is capable of fixing your circulation and not just the area around the ulcer.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vascular Center and Vein Clinic of Southern Indiana

Published on May 04, 2016

Schedule a venous duplex ultrasound with reflux time assessment. Wear compression stockings for leg swelling.

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Answered by Vascular Center and Vein Clinic of Southern Indiana

Schedule a venous duplex ultrasound with reflux time assessment. Wear compression stockings for leg swelling.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on May 04, 2016

Your venous disease may be getting worse. You need a repeat ultrasound of your legs to see what is going on.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

Your venous disease may be getting worse. You need a repeat ultrasound of your legs to see what is going on.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Access and Vascular Restorative Medicine PLLC

Published on May 04, 2016

Your compression stockings might have lost compressive strength. You should probably be reevaluated for new ones.

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Answered by Access and Vascular Restorative Medicine PLLC

Your compression stockings might have lost compressive strength. You should probably be reevaluated for new ones.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on May 04, 2016

Perhaps the stockings have lost their compression, or you may need to be refitted.

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

Perhaps the stockings have lost their compression, or you may need to be refitted.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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