DO wash your compression stockings properly. If so, place your stockings in a mesh laundry bag to help protect them.
To wash your compression stockings use cold water and a bit of gentle soap. If you can, use a specially formulated washing solution for your compression socks — this will clean the elastic without causing damage. To dry, roll up your socks in a towel and pat out all the excess water, then hang them up.
DO use donning gloves to put on your compression stockings. Donning gloves dramatically reduce the chance that you will snag your stockings on a fingernail. In addition to offering protection, donning gloves provide grip and make it much easier to put on your compression hosiery.
DO put compression stockings on first thing in the morning. Also, your legs and feet are general y less swollen in the morning. So putting on your compression stockings in the morning are a bit easier than if you did it later in the day.
DO replace every months. Eventually, the elastic fibers will break down. This is normal, especially with daily use. You will probably need to replace your compression stockings every three to six months. Since compression stockings and socks need to fit snugly, the tight fit can make it a little tricky to put on.
Follow the steps below when putting on your compression stockings. Reach into the sock and get a hold of the heel area.
Pull it outwards, creating a little pocket for your foot. Do not pull out the entire leg length. Instead, focus on fitting it onto the heel.
Reach for the overlap that is currently covering your toes. Grasp the overlapped fabric and pull it up towards the knee. You will want to do this in one fluid motion to keep the sock from forming wrinkles. With the last motion, ensure that you smooth out any gathers and folds that may have formed. Wrinkles in the fabric could increase the pressure on a section of your leg, leading to circulatory problems and discomfort.
Your sock should feel snug but comfortable. If you feel pain, this could be an indication that your compression socks are too small. Fight the urge to fold the socks at the top. Folds may cause too much pressure around the knee area and keep your blood from circulating properly. How long you wear your compression socks should be based on your particular needs. Elevating your legs should allow blood in your leg area to travel back to your heart more easily.
Not everyone, though, will have the luxury to put up their legs at a time they need to do it most, such as on long flights or while at work. You should have your legs measured again and your stockings replaced every 3 to 6 months. Get answers to more questions about accidents, first aid and treatments. Page last reviewed: 23 November Next review due: 23 November Home Common health questions Accidents, first aid and treatments Back to Accidents, first aid and treatments.
How long should I wear compression stockings to improve my circulation? Only your doctor should give you precise directives regarding your use of compression socks after surgery and for how long. There will be times you will not need to wear compression socks.
When at home, for example, you can put your feet up while sitting on the couch. Doing this should alleviate any swelling. There are rules to follow when wearing your compression socks.
If you wear them incorrectly, they will not work their magic at all. Keep in mind that they do not work instantaneously, and how you wear them depends on your circumstance. When treating a chronic issue such as varicose veins, for example, you will want to be quite religious about your use of compression socks. You will only see an improvement if you wear them consistently.
Using your compression socks a couple of times a week will probably not make a difference. If your doctor has instructed you to put your compression socks on first thing in the morning, be sure to do so. If you wait and put your socks on later in the day, you may find that your legs have already swelled, and the socks will be difficult — or impossible — to put on.
By then, your feet might already be too swollen, and the benefits of wearing compressions socks will be much less than if you had worn them for the full duration of the flight. Besides, it might be difficult or impossible to put on, and putting on your compression socks inside an airplane becomes an exhausting task. This article gives a quick overview of some side effects of wearing compression stockings if you keep your compression socks on for too long.
Side effects are likely to occur if you are wearing socks that are too loose or too tight. Possible effects include:. Properly fitted socks can eliminate these symptoms. To avoid the tingling sensation or loss of circulation, make sure that your socks are not too tight by having them measured by a professional! To prevent itching, you should make sure that you change and wash your socks daily.
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