A study in The Lancet suggests that compression stockings do not offer any additional protection from blood clots for stroke victims. They compared standard treatment, and standard treatment plus stockings and the results were the same.

The study didn’t include other conditions, like joint replacement or edema.

But compression stockings can be a real mother to put on, especially if the wearer has big legs. They can roll down and constrict, and some people say they are uncomfortable.

That’s why it’s good to do studies, to find out whether the treatment is worth the trouble.