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DVT and compression socks: what they can do before, during and after a clot
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- Prescription-level 30 to 40 mmHg knee-high stockings. Best for: People whose doctor has prescribed compression after a DVT. See options on Amazon
- 20 to 30 mmHg knee-high compression socks. Best for: Lower-level wear when your doctor recommends it, such as for travel or ongoing mild swelling. See options on Amazon
- Stocking donner frame. Best for: Anyone who struggles with firm stockings. See options on Amazon
- Rubber donning gloves. Best for: Smoothing stockings and gripping the fabric. See options on Amazon
First: suspected DVT is not a sock problem
The NHS describes DVT symptoms as throbbing pain in one leg (rarely both), usually in the calf or thigh, swelling in one leg, red or darkened skin around the painful area, and swollen veins. It says to get an urgent GP appointment or call NHS 111 if you think you have DVT.
Call 999 (911 in the US) or go to the emergency department if you have DVT symptoms and are short of breath or have chest pain. Cleveland Clinic lists pulmonary embolism symptoms as chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing blood, lightheadedness and fainting. The NHS says a pulmonary embolism can be life-threatening and needs treatment straight away.
Do not put on compression socks to manage a leg you suspect has a clot. Get it diagnosed first.
Where compression fits in DVT care
| Stage | Role of compression | Source |
|---|---|---|
| In hospital, higher-risk patients | You may be given compression stockings to help prevent a clot | NHS |
| After surgery | Compression stockings or medicine, if your provider prescribes them, to reduce clot risk | Cleveland Clinic |
| After a DVT is diagnosed | Blood thinners are the treatment; stockings may be added to improve or get rid of leg swelling | NHS, Cleveland Clinic |
| Long-term | Some people wear stockings for two years or more; MedlinePlus says stockings can help prevent post-phlebitic syndrome | Cleveland Clinic, MedlinePlus |
Cleveland Clinic notes that post-thrombotic syndrome can cause leg pain and swelling that lasts months to years, which is why your doctor may want you to keep wearing them after the clot is treated.
Pressure levels used for DVT
Sigvaris, a maker of medical compression, lists these levels:
- 15 to 20 mmHg: over the counter, for achy, heavy, slightly swollen legs
- 20 to 30 mmHg: the most commonly prescribed level, for varicose veins and mild swelling
- 30 to 40 mmHg: prescription, used for moderate to severe edema, DVT and venous ulcers
- 40 to 50 mmHg: prescription, for the most severe cases of DVT and post-thrombotic syndrome
After a DVT, the level and length should come from your doctor. Sigvaris notes that most pharmacies will not dispense higher levels without a prescription. MedlinePlus suggests a medical equipment store can measure your legs for the right fit.
Wearing them correctly
- Morning, before swelling builds. MedlinePlus says to put them on before you get out of bed.
- Roll on, then smooth. Roll the stocking down, fit your foot and heel, unroll it up the leg and smooth out wrinkles. Knee-highs should reach 2 fingers below the bend of the knee.
- Help putting them on: MedlinePlus suggests lotion allowed to dry, a little powder, rubber gloves or a stocking donner.
- Care: wash them daily in mild soap and water and air dry; keep two pairs to alternate; replace every 3 to 6 months (MedlinePlus).
- Do not stop on your own. MedlinePlus says talk to your provider first, and ask about alternatives if they are too uncomfortable.
Cleveland Clinic also suggests raising the affected leg, for example lying with your heels propped up about 5 to 6 inches.
Travel after a clot, or with clot risk
The NHS advises delaying flights and long journeys until at least 2 weeks after starting blood thinners. For journeys of 4 hours or more, it suggests loose clothing, drinking water, avoiding alcohol, and walking around when you can. Cleveland Clinic suggests standing and walking at least every half hour on long trips and getting out of the car every hour. Ask your doctor whether to wear your stockings for the journey. More on daily wear is in how long to wear compression socks.
What to look for when you buy
Prescription-level 30 to 40 mmHg knee-high stockings
Best for: People whose doctor has prescribed compression after a DVT
Sigvaris lists 30 to 40 mmHg for DVT, and Cleveland Clinic says knee-high stockings worn daily can reduce pain and swelling by at least half.
Watch out: Use only on a doctor's advice and get measured; not for people with arterial disease or uncontrolled heart failure.
See options on Amazon20 to 30 mmHg knee-high compression socks
Best for: Lower-level wear when your doctor recommends it, such as for travel or ongoing mild swelling
Sigvaris calls 20 to 30 mmHg the most commonly prescribed level, used for mild swelling.
Watch out: Not a substitute for blood thinners or a stronger prescribed level.
See options on AmazonStocking donner frame
Best for: Anyone who struggles with firm stockings
MedlinePlus lists a stocking donner among aids for getting compression stockings on.
Watch out: Practice a few times; check the heel lines up and there are no wrinkles.
See options on AmazonRubber donning gloves
Best for: Smoothing stockings and gripping the fabric
MedlinePlus suggests rubber gloves as an aid for putting stockings on.
Watch out: Remove rings first to avoid snagging the fabric.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- Do compression socks help prevent DVT?
- They can help in some settings. The NHS says higher-risk hospital patients may be given compression stockings, and MedlinePlus says stockings help prevent clots to a lesser extent than they prevent swelling.
- Should I wear compression socks if I have a blood clot?
- Only if your doctor recommends them after diagnosis. A suspected clot needs urgent care first; it is treated with blood thinners.
- How long should you wear compression socks after a DVT?
- Your doctor will decide. Cleveland Clinic says some people wear them for two years or more.
- What compression level is used for DVT?
- Sigvaris lists 30 to 40 mmHg for DVT and 40 to 50 mmHg for the most severe cases and post-thrombotic syndrome, both prescription levels.
- Can compression socks cause a blood clot?
- The sources here do not say so. Badly fitting socks can roll and dig in, so get measured and keep them smooth.
Sources
- DVT (deep vein thrombosis) (nhs.uk), NHS
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Symptoms and Treatment (my.clevelandclinic.org), Cleveland Clinic
- Compression levels and when to wear which one (sigvaris.com), Sigvaris (maker)
- Compression stockings (medlineplus.gov), MedlinePlus (NIH)