Do knee high compression socks prevent upper leg varicosities?

I underwent ambulatory phlebectomy for my right leg. No visible veins on left. I'm always standing at work (8-12 hrs).

Answers from doctors (14)


Vein Center of New Mexico

Published on Apr 14, 2015

Knee-high compression socks do not prevent varicose vein in the thigh. They do, however, provide calf support and help reduce the development of subsequent varicose vein. More importantly, they prevent swelling and potential skin changes which can result from hjgh venous pressure. Below-the-knee compression socks should be worn for life.

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Answered by Vein Center of New Mexico

Knee-high compression socks do not prevent varicose vein in the thigh. They do, however, provide calf support and help reduce the development of subsequent varicose vein. More importantly, they prevent swelling and potential skin changes which can result from hjgh venous pressure. Below-the-knee compression socks should be worn for life.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Apr 14, 2015

No, they don't. I would not recommend daily use of thigh-high compression hose either. I think the knee-high is adequate.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

No, they don't. I would not recommend daily use of thigh-high compression hose either. I think the knee-high is adequate.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


One probably needs thigh-high compression stockings to adequately prevent the varicosities in the legs. Other modifiable risk factors are avoiding prolonged standing, obesity and lack of exercise. Non-modifiable risk factors include advanced age, family history and female gender. Hope that helps.

Answered by Dr. Syed Bokhari M.D., F.A.C.C. (View Profile)

One probably needs thigh-high compression stockings to adequately prevent the varicosities in the legs. Other modifiable risk factors are avoiding prolonged standing, obesity and lack of exercise. Non-modifiable risk factors include advanced age, family history and female gender. Hope that helps.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Laser Vein Center

Published on Apr 13, 2015

There is some hope, but unfortunately there is no evidence that compression stockings prevent varicose veins on the upper or lower legs. That goes for knee-high or thigh-high compression stockings. The stockings still help with leg fatigue and discomfort and reduce the risk of blood clots.

Answered by Laser Vein Center (View Profile)

There is some hope, but unfortunately there is no evidence that compression stockings prevent varicose veins on the upper or lower legs. That goes for knee-high or thigh-high compression stockings. The stockings still help with leg fatigue and discomfort and reduce the risk of blood clots.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Ross T. Lyon, MD, FACS

Published on Apr 13, 2015

Unfortunately, the answer is no, because there is still significant reflux (backward flow), in the thigh. Furthermore, stockings don't prevent the development of varicose veins, they merely decrease their progression and help avoid most of the secondary complications, such as ankle swelling, stasis dermatitis (redness and discoloration of the ankle), and venous ulceration of the ankle.

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Answered by Ross T. Lyon, MD, FACS

Unfortunately, the answer is no, because there is still significant reflux (backward flow), in the thigh. Furthermore, stockings don't prevent the development of varicose veins, they merely decrease their progression and help avoid most of the secondary complications, such as ankle swelling, stasis dermatitis (redness and discoloration of the ankle), and venous ulceration of the ankle.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Apr 13, 2015

Compression of any style will not prevent varicose veins in the upper or lower leg. Varicose veins are typically an inherited problem. Hose will slow down the process and improve the circulation by pushing the blood into deeper healthy veins. We always recommend 15-20 or 20-30 mmHg knee hose for people who are sitting/standing for extended periods time, those who travel by car/air for extended times, and during pregnancy. They can help reduce fatigue, give you life after work.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Compression of any style will not prevent varicose veins in the upper or lower leg. Varicose veins are typically an inherited problem. Hose will slow down the process and improve the circulation by pushing the blood into deeper healthy veins. We always recommend 15-20 or 20-30 mmHg knee hose for people who are sitting/standing for extended periods time, those who travel by car/air for extended times, and during pregnancy. They can help reduce fatigue, give you life after work.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Venous disease (which is what you have if you needed varicosities removed) is progressive, though for some it is very slow to progress, and once treated you may not see more veins created, or perhaps not for years. That said, compression knee-highs will slow any progression if worn regularly of a high enough compression level (20-30 is what we recommend, and 15-20 will also have some impact). Compression starts at the ankle moves up the leg, so in a preventative sense, knee-highs will help.

Answered by Advanced Vein & Vascular Center Inc. (View Profile)

Venous disease (which is what you have if you needed varicosities removed) is progressive, though for some it is very slow to progress, and once treated you may not see more veins created, or perhaps not for years. That said, compression knee-highs will slow any progression if worn regularly of a high enough compression level (20-30 is what we recommend, and 15-20 will also have some impact). Compression starts at the ankle moves up the leg, so in a preventative sense, knee-highs will help.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Vein Clinic

Published on Apr 13, 2015

No, compression socks won't prevent the occurrence of varicose veins, but they can slow the progression. They will also help with symptoms of aching and heaviness and protect your legs from venous hypertension effects.

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Answered by The Vein Clinic

No, compression socks won't prevent the occurrence of varicose veins, but they can slow the progression. They will also help with symptoms of aching and heaviness and protect your legs from venous hypertension effects.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Sheen Vein Institute

Published on Apr 13, 2015

Compression stockings do not prevent upper leg or lower leg varicosities. Compression stockings only help from a symptomatic standpoint. They have never been shown to slow down the progression of vein disease or actually get rid of it in the absence of treatment.

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Answered by The Sheen Vein Institute

Compression stockings do not prevent upper leg or lower leg varicosities. Compression stockings only help from a symptomatic standpoint. They have never been shown to slow down the progression of vein disease or actually get rid of it in the absence of treatment.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Texas Vein And Cosmetic Specialists

Published on Apr 13, 2015

No, but I'm not sure that how much stockings, of any length, reduce varicosities. If they do slow down progression, I don't know the rate. The main reason that we recommend them is to reduce swelling and for patient comfort.

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Answered by Texas Vein And Cosmetic Specialists

No, but I'm not sure that how much stockings, of any length, reduce varicosities. If they do slow down progression, I don't know the rate. The main reason that we recommend them is to reduce swelling and for patient comfort.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Premier Vein Specialists

Published on Apr 13, 2015

Since you had correction of the underlying problem, knee-high compression stockings would be sufficient.

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Answered by Premier Vein Specialists

Since you had correction of the underlying problem, knee-high compression stockings would be sufficient.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Byrne Road Vein Clinic

Published on Apr 13, 2015

Knee-high compression stockings do not prevent upper leg varicosities, but they do slow down the process of developing them. Besides wearing stockings, you should also use other preventative measures which include getting regular exercise, trying to maintain an ideal weight and avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time. While you're standing at work, try walking around frequently, that will help also to slow down the process of developing more varicose veins.

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Answered by Byrne Road Vein Clinic

Knee-high compression stockings do not prevent upper leg varicosities, but they do slow down the process of developing them. Besides wearing stockings, you should also use other preventative measures which include getting regular exercise, trying to maintain an ideal weight and avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time. While you're standing at work, try walking around frequently, that will help also to slow down the process of developing more varicose veins.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor East Tremont Vascular

Published on Apr 13, 2015

Upper leg or thigh varicosities are usually secondary to reflux from the groin or mid-thigh. The level of compression stockings is debatable. The only one to provide definite benefit are knee-high compression stockings.

Answered by East Tremont Vascular (View Profile)

Upper leg or thigh varicosities are usually secondary to reflux from the groin or mid-thigh. The level of compression stockings is debatable. The only one to provide definite benefit are knee-high compression stockings.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Apr 13, 2015

Knee high compression will reduce venous pressure from the knee down and increase the venous return. They will not reduce venous pressure in the thighs. However, most of the increased venous pressure and the strongest muscle pump of the legs is in the calf muscles, so improving the calf compression may help to reduce the thigh pressure by increasing the venous return.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Knee high compression will reduce venous pressure from the knee down and increase the venous return. They will not reduce venous pressure in the thighs. However, most of the increased venous pressure and the strongest muscle pump of the legs is in the calf muscles, so improving the calf compression may help to reduce the thigh pressure by increasing the venous return.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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