Vein Doctors Sydney

Vein Specialists for the Northern Beaches and North Shore

Compression stockings

Medical compression stockings

Compression stockings ease the aching, heaviness and swelling of varicose veins, and are an important part of recovery after vein treatment. We supply Sigvaris medical-grade stockings, measured and fitted in our rooms after a consultation to check they are right for you.

Sigvaris class 2 (23 to 32 mmHg), knee-high or thigh-high$150 a pair, measured and fitted in our roomsManly and St Leonards

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Manly St Leonards

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Not for urgent medical concerns. In an emergency, call 000.

How they help

What compression stockings do

Compression stockings squeeze the leg most at the ankle and less higher up. This helps the veins push blood back towards the heart and stops fluid building up in the lower leg.

They are a good way to manage symptoms, but they are not a cure. If your veins are troubling you, an ultrasound shows whether treatment would help. About varicose vein treatment

Ease symptoms
Aching, heaviness, swelling and night cramps from varicose veins are usually better while you wear them.
Help after treatment
Worn after vein treatment, they reduce bruising and discomfort while the leg settles.
Treat swelling and ulcers
Firm compression is a key part of treating long-term leg swelling and venous leg ulcers.
What they do not do
They do not close the faulty vein or make varicose veins go away, and symptoms usually return when you stop wearing them.
Getting fitted

How we fit your stockings

Stockings only work if they are the right size and strength, and firm compression is not safe for everyone. That is why we check first.

Dr Ryan McConnell talking with a patient in the Manly consulting room
01
Consultation
Class 2 stockings are firm, so Dr McConnell checks your veins and circulation first. If you have an ulcer, or there is any concern about the blood supply to your legs, an arterial ultrasound is done before firm compression is started.
02
Measuring
Your ankle, calf and, for thigh-high stockings, thigh are measured, ideally in the morning before your legs swell.
03
Fitting
We fit your stockings and show you how to put them on and take them off.
04
Wearing them
Put them on in the morning and take them off at night. Replace them when they lose their stretch, usually every few months.
Which stocking

The stockings we supply

Dr McConnell will recommend the length that suits your veins.

Firm compression is not right for everyone. Tell us if you have poor circulation in your legs, diabetes with numb feet, heart failure, or a skin infection or fragile skin on your legs.
Strength
Class 2, 23 to 32 mmHg. Firm, medical-grade compression for varicose veins, swelling and after treatment.
Knee-high
Suits most people, especially when symptoms are in the calf and ankle. Easier to put on.
Thigh-high
For veins above the knee, or after treatment of the thigh veins.
Brand
Sigvaris, a Swiss medical stocking maker.
Everyday life

Pregnancy, flights and standing jobs

General advice for common situations. If you have varicose veins or swelling, a consultation is the best place to start.

Pregnancy
Varicose veins and swollen ankles are common in pregnancy, and stockings can ease them. Many veins improve after the birth. We see pregnant women for advice and compression, and treat any veins that remain once you are about 6 months after delivery.
Long flights
On flights of more than about 4 hours, below-knee stockings, walking the aisle and moving your feet help lower the risk of a clot. If you have had a clot before, ask your doctor before you fly.
Standing jobs
If you stand most of the day, wearing stockings at work can ease aching and swelling by the evening. Short walks and calf raises help too.
Cost

What it costs

Stockings
$150
Per pair, knee-high or thigh-high, measured and fitted. Some private health funds pay a rebate when stockings are medically needed.
Consultation
$330
Your first consultation, with a Medicare rebate of $88.40 with a GP referral. A vein ultrasound with a referral is bulk billed.

See all fees

Dr Ryan McConnell, interventional radiologist
Your doctor

Dr Ryan McConnell

BMBS, FRANZCR · Interventional radiologist

Dr McConnell is an interventional radiologist and vein specialist, and performs every treatment himself. Interventional radiologists treat conditions through a needle, guided by imaging, every day. About varicose vein treatment

More about Dr McConnell

Questions

Common questions

No. They ease the symptoms while you wear them, but they do not close the faulty vein, and the symptoms come back when you stop. Treating the faulty vein is the only way to get rid of varicose veins. About varicose vein treatment

The stockings we supply are class 2, a firm medical-grade compression, so Dr McConnell checks your veins and circulation first. For light support on a flight or for tired legs, a lighter class 1 stocking from a pharmacy may be enough.

Put them on in the morning, before your legs swell, and take them off at night. You do not need to sleep in them unless you are told to after treatment.

Usually, yes. How long depends on your treatment, and we will tell you on the day. After phlebectomy, for example, a firm bandage goes on for 24 hours, then a stocking for 2 weeks.

Some private health funds pay a rebate on extras cover when stockings are medically needed, but not all do. Check with your fund before you buy.

Turn the stocking inside out down to the heel, put your foot in, then roll it up your leg rather than pulling. Rubber gloves give a better grip, and we can show you how at your fitting.

Get the right stockings for your legs

Book a consultation and we will check your veins, then measure and fit your stockings, in Manly or St Leonards.

Request an appointment
(02) 9023 9970

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Information on this website is general and isn't a substitute for advice about your own health. For other interventional radiology procedures, visit drryanmcconnell.com.au.

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