Compression socks after hip replacement typically need to be worn for two to six weeks, depending on your surgeon's instructions and your individual recovery
The length of time varies based on your surgery type, your risk of blood clots, and how well your leg is healing. Most surgeons recommend wearing them during the day and night for the first two weeks, then during the day only for another two to four weeks. Some patients stop sooner if swelling goes down quickly; others continue longer if complications develop. Your surgeon will give you a specific timeline at your discharge appointment — follow that guidance rather than a general rule, because your medical history and the surgery details matter more than typical timelines.
Compression socks work by squeezing your calf and lower leg to push blood back toward your heart, which reduces swelling and lowers the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot that can form after surgery. After hip replacement, you are immobile for several days and your leg is swollen, both of which increase clot risk. Compression socks are one of several preventive measures — you may also take a blood thinner by mouth or injection, use a sequential compression device (a sleeve that inflates and deflates around your leg), or do calf exercises as soon as your physical therapist clears them.
Key Takeaways
- Most surgeons recommend compression socks for two to six weeks after hip replacement, with the exact duration depending on your individual recovery and surgeon's orders.
- Wear them continuously (day and night) for the first two weeks, then switch to daytime only for the remaining weeks unless your surgeon directs otherwise.
- Compression socks reduce swelling and lower the risk of blood clots, which is the main reason they are prescribed after hip surgery.
- Stop wearing them only when your surgeon tells you to, not when swelling improves or you feel better, because clot risk remains even after visible swelling goes down.
- If your leg becomes more swollen, turns red, feels warm, or you develop calf pain or shortness of breath, contact your surgeon when ready rather than continuing compression socks alone.
When to start wearing them and what to expect
You will put on compression socks before you leave the hospital or surgery center, usually while you are still in recovery. The nursing staff will fit them to your leg — they come in different sizes and compression levels, typically 15 to 20 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) for post-operative use. They should feel snug but not painful; if they cut off circulation or cause numbness, tell your nurse when ready and ask for a different size.
For the first two weeks, wear them all day and all night except when bathing. You can remove them to shower, but put them back on as soon as you dry off. At night, many people find them uncomfortable or too warm, but keeping them on reduces clot risk during the hours when you are least active. If you cannot tolerate them at night, ask your surgeon whether daytime-only wear is acceptable for your situation — some surgeons will allow this if you are mobile and doing your exercises, but others will not.
Your leg will be swollen for several weeks after surgery, and the compression socks will feel tighter in the first few days than they do later. This is normal. As swelling decreases, the socks may feel looser, but continue wearing them for the full duration your surgeon recommends. Swelling that goes down does not mean clot risk has disappeared.
How to care for compression socks so they last through recovery
Wash them by hand in lukewarm water with mild soap every one to two days, or follow the care label if the manufacturer gives different instructions. Do not use hot water, bleach, or a washing machine, because these damage the elastic fibers that create the compression. Squeeze out excess water gently — do not wring them. Lay them flat to dry or hang them; do not put them in the dryer.
Most people need two pairs so one can dry while they wear the other. If you were given only one pair, ask your surgeon's office or the hospital discharge team for a second pair, or purchase one yourself — compression socks cost between $20 and $60 per pair at pharmacies, medical supply stores, and online retailers. Look for ones labeled "post-operative" or "15–20 mmHg" to match what your surgeon prescribed.
If a seam tears, elastic loosens, or the sock develops a hole, replace it. A damaged sock will not compress evenly and may actually restrict circulation instead of improving it. Check the fit every few days — as swelling decreases, the sock may become too loose and stop working. If it slides down or feels baggy, tell your surgeon; you may need a smaller size for the remaining weeks.
Signs you should stop wearing them early or continue longer
Stop wearing compression socks only when your surgeon tells you to, not based on how you feel. That said, contact your surgeon when ready if you develop any of these symptoms while wearing them: increased swelling in your leg or foot, redness or warmth in the calf, pain in the calf that is different from your normal surgical pain, skin breakdown or blistering under the sock, or numbness and tingling in your foot. These can signal a blood clot, skin irritation, or circulation problems that need medical attention.
You may need to wear compression socks longer than the standard six weeks if you have risk factors for blood clots: a history of clots, cancer, obesity, or immobility beyond the typical recovery period. Your surgeon will tell you at your follow-up visits if this applies to you. Some patients also develop persistent swelling (lymphedema) after hip replacement and continue compression socks for months or longer — your physical therapist can advise on this during your recovery.
Other ways to prevent blood clots alongside compression socks
Compression socks are one tool, not the only one. Most surgeons also prescribe a blood thinner — either a daily pill like aspirin or apixaban, or an injection like enoxaparin that you give yourself at home for one to two weeks. Take this medication exactly as prescribed, even though you are also wearing compression socks. The two work together to lower clot risk.
Start moving your leg as soon as your physical therapist clears it, usually within the first few days after surgery. Calf pumps (pointing and flexing your foot) and ankle circles improve blood flow and reduce swelling. Walking, even short distances with a walker or crutches, is one of the best clot preventers. Do not stay in bed longer than necessary, and do not cross your legs or sit with your knee bent for long periods.
Keep your leg elevated when you are sitting or lying down, especially in the first two weeks. Use pillows to prop your leg above heart level, which helps fluid drain and reduces swelling. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated — dehydration thickens blood and increases clot risk. Avoid long car rides or flights for at least four to six weeks after surgery, or ask your surgeon about additional precautions if travel is unavoidable.
What happens at your follow-up appointments
At your two-week post-operative visit, your surgeon will examine your leg, check for swelling and signs of clots, and tell you whether to continue compression socks and for how long. If swelling is minimal and you have no risk factors, you may stop them. If swelling persists or you have other concerns, you will continue them and return for another check in two to four weeks.
Bring your compression socks to the appointment so your surgeon can see how well they fit and whether they need to be replaced. If you have developed skin irritation, blistering, or numbness, show your surgeon that too — these are reasons to stop wearing them or switch to a different type. At your six-week visit, most patients are cleared to stop compression socks entirely, though your surgeon may recommend continuing them longer based on your individual recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear compression socks during physical therapy?
Yes, and most therapists recommend it. Remove them only during the actual therapy session if they get in the way of exercises or if your therapist asks you to, then put them back on when ready after. Compression socks do not prevent you from moving your leg or doing exercises — they work alongside your therapy to reduce swelling and clot risk.
What if I forget to wear my compression socks for a day?
Put them back on as soon as you remember. One missed day does not mean you will develop a blood clot, especially if you are past the first two weeks and are mobile and taking a blood thinner. However, try not to miss days during the first two weeks when clot risk is highest. If you are struggling to wear them, tell your surgeon — there may be alternatives or adjustments that make them more tolerable.
Do compression socks hurt or cause problems if I wear them too long?
Wearing them longer than prescribed is unlikely to cause harm, but it is unnecessary once your surgeon says you can stop. Prolonged use can occasionally cause skin irritation or numbness if the fit is wrong. Once your surgeon clears you to stop, remove them and monitor your leg for increased swelling over the next few days — if swelling returns significantly, contact your surgeon.
Can I buy my own compression socks instead of using the ones from the hospital?
Yes, as long as they are the correct compression level (15–20 mmHg for post-operative use) and fit properly. Hospital-provided socks are often included in your surgery costs, so check your discharge paperwork before buying your own. If you do purchase them, bring them to your follow-up appointment so your surgeon can confirm they fit correctly and provide the right amount of compression.
What is the difference between compression socks and a compression sleeve?
Compression socks cover your foot and calf; compression sleeves cover only your calf and thigh. Both work the same way. Your surgeon will specify which type you need based on your surgery and swelling pattern. Some people use a sleeve during the day and socks at night, or vice versa — ask your surgeon what is best for your recovery.