Do compression stockings help varicose veins?

What compression stockings can do (and what they cannot)

Compression stockings can be very helpful for symptoms such as aching, heaviness and swelling. They work by gently supporting the veins and reducing the amount of blood that pools in the lower leg when you are upright. They do not remove varicose veins, and they do not fix leaky valves, but they can make day-to-day life more comfortable.

When stockings are most likely to help

• Your symptoms worsen through the day and improve when you elevate your legs.
• You get ankle swelling by evening.
• You stand for long periods at work.
• You are travelling (especially long flights or car journeys) and want to reduce swelling and discomfort.

How to choose a pair

The right stocking is the one you will actually wear. Fit and comfort matter as much as the label on the box.

A simple way to decide

1. 1
   Start with a comfortable, properly fitted stocking rather than the strongest you can find

2. 2
   Choose knee-high unless you have symptoms higher up the thigh and have been advised otherwise

3. 3
   Put them on first thing in the morning, before swelling builds

4. 4
   If they roll, pinch, or cause pain, the size or style is wrong and it is worth changing rather than forcing it

Common problems (and quick fixes)

• They are hard to put on: a donning aid or rubber gloves can help.
• They feel too tight at the top: try a different brand, size, or top band style.
• They make itching worse: moisturise at night (not just before wearing) and consider whether you have skin changes from venous disease.

When stockings are not enough

If you are relying on stockings most days, or symptoms are limiting your walking, sleep, or work, it is reasonable to consider an appointment for assessment. A scan, if indicated, can show whether there is reflux in a main trunk vein and which treatment would actually address the cause.