After surgery, your risk of a blood clot in the leg, called deep vein thrombosis (DVT), goes up. Being less active, lying in bed and the surgery itself can all slow blood flow in your legs. If a clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs, it causes a pulmonary embolism (PE), which is a medical emergency.
Compression stockings help prevent clots by keeping blood moving through your leg veins. Your surgeon may recommend them along with walking, leg exercises and sometimes blood-thinning medicine. Compression doesn't replace a blood thinner if your doctor prescribed one.
Two kinds of stockings
Also called — Anti-embolism stockings: TED hose; Graduated compression stockings: Medical compression stockings
Pressure — Anti-embolism stockings: Lighter, about 8–18 mmHg; Graduated compression stockings: Usually 15–20 or 20–30 mmHg
Made for — Anti-embolism stockings: People in bed or not walking much, often in the hospital; Graduated compression stockings: People who are up and walking
When used — Anti-embolism stockings: During and right after surgery; Graduated compression stockings: Recovery at home, after vein procedures, travel and long-term use
Once you're home and walking, your doctor may switch you to graduated compression stockings. These are firmer and built for active wear. Always follow your surgeon's instructions on how long to wear them, which can be a few weeks or longer.
Compression for travel
Sitting for four hours or more on a plane, train or car ride also raises clot risk. Knee-high stockings at 15–20 mmHg are a common choice for travel. Get up and walk when you can, flex your ankles while seated and drink plenty of water. If you've had a clot before or recently had surgery, ask your doctor before a long trip.
How to wear them
Put them on in the morning, or as soon as your care team says to after surgery.
Smooth out wrinkles and don't roll or fold the top band, which can cut off circulation.
Check your skin daily for redness, marks or sores, especially at the heels and tops.
Make sure they're measured for you. Stockings that are too tight or too loose won't work as intended.
Warning signs of a blood clot
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these in one leg:
Swelling, often in the calf
Pain, cramping or tenderness
Warmth or red or darkened skin
Call 911 if you have sudden shortness of breath, chest pain that's worse when you breathe, a fast heartbeat or you cough up blood. These can be signs of a pulmonary embolism.
Who should not wear compression
Compression stockings aren't safe for everyone. Ask your doctor first if you have poor circulation in your arteries (peripheral artery disease), severe nerve damage in your legs, fragile or damaged skin, or severe heart failure.
How Midwest Compression can help
We carry graduated compression stockings for surgery recovery and travel from trusted brands like Sigvaris, Jobst, Juzo and Medi. Our fitters measure you for the right size and pressure, and we'll show you how to put them on. Bring your prescription or surgeon's instructions to your visit. Email us at customersupport@midwestcompression.com or call 800-883-1549.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Always follow your surgeon's and doctor's instructions.
