Compression stockings are elastic stockings worn to improve blood circulation and relieve swelling or edema in the legs. Compression stockings produce gradual pressure: they are tightest in the leg and ankle area and the higher you go, the looser they are. Because they have to fit snugly on your feet, compression stockings can be difficult to put on. Knowing the method and when to wear compression stockings and how to choose the right compression stockings makes it easier to get used to wearing these stockings.
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Part 1 of 4: Wearing Compression Stockings
Step 1. Put on compression stockings right after getting up in the morning
When you wake up in the morning, your feet are slightly elevated or at least horizontally so they are less likely to swell, as might happen when you start exercising, and compression stockings are easier to put on.
Support your feet while sleeping with a pillow. A 2x4 wooden block can also be placed under the foot of the mattress so that the legs are in a slightly higher position when sleeping
Step 2. Use talcum powder on the feet
If your feet are damp, compression stockings are difficult to put on. So, so as not to damp, sprinkle talcum powder or cornstarch on the feet and calves.
Step 3. Put your hands into the stockings and grasp the toes
One of the easiest ways to put on compression stockings is to flip the top of the stocking so that the inside is outside. The toes of the stockings should not be reversed. Grasp the toes of the stockings from the inside.
Step 4. Pull the top of the stocking down the sleeves to flip the inside out
Pinch the toes of the stockings so that they don't turn upside down when pulling the top of the stockings.
Step 5. Take your hands out of the stockings
Carefully remove your hands from the stockings so that the inside of the top of the stockings stays out and the toes of the stockings are ready to wear.
Step 6. Sit on a chair or the edge of the bed
Compression stockings are difficult to put on, especially if the toe is difficult to reach. Sit on a chair or the edge of the bed so you can bend over and reach your toes.
Step 7. Put on rubber or latex gloves
Compression stockings are easier to hold and pull when wearing gloves. Wear gloves made of latex, such as those used by medical professionals, or other similar materials. Rubber gloves for washing dishes can also be used.
Step 8. Insert your toes into the stockings
Insert your toes into the ends of the stockings and trim the stockings so that the toes of the stockings are parallel, even, and straight.
Step 9. Pull the stockings up to the heel
Hold the end of the stocking with your toes and pull the stocking up to the heel so that the entire foot is covered with the stocking.
Step 10. Pull the stockings up
Pull stockings with palms up to calves. Pull the stockings up so that the inside of the top of the stocking that is outside will be back inside (sticking to the skin). Stockings are easier to hold if you wear gloves.
Do not pull on the top of the stockings to put them on as this can cause the stockings to tear
Step 11. Smooth the stockings as you pull the stockings up with your palms
Make sure the stockings are straight and flat when pulled across the calf. Smooth out the wrinkles while pulling the stockings up with your palms.
- The top end of the knee-high compression stockings should reach the bottom of the knee, exactly two fingers wide from the knee.
- There are also compression stockings that reach the groin.
Step 12. Repeat the procedure for wearing compression stockings on the other leg
If your doctor recommends wearing compression stockings for both legs, use the same method for wearing stockings on the other leg. Make sure the height of the stockings on both legs is the same.
Doctors may recommend wearing compression stockings on only one leg
Step 13. Wear compression stockings every day
If the use of compression stockings is recommended by a doctor to increase blood flow, they may need to be worn daily. If you don't use them every day, you may have a hard time wearing them.
Take off compression stockings every night before going to bed
Step 14. Use a sock aid
If you have trouble reaching your toes or wearing compression stockings, using a sock aid may help. Sock aid is a tool in the form of a framework that resembles the shape of the sole of the foot. Put the stockings on the sock aid, then insert the foot into the tool. Lift the sock aid; As a result, the stockings fit well on the legs.
Step 15. Support the legs
If compression stockings are difficult to put on because your legs are swollen, lift your legs so they are higher than your heart for 10 minutes. Lie on the bed with your feet supported by pillows.
Part 2 of 4: Removing Compression Stockings
Step 1. Remove compression stockings at night
Before going to bed, remove compression stockings to rest your feet and allow them to be washed.
Step 2. Pull down the top of the stockings
Pull down until the upper calf of the stockings using both hands carefully so that the inside of the stockings is back outside. Remove the stockings from the legs.
Step 3. Remove compression stockings with a dressing stick
If you have trouble removing the compression stockings, especially if you can't reach your toes, use a dressing stick to grab and push the compression stockings off your feet. This method requires arm strength, which may be difficult for some people.
Step 4. Wash compression stockings after each use
Wash stockings by hand using detergent and warm water. Squeeze out excess water by rolling up the stockings with a towel. Hang stockings to dry.
Have at least two pairs of compression stockings on hand so you can still wear them while one is being washed
Part 3 of 4: Knowing When Compression Stockings Are Necessary
Step 1. Consult a doctor if your feet are painful or swollen
Pain and/or swelling in the legs interferes with activities and wearing compression stockings may solve the problem. Talk to your doctor about whether wearing compression stockings can help.
If the blood flow in the legs is not good, the use of compression stockings may not be the right choice
Step 2. Wear compression stockings if the blood flow in the legs is reduced
Your doctor may recommend wearing compression stockings if any of the following conditions occur: varicose veins, leg vein ulcers, deep vein thrombosis (blood clots in deep veins), or lymphedema (swelling in the legs).
Compression stockings may need to be worn daily for up to two years
Step 3. Wear compression stockings if you have varicose veins in your legs during pregnancy
Nearly a third of pregnant women experience varicose veins, which are widening of the veins, especially in the legs, due to increased pressure on these vessels. Wearing compression stockings helps with this problem and improves blood circulation.
Talk to your doctor about whether using compression stockings can help
Step 4. Wear compression stockings after surgery
In some postoperative conditions, the use of compression stockings is recommended to reduce the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) or the formation of blood clots in the veins. Compression stockings are usually recommended by doctors if after surgery the movement of the body becomes limited or it is necessary to lie in bed for a longer time.
Step 5. Put on compression stockings after exercising
Although the health benefits of wearing compression stockings during exercise are debated, if stockings are worn after exercise, blood flow will increase, resulting in shorter recovery time. Many runners and other athletes wear compression stockings during or after exercise; set according to your convenience.
Stockings of this type are usually sold at sporting goods stores under the name compression socks
Part 4 of 4: Choosing Compression Stockings
Step 1. Know how much compression stockings you need
The amount of pressure exerted by compression stockings is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Your doctor can suggest compression stockings with the right pressure for you.
Step 2. Know the length of stockings required
Compression stockings vary in length: knee-high or up to the groin. Talk to your doctor about the right length of compression stockings for you.
Step 3. Take a foot measurement
Your feet will need to be measured to determine the right size compression stockings for you. Measurements can be made by a doctor or an officer at a medical device store.
Step 4. Visit a pharmacy or medical supply store that sells compression stockings
Purchase compression stockings at your local pharmacy or medical supply store.
Some online stores also sell compression stockings. If you can't go to a medical supply store or doctor in person to get compression stockings that fit your feet, compression stockings can also be purchased online
Step 5. Check your health insurance
Some health insurers cover the purchase of compression stockings. However, for the purchase of compression stockings to be covered by insurance, a prescription from a doctor may be required.
Tips
- Because the longer, the elasticity of the stockings decreases, buy new compression stockings every 3-6 months.
- Have your doctor measure your feet again after a few months to buy the right size pressure stockings.
Warning
- Compression stockings should not be rolled up or folded.
- Compression stockings should not be worn by diabetic patients or if they have decreased blood circulation in the legs.
- Remove compression stockings if a tingling or bluish sensation occurs in the legs.
