I have venous insufficiency and have one vein ablated. I wear 30-40 mmHg compression stockings, but my legs still swell when sitting/standing. Why?

Answers from doctors (4)


Beverly Hills Vein Center

Published on Jan 17, 2017

You may have lymphedema. Stockings of that strength should help venous swelling.

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Answered by Beverly Hills Vein Center

You may have lymphedema. Stockings of that strength should help venous swelling.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Jan 12, 2017

This could be because the ablation was unsuccessful, or that there are other sources of venous reflux that your doctor missed, or it could be for other reasons, including a more proximal venous obstruction in the pelvis. It could possibly be some lymphatic abnormality or possibly medication you might be taking.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

This could be because the ablation was unsuccessful, or that there are other sources of venous reflux that your doctor missed, or it could be for other reasons, including a more proximal venous obstruction in the pelvis. It could possibly be some lymphatic abnormality or possibly medication you might be taking.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Jan 11, 2017

Without seeing your records it is difficult to answer. Not all swelling is caused by venous insufficiency. Even in the presence of venous reflux (broken valves), I always tell my patients that treating this may not resolve the swelling. Many times it does. If you have deep vein reflux, compression, exercise, hydration, etc. are the treatments.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Without seeing your records it is difficult to answer. Not all swelling is caused by venous insufficiency. Even in the presence of venous reflux (broken valves), I always tell my patients that treating this may not resolve the swelling. Many times it does. If you have deep vein reflux, compression, exercise, hydration, etc. are the treatments.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Susan B Fox, D.O. RPVI, FSVM

Published on Jan 11, 2017

There are many reasons your leg may be swelling. One is that your stockings are old and not working well. Another is that you have very bad swelling from venous insufficiency or lymphedema combined with venous insufficiency. I would consult your physician to have the swelling evaluated and get a new prescription for compression hose.

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

There are many reasons your leg may be swelling. One is that your stockings are old and not working well. Another is that you have very bad swelling from venous insufficiency or lymphedema combined with venous insufficiency. I would consult your physician to have the swelling evaluated and get a new prescription for compression hose.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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