Medically reviewed by Robin Huang, MD, DABOM, DABS, on April 27, 2025
If you’ve been told to wear compression socks or you've decided to try compression to ease leg pain or swelling, you might be confused by the number of choices. Are knee-high socks enough, or do my legs need full-thigh coverage? Is more coverage always better? And what about the pressure level? How do I know what’s needed for my optimal comfort? Is my shoe size a good indicator of the compression stocking size I should choose?
With so many options, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But choosing the right compression sock doesn’t have to be complicated, especially when you understand how they work, what your legs really need, and have a vein expert recommend what is right for you.
That’s where Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) comes in.
At Center for Vein Restoration, we help patients choose the right compression gear every day. From chronic swelling to varicose veins, compression socks are often part of a comprehensive vein care plan. But wearing the wrong type, size, or pressure level could actually do more harm than good.
To help you decide what’s right for your legs, we spoke with Dr. Robin Huang, board-certified vein specialist and lead physician at CVR’s Scarsdale, New York, vein clinic.
📅To schedule a consultation with Dr. Huang in Scarsdale, New York, CLICK HERE.
📍Don’t live near Scarsdale, New York? Call 240-965-3915 to speak to a helpful Patient Services Representative or schedule your consultation online at one of 110+ CVR vein clinics near you.
Now, let’s break it down.
Compression socks aren’t your average athletic or dress socks. These graduated elastic garments gently squeeze your legs, applying the most pressure at the ankle and gradually less up the leg. This boosts your body’s natural ability to push blood back toward the heart.
Dr. Huang explains:
“They improve venous return by supporting the calf muscle pump, reduce swelling by moving fluid out of the soft tissues, and even lower your risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Some athletes also use them for performance and recovery.” –Dr. Robin Huang
Here’s the quick answer: knee-highs stop below the knee, while thigh-highs reach your upper thigh. The difference is in coverage, not necessarily in strength.
“Whether thigh-high or knee-high, the compression strength is determined by the pressure rating—usually measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Over-the-counter socks are typically 10-15 mmHg, while prescription-strength stockings range from 20-30 mmHg and higher.” –Dr. Robin Huang
Compression socks help relieve symptoms of vein disease, but they don’t “treat” the root cause, a condition called venous insufficiency. Therefore, effectiveness depends not on the length alone, but on where the problem is in your leg.
“If your venous reflux is mostly in the lower leg, knee-high socks may be enough,” says Dr. Huang. “But if the reflux extends to the thigh, you may need a thigh-high option for full coverage.” –Dr. Robin Huang
A vein specialist like Dr. Huang can use a duplex ultrasound to pinpoint where your veins are failing and recommend the right level and length of compression.
According to MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine), a duplex ultrasound is a non-invasive test that uses sound waves to create images of your blood vessels and measure how blood flows through them. It combines traditional ultrasound (for pictures) and Doppler ultrasound (to detect blood movement and speed). This test helps diagnose conditions like blood clots, narrowed arteries, varicose veins, or poor circulation. It’s commonly used to check blood flow in the leg and involves no radiation or discomfort.
Most people start with knee-high compression socks because they’re:
✔ Easier to put on
✔ More comfortable for daily wear
✔ Ideal for issues below the knee, like ankle swelling or calf pain
✔ Often more affordable
“They’re a good first step for people with early signs of venous insufficiency. And they’re also a great preventive tool for long flights or jobs where you’re on your feet all day.” –Dr. Robin Huang
Sometimes thigh-high stockings are medically necessary, especially if:
But here’s the catch: they’re harder to wear.
“Thigh-highs can roll down, cause skin irritation, and be more difficult to apply. That impacts patient compliance, which is key. If you can’t wear them consistently, they won’t help.” –Dr. Robin Huang
Poorly fitted stockings can feel too tight, too loose, or downright uncomfortable. That’s not just annoying; it can be dangerous.
“If the sock is too tight, it can act like a tourniquet and cut off circulation. If it’s too loose, it won’t offer any benefit. Worse, for someone with peripheral artery disease, wearing compression may further reduce already-limited blood flow.” –Dr. Robin Huang
Don’t guess when it comes to your health! Let CVR guide you.
You don’t always need a prescription for compression socks. Light compression (10-15 mmHg) may help with minor swelling or tired legs after a long day.
But if you’re noticing:
It’s time to see a vein doctor. You may have chronic venous insufficiency (vein disease); stronger compression is often part of the treatment plan.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, compression stockings alone may not be enough.
Compression Helps—But It’s Not a Cure.
Persistent leg symptoms could signal vein disease. Let the vein specialists at Center for Vein Restoration diagnose the cause and offer proven, minimally invasive solutions.
📞 Call 240-965-3915 to speak with a CVR Patient Services Representative or schedule online.
Compression socks can reduce the risk of DVT during long flights or periods of inactivity. But they won’t stop chronic venous insufficiency from developing.
Instead, they’re used as part of conservative management—to reduce swelling, improve circulation, and provide symptom relief—while patients decide to pursue more definitive treatment, like ablation or sclerotherapy.
Don’t give up! There are tools to help, such as:
Lifestyle changes—like staying active, reducing salt intake, and elevating your legs—can also provide temporary relief.
But remember: Compression socks don’t cure vein disease! They help manage symptoms until a more permanent solution is pursued.
“If you’re unsure which length or strength is right for you, start with a visit to a vein specialist. We’ll help you understand where the problem lies and what treatment—or compression approach—makes the most sense.”–Dr. Robin Huang
At Center for Vein Restoration, we offer expert diagnosis, custom compression fittings, and minimally invasive vein treatments—all in a comfortable outpatient setting.
📍 Schedule a consultation with Dr. Robin Huang at our Scarsdale, NY clinic HERE.
📞 Ready to schedule at one of CVR’s other 110+ vein clinic locations?? Call 240-965-3915 to speak with a CVR Patient Services Representative or SCHEDULE ONLINE.
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