How do i choose between knee or thigh high supportive stockings for varicose veins?

Swelling location: Depending on the location/ extend of the swelling and varicosities. Typically patients using below knee stockings are more compliant than using above knee because they tend not to roll down . After venous ablation procedure , using above knee stockings is better to decrease swelling.

Comfort: There is no good study to support any one type of compression hose. Leg swelling is primarily below the knee, and effective control is usually with 20-30 mm hg, below knee. Some use thigh length for post-op care, long travel. 30-40 mm hg is used in ulcer care. Compliance can be a problem, especially in hot areas, in the elderly and those who have limited strength to place stockings.

Knee high: There is little reason to use anything other than knee high stockings. Thigh high stockings are more expensive, hotter, harder to put on, and often more uncomfortable. Their biggest drawback is that they really can't offer any meaningful amount of pressure above the knee. The amount of additional potential benefit to be gained for all the additional trouble of wearing thigh high isn't worth it.