Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to properly pull on compression stockings and stay comfortable for the whole day.
Compression stockings come in 4 main compression levels. Their compression is measured in millimeters of mercury or mmHg. The higher the mmHg, the higher the stocking’s compression level! So make sure you are wearing the right stocking for you. Physicians may recommend a compression stocking, and in the below compression levels, and you can also consult our Compression Therapy Guide.
2) Turn the sock/stocking inside out
Remove any jewelry on your fingers to avoid damaging the fabric of the stocking.
Grab a portion of the sock and put your other hand inside the socks till the heel end. Use your fingers to grab the heel and pull it out. Now the sock is inside out with 2 layers and the heel being on the front.
3) Place your foot inside the sock.
Now gently place the toes of your foot in the heel opening of the sock. Slowly slide the sock under your heel.
4) Unfold the second layer of the sock
Place your fingers in the second layer of the sock around your foot and pull it over the heels and till it reaches below your knee (assuming this is a knee-high stocking). Do this slowly to prevent stretch or tear in the sock. The top band of the knee-high stocking should be two finger widths down from your kneecap.
5) Smooth out the wrinkles
Gently smooth out the wrinkled areas or pull the top of the sock to clear the wrinkles. Try to avoid pulling the top of the sock as this may cause tears or unnecessary stretching of the fabric. If you feel it is necessary, do it gently and slowly.
Video on how to wear compression socks
If you are someone with arthritis or you have decreased hand strength you may also wear rubber donning gloves to put on your compression stocking.
When wearing donning gloves the process of wearing compression stockings are much easier. The gloves also protect the fabric from damaging over fingernails or jewellery.
1) Fold the top band of the stocking over.
Fold the top band of the stocking over and place your fingers firmly on the inside of the stockings. The top band is a silicone material that could end up getting damaged even with the gloves on. This is why folding it is a necessity.
Point your toes then place your foot inside the sock/stocking and pull on it up as far as possible.
Once the sock has gone up as much as it can, smooth out wrinkles and then unfold the top band.
As mentioned earlier, smooth out any wrinkles and try to avoid pulling on the top of the sock too much.
Video on how to wear compression stocking with gloves
Getting the compression stocking on alone isn’t enough. You also need to know how to take them off. You could hurt your leg or destroy the material while trying to take it off.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to take off compression stocking.
1) Fold the sock gently.
Starting from the top band, fold the sock gently till you reach the heel of your foot.
2) Pop the sock off the heel
Once you reach the heel of the foot, place your thumbs inside the sock and gently pop it out from the heel and then slowly slide it off your foot.
Video on removing compression stocking
This method is more common and you can try it without wearing gloves. However, during the summer heat or if the compression is a bit too firm, it becomes difficult to take them off without damaging the fabric. We suggest to wear donning gloves and then try to remove them.
While wearing donning gloves, the process is changed a bit.
1) Hold the top of the fabric
Do not hold the top band. As mentioned before, the top band’s silicone material could be damaged because of the pressure you exert after wearing the donning gloves. Firmly hold the part right under it.
2) Fold the sock down
Once you gain a firm grip, slowly fold the stocking down your leg in one go. Do so until the top band of the sock goes past the heel of the foot.
3) Slide the sock out
Trying to pull on the top band to get the socks out will cause damage so it is wise to use the gloves and slide the socks gently out the foot. Do this a couple of times till the top band of the sock goes past or covers the toes of your foot. Now simply slide or slowly pull the sock out completely and you’re good to go.
Video on how to remove compression socks with glove
With this guide you will be able to wear and remove your socks or stockings with ease.
If you are having a hard time putting on these socks even with the steps mentioned on this guide then you may be interested in investing in an apparatus that can aid you in wearing and removing compression stockings.
There are many such accessories available.
The flexible sock aid allows you to put the sock on the product which will stretch it enough for you to place your foot inside it and slowly slide into the sock.
Image of sock aid
Where to buy: link
The stocking donner will help you wear and remove the stocking comfortably. Place the stocking in the middle frame and pull the stocking down till the end and then slide your foot into the stocking. Now slowly hold the two handles on the side and pull them up till you reach the top band of the stocking. This will ensure comfortable wear without any wrinkles or damage.
Image of stocking donner
Where to buy:link
Video on using Stocking Donner
The Doff N’ Donner works with a sleeve and a cone(must buy separately). Place the cone somewhere stable and then slip the stocking over the cone. Next slide the sleeve down to the base of the cone and then grab the top band of the stocking and pull it up. Stop when the top band reaches the top of the cone and then roll the sleeve off the cone with the stocking.
Now simply place your foot in the open part of the sleeve where the heel is and roll the sleeve upto your knee. That’s all there is to it.
If you don’t have the cone, that’s alright. You can still use the sleeve alone to wear your stocking. Simply slip the stocking onto your arm and repeat the same process on your arm.
Image of Doff n Donner
Where to buy: link
Watch this video to better understand the process
This accessory is used to keep your stocking up for the whole day in case your stocking doesn’t come with a gripping top band. Simply apply it to the area of the skin where the top band reaches and then wear your stocking without worry. The adhesive does not cause skin irritation or inflammation. The adhesive is removed only by applying water on the skin.
Image of It Stays
Where to buy:link
These are the gloves mentioned in the steps above. The gloves are especially useful for people with decreased hand strength or hand grip, for people with arthritis or any hand injury and even for the ladies with long nails and jewellery. The gloves make it much easier to wear the compression stocking and they’re much cheaper than any other product as well.
Image of Gloves
Where to buy:link
We hope this guide helped you find the right method and product to help you wear and remove the compression stocking you’ve bought.
]]>‘Edema’ is a condition that arises due to abnormal accumulation of fluid in the interstitium. The accumulation causes severe swelling on the legs. With the excessive swelling, the blood flow will be blocked. This can also lead to cardiac failure, liver failure, and nephrotic syndrome if not treated effectively. Compression socks assist by squeezing the areas affected to prevent the build-up of the fluids and to let it flow out of the area.
‘Chronic Peripheral Venous Insufficiency’ occurs as a result of the blood pooling in the veins and thus straining the walls of the veins. The cause for this is usually venous reflux where the valves that force the blood to go back up stops functioning. Chronic venous insufficiency is easily treatable but when left ignored can develop into more dangerous and threatening disorders.
The Symptoms are:
The compression socks help prevent the development of the disorder into something more severe. Instead, it makes sure the blood circulation is returned to normal by supplying apt pressure to the veins.
‘Varicose veins’ is a situation where the veins get enlarged and twisted. Typically noticed on the leg but varicose veins can be developed in other parts of the body. This disorder is seen as hereditary and seen more in women than men. There are other possible factors of the cause.
The Symptoms are:
A combination of these symptoms could lead to the above disorder. The disorder can be treated in a multitude of ways. The safest and cheapest would be to own a pair of compression stockings. They will help to reduce the varicose veins and regulate blood flow gradually.
The Symptoms are:
The disorder has several symptoms, and the appearance of other similar disorders can factor into its occurrence. However, most cases of deep vein thrombosis do not have any early symptoms. Patients only notice once it is in full effect.
Compression socks have proven to be highly effective in the treatment of this disorder. The pressure applied by the stockings can gradually remove the blood clot and help with the blood circulation.
‘Lymphedema’ is much similar to Edema where the leg swells up considerably due to the accumulation of fluids. However, the difference is that lymphedema occurs as a result of the fluids of the lymphatic system accumulating. This difference alone makes the disorder impossible to cure especially when in full effect. The disorder is commonly seen developing in cancer patients and patients with parasitic infections. While Edema and Lymphedema are different disorders, the appearance of Edema can lead to lymphedema if untreated.
The Symptoms are:
Compression stockings can also effectively help with the lymphatic system and the fluids built up in it. Much like the way it helps with Edema, the fluid drainage is improved upon when pressure is applied. However, this treatment must be done during the earlier stages of the build-up. Once the leg completely swells up and hinders movement, it may become untreatable.
‘Phlebitis’ is the result of inflammation on the vein that ends up clotting the blood and restricting the blood flow. Most of the time, phlebitis occurs alongside thrombosis as they both cause blood clotting. However, unlike thrombosis, the chances of a blood clot are lower in phlebitis. Phlebitis can be caused as the result of certain medications and trauma to a vein. The disorder can be typically seen in cancer patients.
The Symptoms are:
The affected area usually shows all three symptoms together. Initially, the appearance of the redness and then the swelling. The redness will be the first visible sign of inflammation, and you will be able to feel the burn afterward. Eventually, the vein becomes harder and noticeable.
Pregnancy is a situation where the body goes through a lot of changes. These changes can come with side effects and damages to the body which can cause some serious effect. The hormones released and the expansion of the uterus can affect the veins of the leg. Doctors usually suggest compression stockings after the delivery and the operation. Compression socks greatly aid in the recovery of the veins and turn improves the health of the mother.
Compression stockings are suggested by doctors for various disorders as mentioned above. But the use of these stockings despite being perfectly healthy is still very much advised. Compression socks are most useful for the prevention of these disorders rather than their cure. So, consult your doctor to find out the right compression stocking for you, and you can make it part of your style. Fortunately, these stockings are very attractive and fashionable. A perfect combination of healthy and stylish!
]]>Compression stockings are of great use by people who:
Compression stockings are elastic garments much like tights and pantyhose, but they are made of different materials. The stockings are tight around the ankle and gradually decreases the pressure and feel much lighter around the thighs or calves.
These stockings:
In the case of athletes, there are two notions that currently exist:
It is a condition where blood clots are formed, often inside the thighs or lower legs. It is mainly because of decreased blood flow. Symptoms include swelling and becoming heavily sensitive to touch. Being overweight or addicted to smoking or even a recent surgical experience can become a factor in its development. Pilots are known to be prone to DVT because of the excessive hours of being seated in a confined space. It’s common for pilots to wear them as a method of prevention.
Developed when the veins swell and expand considerably and therefore hinders the blood flow. The appearance of varicose veins will cause immense pain, and this condition will not disappear on its own. Symptoms include ankle swelling, veins pop out and protrude, cramps and aching. Causes include pregnancy, obesity, menopause, aging and prolonged standing. It is noted to be hereditary and more often seen in women.
Swelling that happens in the arms or legs due to building up lymph fluids. The lymphatic system fails to carry these fluids either due to damage in the nodes or removal of the nodes as part of the cancer treatment. Lymphedema is essentially incurable but can be prevented and stopped in early stages. Symptoms include swelling of arms, legs or both, restricted range of motion, recurring infections and thickening of the skin. Causes include surgical removal of lymph nodes, radiation treatment for cancer and infection within the nodes.
It refers to the clotting of blood and inflammation in veins due to infection, surgery or the occurrence of varicose veins or thrombosis. Symptoms include a burning sensation, localized redness, and swelling, vein protrusion.
The blood pools in the veins and sufficient deoxygenated blood cannot be pumped back to the heart. Symptoms include hyperpigmentation, itching, ulcers, etc. Diseases like DVT, Phlebitis and Varicose Veins can all be reasons for the development of CVI.
The hormones released during pregnancy and the expansion of the uterus can also affect the veins. These stockings can prevent the development of any of the above-mentioned diseases during this stage.
There are two specific types of compression stockings:
Most commonly prescribed kind of stockings where the pressure gradually reduces from the ankle to the thigh. This type of stocking can cover a range of conditions. The pressure for these types of stockings can range from 10-40mmHg or even higher.
Anti-embolism stockings are made with constant pressure and are prescribed for immobile or bedridden patients to prevent thrombosis. The pressure ranges from 8-18mmHg.
These stockings can also come in various sizes and forms like Knee-High, Thigh-High and Ankle-high.
Patients with lymphedema and similar swelling on the arms can wear compression sleeves that were derived from the stockings for such conditions. They come with the same amount of pressure as the gradient/anti-embolism stockings.
Though not as common, it is also seen that these venous disorders can affect the hands and forearms. So, specially designed compression gloves and gauntlets were made to combat this.
Compression socks are a lifestyle addition and a therapeutic aid. There are plenty of reasons for someone to buy one of these even without all these diseases. They come in various designs and style and thus, are appealing too. No wonder a lot of patients, who used compression socks because they were prescribed to, eventually started making it a part of their style.
Choose your compression stocking as per your medical condition. If it’s your ankle that’s causing trouble, knee-high socks should be enough. If there’s swelling above the knee or on thighs, consider opting for waist high compression stockings. You can easily find good compression socks online on websites like compressiongo.com. They have great return policies and a variety of compression socks and stockings to choose from.
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