Is There a Risk to Wearing Support Stockings?

Support stockings are also called compression hose and travel stockings. They have various levels of compression and some are graduated to provide more pressure at the bottom. They also can be knee high or thigh high. Support stockings can be worn on one leg or both legs.

Function

• You may wear support stockings for relief of tired legs. MayoClinic.com recommends support stockings to help with pulmonary embolism, varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis, low blood pressure, edema (swelling) and other disorders.

Size

• According to a study by Elizabeth H. Winslow, PhD, RN, FAAN and Debra L. Brosz, MSN, RN, ONC, NEA-BC, incorrectly sized support stockings can cause skin damage. If they are too tight they can cause circulation problems.

Hours Worn

• Wearing stockings for more hours than instructed by your physician or while in bed may increase skin irritation or damage. Winslow and Brosz report that improperly worn compression stockings can increase deep-vein thrombosis.

Type

• Knee high support stockings are recommended by Winslow and Brosz to improve fit and proper wearing time. Thigh high stockings are harder to fit and reportedly less comfortable

Warning

• Swelling in your leg or foot is an indication that the stockings are too tight or there are complications. Remove the stockings immediately and contact your doctor.