How Long Should I Wear Compression Stockings?

If your doctor has recommended that you wear compression stockings for deep venous thrombosis (DVT), post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS), varicose veins, or other conditions that require vein support, chances are you have a lot of questions.

Your first question might be: how long should I wear them?

The answer: It varies.

Most people, especially those with DVT or PTS, start wearing the stockings immediately and wear them at all times, except when bathing and sleeping (your doctor may tell you to keep your legs elevated at night). For DVT patients, wearing the stockings is advised until you get back to your normal level of physical activity. For PTS patients, you may be advised to wear stockings for 2 years or more.

If your vein condition is mild, such as tired, aching legs due to the added weight of pregnancy, you may only wear stockings for a short period of time.

Before you purchase stockings, ask your doctor directly how many hours you should wear them daily and how long he or she expects you’ll have to wear them in general.

You should put your stockings on in the morning, when you get out of bed, but make sure that your legs are dry. If you use moisturizing lotion on your legs, put it on at night after you take your stockings off because the moisturizers may damage the stockings’ compressive fibers.

You should take your stockings off at night before getting into bed, wash the compression stockings, and lay them flat to dry.

To make going to the bathroom easier during the day, you may want to purchase thigh-high type stockings – these can be worn with a garter belt, if you want, and do not require you to pull down the stockings to use the toilet.