Can I wear pantyhose instead of medical compression stockings?

I have large varicose veins. Do pantyhose work just as well as medical grade compression stockings?

Answers from doctors (8)


Vein Treatment Clinic

Published on Aug 26, 2019

A vein expert is recommended. They will outline the best treatment according to your ultrasound results and your specific goals. New technology makes the process very simple. Consider discussing all the options with them.

A medical-grade compression stocking is a conservative method for symptom relief. They hold a specific pressure in mmHg for this purpose and should be prescribed by your provider in order to help with the symptoms of the varicose veins.

All the best!

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Answered by Vein Treatment Clinic

A vein expert is recommended. They will outline the best treatment according to your ultrasound results and your specific goals. New technology makes the process very simple. Consider discussing all the options with them.

A medical-grade compression stocking is a conservative method for symptom relief. They hold a specific pressure in mmHg for this purpose and should be prescribed by your provider in order to help with the symptoms of the varicose veins.

All the best!

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Nov 15, 2016

Panty hose should be sufficient if the compression is at least 20 mmHg. Panty hose may not be as good as medical compression hose but they are better than no compression. Better still, see a vein specialist to evaluate your varicose veins.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Panty hose should be sufficient if the compression is at least 20 mmHg. Panty hose may not be as good as medical compression hose but they are better than no compression. Better still, see a vein specialist to evaluate your varicose veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Susan B Fox, D.O. RPVI, FSVM

Published on Oct 26, 2016

Two completely different things. Pantyhose have no compression, whereas compression hose are graduated compression from the foot up the leg to their highest point. The latter help milk the blood up the leg by having graduated compression. Normal pantyhose are not tight and don't have graduated compression. For this reason, regular pantyhose would not relieve symptoms associated with varicose veins and are therefore not a good conservative measure.

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

Two completely different things. Pantyhose have no compression, whereas compression hose are graduated compression from the foot up the leg to their highest point. The latter help milk the blood up the leg by having graduated compression. Normal pantyhose are not tight and don't have graduated compression. For this reason, regular pantyhose would not relieve symptoms associated with varicose veins and are therefore not a good conservative measure.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Oct 26, 2016

Regular pantyhose do not work as well because they are not a graduated compression hose.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

Regular pantyhose do not work as well because they are not a graduated compression hose.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Mercy Imaging Centers

Published on Oct 25, 2016

Regular pantyhose are of no value whatsoever. But, medical grade compression garments in a pantyhose configuration are avaliable, and not all ugly!

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Answered by Mercy Imaging Centers

Regular pantyhose are of no value whatsoever. But, medical grade compression garments in a pantyhose configuration are avaliable, and not all ugly!

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Oct 25, 2016

If you prefer pantyhose, there is no reason not to wear them. Ensure they are measured and fitted and of good quality.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

If you prefer pantyhose, there is no reason not to wear them. Ensure they are measured and fitted and of good quality.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Vein institute of Blue Bell

Published on Oct 25, 2016

No, they do not. Medical grade compression stockings are custom fitted and provide a measured amount of compression. In addition, many insurance companies require medical compression stockings as part of a conservative trial prior to any procedures. Pantyhose are not a substitute. There are a variety of compression stockings in the market, some geared toward athletes and others that are more fashionable. If you have venous insufficiency, medical compression stockings may be an essential part of your treatment.

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Answered by The Vein institute of Blue Bell

No, they do not. Medical grade compression stockings are custom fitted and provide a measured amount of compression. In addition, many insurance companies require medical compression stockings as part of a conservative trial prior to any procedures. Pantyhose are not a substitute. There are a variety of compression stockings in the market, some geared toward athletes and others that are more fashionable. If you have venous insufficiency, medical compression stockings may be an essential part of your treatment.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Oct 25, 2016

Not really. Pantyhose that you find in a department store or convenience store do not have graduated compression and therefore would not serve the function you need. There are graded compression pantyhose if you'd prefer.

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

Not really. Pantyhose that you find in a department store or convenience store do not have graduated compression and therefore would not serve the function you need. There are graded compression pantyhose if you'd prefer.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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