Tessa Quinn
Compression socks are used to improve blood flow in the veins of the legs and reduce the risk of blood clots and leg swelling. They are commonly used by athletes, pregnant women, and people who are confined to a wheelchair. When putting on compression socks, it is important to ensure that they are smooth and flat against the skin, without any bunching or wrinkling. They should be worn first thing in the morning when the legs are least likely to be swollen, and users should take care to avoid applying lotion or oils beforehand, as this can make it harder to put the socks on.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to wear | First thing in the morning when your legs are less likely to be swollen |
| How to wear | Roll the stockings inside out to the ankle, slip your feet in and slowly roll them up your legs, smoothing out the fabric to avoid snags |
| Accessories | Rubber gloves for better grip, talcum powder to slide the sock on |
| Fit | Should be tightest at the foot and ankle area and loosen slightly as they go up the leg |
| Precautions | Avoid wearing any jewellery that could tear or snag the socks, avoid applying lotion or oils right before wearing the socks |
| Wash and wear | Wash new socks before wearing, replace socks every 3-6 months |
| Wear time | Wear all day and sometimes all night if prescribed by a doctor |
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What You'll Learn
Put them on first thing in the morning
Putting on your compression socks first thing in the morning is a good idea, as your legs are likely to be less swollen at this time. This makes it easier to put them on. If you are wearing compression socks for the first time, you may find them a little difficult to manage. Here are some tips to help you put them on smoothly in the morning:
- Wash new socks in mild soap before wearing them.
- Avoid applying lotion or oils just before wearing the socks, as moisture can make it harder to pull them on.
- Make sure your toenails are well-manicured to prevent the stocking material from snagging.
- Remove any jewellery that could tear or get caught in the fabric.
- Wear rubber gloves to help you get a better grip on the socks.
- Roll the socks inside out to the ankle, slip your feet in, and slowly unroll them up your legs.
- Smooth out the fabric as you go to avoid snags and bunching.
- If you are wearing thigh-highs, stand up to pull them up past your knees.
- Make sure the socks are not too long and do not fold or roll the tops down, as this can restrict your blood flow.
- Knee-length socks should finish about two finger-widths below the knee.
- Compression socks should feel tight and snug but should not be painful.
If you are struggling to put on your compression socks, there are some tools that can help. You can use a sock aid, which is a device that resembles a foot shape. You put the sock over the device and then slide your foot into it. You can also use a special gadget called a stocking donner, which helps you slide the stocking over your foot.
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Use gloves for grip
Compression socks are notoriously difficult to put on, so wearing gloves is a great way to get a better grip on them. Rubber gloves, such as dishwashing gloves, are ideal for this purpose. They will help you grip the fabric and smoothly adjust the sock as you pull it up your leg.
To put on your compression socks, start by sitting down on a chair or the side of the bed so that you can easily reach your feet. Roll the socks inside out to the ankle, slip your feet in, and slowly unroll them up your legs. If you are wearing knee-high compression socks, they should come up to two finger-widths below your knee. Thigh-highs should be pulled up past your knees while standing.
When putting on compression socks, it is important to keep the fabric smooth and flat against your skin. Avoid letting the socks bunch up or wrinkle, as this can cause discomfort and affect your circulation. Gloves can help you achieve a smooth fit by improving grip and control as you pull up the socks.
In addition to wearing gloves, you may also want to try using a sock aid or a special gadget called a stocking donner, which can help you slide the sock over your foot. Applying a small amount of talcum powder to your feet and legs can also make it easier to put on compression socks.
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Smooth out wrinkles
Smooth out any wrinkles as you pull up your compression socks. It is important to run your hands over the entire stocking to ensure the fabric is straight and smooth, with no wrinkles or bunching. This can be done more easily with the use of rubber donning gloves, which provide a better grip on the fabric.
If you still see wrinkles around your ankles after smoothing out the fabric, the stocking may be too large for your leg. Too much fabric will cause wrinkles at the ankle, or behind the knee for thigh-high styles. Check the length and circumference of your leg against the size chart of the stocking. Many companies offer different lengths for their stockings, so you can get the perfect fit. For example, Juzo Soft Knee Highs come in three different lengths: Regular, Short, and Petite.
If you are wearing knee-high compression stockings, they should come up to a point 2 finger-widths below the knee. Thigh-high stockings should also not be too long, and should not be folded or rolled down at the top, as this can restrict blood flow.
To prevent wrinkles, you can also try sprinkling talcum powder or cornstarch on your legs so that the stockings will go on more smoothly.
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Avoid jewellery and lotions
When putting on hospital compression socks, it is important to avoid wearing jewellery and lotions. This is because jewellery can snag on the fabric of the socks, causing tears or runs that will likely require the socks to be replaced. Similarly, moisture from lotions or oils can make it harder to pull the socks on and damage the fabric. Therefore, it is recommended to ensure that any lotions are completely absorbed by the skin before putting on compression socks. If your skin is moist, you can use talcum powder to make it easier to slide the socks on.
It is also important to be cautious with sharp fingernails, which can damage the socks or your skin. Wearing rubber or donning gloves can help protect the socks from fingernails and provide a better grip when putting them on. Additionally, removing any watches or jewellery can prevent snagging and make the process of putting on compression socks easier.
Compression socks should be handled with care to ensure their longevity. Washing new socks with mild soap before wearing them can make the fabric more pliable and comfortable. Having two pairs of compression socks is ideal, so you can wear one pair while the other is being washed and dried. Proper washing and care techniques, such as avoiding harsh chemicals and intense movements like wringing or scrubbing, are crucial to maintaining the integrity of the compression socks.
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Use a sock aid
Sock aids are a great way to put on hospital compression socks, especially if you have mobility issues or struggle to bend down and reach your feet. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use a sock aid:
Firstly, place the sock aid on a table or on your lap, with the "U" shape facing away from you. If your sock aid doesn't have a "U" shape, simply identify the end with the handles and the end without. Take your compression sock and slide it onto the end of the sock aid that doesn't have the handles. Make sure the toe of the sock is tight against the end of the sock aid. You may find it easier to squeeze the sock aid between your legs while using both hands to slide the sock on.
Once the sock is on the aid, hold onto the rope or handles and drop the aid to the ground if it's on a table. If you're using a lap-held aid, simply hold the handles and place your toes into the opening of the sock. Ensure that your toes reach the tip of the sock before pulling it over your leg.
Pull on the ropes or handles to work the sock onto your foot. You may need to move your foot and leg to get a comfortable fit. Check the sock for any bunching, rolling, or pinching, as this can cause blistering or skin irritation.
And that's it! You have now successfully put on your hospital compression sock using a sock aid.
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