Is it normal to have swelling by the knee when wearing knee-high compression socks (15-20mmhg) for the day?

I had sclerotherapy done and I'm now looking to prevent future spider veins. I have started to wear compression socks and sleeves. Is it normal to have swelling by the knee when wearing knee-high compression socks (15-20mmhg) for the day? Is it normal to have swelling at the knee and ankles after wearing compression calf sleeves? I am trying to wear some type of compression to prevent more spider veins and I spend the day on my feet.

Answers from doctors (4)


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Mar 17, 2016

There is no evidence that compression hose or sleeves will prevent future spider veins. Swelling can occur, but it is usually because of incorrect fit on the compression hose or sleeve.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/464_1408044069.jpg
Answered by Advanced Vein Center

There is no evidence that compression hose or sleeves will prevent future spider veins. Swelling can occur, but it is usually because of incorrect fit on the compression hose or sleeve.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Published on Mar 10, 2016

Your side effects are normal. Probably compression hose will not prevent the appearance of spider veins, especially when you are on your feet most of the day.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/554_1447800116.jpg
Answered by Cosmetic Vein Centers of Texas

Your side effects are normal. Probably compression hose will not prevent the appearance of spider veins, especially when you are on your feet most of the day.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Mar 10, 2016

Your swelling does not sound like it is caused by the compression hose. You should talk to your primary care doctor to evaluate why you have leg swelling. Compression sleeves should only be used during exercise for the very reason that you can develop foot swelling if worn for extended periods. You are a candidate for a thigh-length stocking if you are getting swelling above the knee. You may also need to increase compression to 20-30 mmHg pressure. You should be measured and fitted early in the day by an experienced hose fitter. Ill fitting hose can cause other issues and impair the circulation.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/623_1499902138.jpg
Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Your swelling does not sound like it is caused by the compression hose. You should talk to your primary care doctor to evaluate why you have leg swelling. Compression sleeves should only be used during exercise for the very reason that you can develop foot swelling if worn for extended periods. You are a candidate for a thigh-length stocking if you are getting swelling above the knee. You may also need to increase compression to 20-30 mmHg pressure. You should be measured and fitted early in the day by an experienced hose fitter. Ill fitting hose can cause other issues and impair the circulation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Mar 10, 2016

Your stockings are probably just moving the edema from your calf to above the stocking (knee area). This is ok--better than chronic ankle swelling--but thigh-high stockings would likely prevent this. I don't like sleeves without the foot/ankle part because you can get swelling below the stocking. You may want to address your leg swelling with your medical MD. If you have swelling in both legs, you might benefit from a diuretic. But this would need to be evaluated by your medical MD.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/922_1408044082.jpg
Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

Your stockings are probably just moving the edema from your calf to above the stocking (knee area). This is ok--better than chronic ankle swelling--but thigh-high stockings would likely prevent this. I don't like sleeves without the foot/ankle part because you can get swelling below the stocking. You may want to address your leg swelling with your medical MD. If you have swelling in both legs, you might benefit from a diuretic. But this would need to be evaluated by your medical MD.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Related Questions for Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy -11 answers
How long does it take to see spider veins vanish after Sclerotherapy? Is there any hope the veins will disappear after more time has gone by?
See More
Sclerotherapy -12 answers
I have a lot of green veins on my legs, calves, even my arms and other parts of my body. Are those on my legs reticular veins, or could they be normal veins? They are very obvious. I never had them until my pregnancy last year. I have delivered 1 year ago.
See More
Sclerotherapy -10 answers
Why is it necessary to wear Compression Stockings after Sclerotherapy?
See More
Sclerotherapy -10 answers
I had 6 treatments of sclerotherappy one week apart. Much of the treatments were injecting "feeders". It's been over 2 months since my first treatment and my veins look worse. I have new quite dark veins that have popped up. What happened?
See More
Sclerotherapy -9 answers
Will the length of time be longer then two weeks?
See More
Sclerotherapy -10 answers
It has been 8 weeks since I had spider and 1 surface blue vein injected by vein surgeon. I still have black blue spots and the surface vein looks worse, will this correct itself or do i need more treatments/ new doc??
See More
Sclerotherapy -11 answers
I had a sclerotherapy treatment, but instead of being prescribed compression stockings, my doctor advised me to use an elastic bandage. Is the bandage just as effective as compression stockings?
See More
Sclerotherapy -12 answers
What chemicals are in the saline solution and does it have mercury in it and if not what is in it? what are the side effects if any.
See More
Sclerotherapy -4 answers
I recently just noticed that all of my veins are visible all over my body, including a few in the chest area....is this normal? I'm currently on Accutane too.
See More
Sclerotherapy -9 answers
How long after Sclerotherapy can you get in the sun?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works
Sclerotherapy -11 answers
I just had the sclerotherapy procedure today. I would love to cut off the feet of my compression stockings. I feel like it would be much more comfortable. Would that defeat the purpose?
See More
Sclerotherapy -6 answers
How soon after sclerotherapy can I play tennis? run? dance?
See More
Sclerotherapy -9 answers
After sclerotherapy, there is a small section that is lumpy and discolored. My treating pysician does not drain these, is there any way to speed up the healing/fading of pigmentation?
See More
Sclerotherapy -9 answers
I hade sclerotherapy yesterday, but I can still see a few of the veins that were treated. How long until all the veins disappear?
See More
Sclerotherapy -13 answers
I've heard that occasionally, small lumps of clotted blood can be felt after sclerotherapy. Aren't blood clots quite dangerous?
See More
Sclerotherapy -10 answers
Will running short distances, say 2-4 miles three times per week, be of detriment to sclerotherapy procedures? What about medium distance hikes of 5-10 miles that include hills?
See More
Sclerotherapy -11 answers
Can you go in a hot tub after sclerotherapy and how long do you have to wear the stocking for?
See More
Sclerotherapy -11 answers
I had sclerotherapy almost 4 weeks ago. My legs now ache and feel heavy as soon as I get up in the morning. I have been wearing support knee highs. How long should this last? Legs didn't feel this way before sclerotherapy.
See More
Sclerotherapy -6 answers
Would I see the results right away after Sclerotherapy treatment? If not, when wil the bruises go away? Is it normal to still see all my treated veins after 10 days?
See More
Sclerotherapy -13 answers
I had a sclerotherapy procedure for spider veins on lateral upper thigh just over two weeks ago at derm dr. Since that time, have noticed an approx. 1" wide area of tons of tiny new vessels just distal to injection sites. How long before this goes away?
See More
Get answers from our experienced doctors.
How it works

Related Articles

Have specific questions?
ASK A DOCTOR