What Causes Bleeding Of Legs After Wearing Compression Stockings?

Posted on Mon, 5 Jan 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 5 Jan 2015 Answered on

Tue, 3 Feb 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : My doctor has recommended I wear compression stockings. They cause my legs to bleed and are painful to wear.

Answered by Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Compression stockings

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query. I can understand your concerns.
Compression stockings are generally prescribed for Chronic peripheral venous insufficiency,Deep vein thrombosis(DVT) prophylaxis and also for management of Postural hypotension in elderly.
However it is crucial that compression stockings are properly sized. The compression should gradually reduce from the highest compression at the smallest part of the ankle, until a 70% reduction of pressure just below the knee.

‘Senile’ purpura presumed to be due to an age-associated loss of the sub cutaneous fat and the collagenous support of small blood vessels, making them more prone to damage from minor trauma e.g pressure of compression stockings may cause bleeding.

What you need is size modification of stockings .

Regards

Dr. T.K. Biswas M.D. XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T