Compression stockings are elastic stockings or tights that are worn to reduce swelling (edema) in the legs and to improve circulation. They generally compress gradually; this means they are tighter in the ankle and foot area and loosen slightly as they rise up the legs. They are quite snug and therefore difficult to pull up. Knowing when to wear them, how to choose the correct size and how to put them on will make it easier to integrate them into your daily routine.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Inserting the Compression Stockings
Step 1. Compression stockings should be put on as soon as you get up
In the morning the legs remained in a slightly raised or at least horizontal position for a long time. As a result, they are probably not as swollen as they might be later in the day. This will make it easier to put on the socks.
Try keeping your legs elevated during sleep by resting your feet on a pillow. You can also tilt the mattress slightly upwards by inserting a piece of wood of the appropriate size at the feet
Step 2. Sprinkle with talcum powder
If your legs are just a little wet, you may not be able to pull your socks up. Sprinkle talcum powder or cornstarch powder on your feet and calves to absorb excess moisture.
Step 3. Put your hand inside the sock and grab the toe
One of the simplest ways to put on compression stockings is to turn them outward from the top. It is advisable to leave the tip in the right direction. Reach your hand into the sock and grab the toe.
Step 4. Pull the top of the sock down around your arm
Grab the tip so that it is turned right as you pull the top down your arm to fold it inside out.
Step 5. Free your arm
Slide the sock gently out of the arm so that the top remains inside out while the toe is ready for the foot.
Step 6. Sit in a chair or on the side of the bed
Putting on compression stockings can be difficult, especially if you have difficulty reaching your feet. Try sitting in a chair or on the side of the bed so you can reach them more easily by bending down.
Step 7. Put on latex or rubber gloves
With these you will be better able to grab the socks and pull them up. Choose latex gloves such as those worn by healthcare professionals or others like them. Those for dishwashers are fine too.
Step 8. Insert your toes
Slide them to the end of the sock and line it up so that the toe is straight and wrinkle-free.
Step 9. Bring over the heel
As soon as the toe is properly seated in the tip, pull the bottom of the sock over the heel so that it covers the rest of the foot.
Step 10. Slide on the leg
Use your palms to drag the sock up over the calf. The wrong side of the top will unroll upwards and position itself in the right direction. With gloved hands you will be able to grasp better than with bare hands.
Do not pull the top of the sock to lift it onto the leg. This way you probably risk tearing it
Step 11. Adjust the sock as you drag it up
Make sure you keep it straight and wrinkle-free as you bring it over your calf. Smooth out any wrinkles as you go.
- If the compression stockings are knee-high, they should reach 2 fingers below the knee.
- Some models reach up to the upper thigh.
Step 12. Repeat with the other leg
If your doctor has prescribed stockings for both legs, follow these instructions to put on the other foot as well. Try to arrange them at the same height.
Some prescriptions may require only one
Step 13. Wear them every day
If your doctor has recommended them to improve circulation, you will likely need to wear compression stockings every day.
Take them off every night when you go to bed
Step 14. Use help
If you have trouble reaching your feet or putting them on, you may benefit from a sock aid. It is a device or a frame with the shape of a foot. Put your sock on it, then put your foot in it. The sock will be properly inserted into the foot once the device is removed.
Step 15. Keep your feet up
If you have trouble putting on compression stockings because your legs or feet are swollen, try lifting your feet above heart height for 10 minutes. Lie on the bed with your feet flat on a pillow.
Part 2 of 4: Take off the compression stockings
Step 1. Take them off before going to bed
This will make your legs rest and also give you the option to wash your socks.
Step 2. Pull the top of the sock down
Do this by gently grabbing the top of the sock with two hands. This will pull it down along the calf and place it inside out again. Remove the sock from your foot.
Step 3. Use a dressing aid
If you have trouble getting the socks off your ankles or feet, especially if you can't reach them comfortably, try using a health aid to grab and push them away. This requires some strength in the arms, which some may not have.
Step 4. Wash the compression stockings after each use
Wash them by hand with warm water and laundry soap. Squeeze out excess water by rolling them in a towel. Hang them up to dry.
Try to get at least two pairs so you have a spare to wear while you wash the other pair
Part 3 of 4: Know when to wear them
Step 1. Talk to your doctor if you have pain or swelling in your legs
Living with this discomfort can be problematic and compression stockings could be a cure-all. Discuss with your doctor whether this option can reduce discomfort.
If you have a significant reduction in blood flow in your lower limbs, compression stockings are not the right choice
Step 2. Wear them if it is a minor reduction in blood flow
Your doctor will check to see if you have varicose veins, venous ulcers, deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in a non-peripheral vein) or lymphedema (swelling in the legs). If any of these conditions are present, your doctor may prescribe compression stockings.
You may need to wear them every day for up to two years
Step 3. Wear them even in the case of varicose veins during pregnancy
These can occur in almost a third of pregnant women and are generally due to the enlargement that occurs as a result of the increased venous pressure that accompanies the state of pregnancy. Wearing compression stockings can give your legs more comfort and facilitate blood circulation.
Ask your doctor if they help your condition
Step 4. Put them on after surgery
In some cases they will be prescribed to patients who have undergone an operation to reduce the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) or the formation of venous clots. The doctor may prescribe compression stockings if post-operative recovery limits mobility or requires a prolonged hospital stay.
Step 5. Try them after the exercises
While the health benefits of this type of socks are controversial when used during exercise, use after physical activity decreases recovery time because circulation improves. Many runners and other athletes today wear compression stockings both during and after exercise. It is up to you to decide if you find them comfortable enough.
These designs are usually sold as compression socks and are available at sporting goods stores and other exercise supply stores
Part 4 of 4: Choose Compression Stockings
Step 1. Determine what degree of compression the socks should exert
This parameter is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). Your doctor will give you the correct degree of pressure for the stockings so that treatment is appropriate for your condition.
Step 2. Evaluate the length
Compression stockings are available in different lengths, including knee-highs and those that reach the upper thigh. Ask the doctor what length you need.
Step 3. Measure your legs
You will need to take measurements so that you know the correct size of compression stockings to choose. The doctor can do this; alternatively, a clerk at a health aids supply store should be able to help you.
Step 4. Go to a health care supply store or drugstore
Locate the local store that sells medical aids and see if they have compression stockings.
These are also available at some online retailers. It is preferable to go to a professional personally to find the ones that are tailor-made for you, but if that is irrelevant, try buying them online
Step 5. Check your health coverage
Some insurance plans cover the cost of their purchase; the public health service provides free or partially free assistance, depending on the pathology. Obviously, any coverage is linked to a medical prescription.
Advice
- Replace your compression stockings every 3-6 months to make sure you are wearing a pair with adequate elasticity.
- Ask your doctor to measure your legs again after a few months to make sure the stocking measurements are still okay.
Warnings
- Avoid rolling or wrapping the socks down.
- If you have diabetes or impaired venous circulation in your legs, you should rule out this type of socks.
- Take off your socks if you notice a bluish tinge in your legs or feet or if you feel any tingling sensation in your lower limbs.
