Compression stockings are commonly used for their many health benefits. They can help improve blood flow and reduce swelling that often occurs with chronic venous insufficiency, lymphedema, varicose veins, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), to name a few of their uses.
If you have issues putting on regular socks or stockings due to arthritis or other issues, compression stockings might prove even more challenging.
Fortunately, there are several techniques that can make this process easier. Below are tips for you if you don’t know how to put on compression stockings along with images that may help you get the best job done.
Health Benefits of Compression Stockings
Compression stockings are designed to help reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis, post-thrombotic syndrome, and blood clots forming in the legs.
They also help with:
Smooth circulation of blood – stockings balance the flow of blood in calves and avoid it to become a thrombus. It, therefore, maintains a smooth circulation of blood throughout your walk!
5 Effortless Ways for Wearing Compression Stockings:
Put the sock over your hand and guide it up to your leg.
First, put your hand into the sock and guide it up to your leg, making sure to insert your foot through the opening at the bottom of the sock.
Secondly, pull the sock over your heel, ensuring that it doesn’t twist around in its journey up your leg.
Make sure that you pull it over each toe until it’s barely clinging to them; if you’re wearing boots or shoes with a small opening at the top (like cowboy boots), pull down on that part of your foot so that there’s enough space for you to slide all ten toes into those tight leather moccasins without ripping off any skin while doing so!
Use your other fingers to pull the sock upwards
You can also use your other hand to pull the sock up, or both hands – or even the heel of your hand. It’s not uncommon to use all four fingers to grab hold of a compression stocking and pull it up.
Using just one finger is not a great idea though because you won’t have enough leverage. Your toes are another good option if you have some free time on your hands (pun intended).
You can use a sock aid if you prefer
You can put on your compression stockings with the help of a sock aid, which is a device that allows you to easily put on your compression stockings.
A sock aid is generally shaped like an open-ended tube with handles at each end. You simply slide it over your foot and then place one end inside the top of the stocking, holding it in place while you pull the stocking down over your foot.
The easiest way to choose a sock aid is by asking yourself: do I have trouble putting on my own socks? If so, then this tool will give you some independence back. It’s also helpful if someone needs to dress you or help get dressed—they can use this tool without any problem too!
A short sock or stocking donner is also useful
A short sock or stocking donner is also useful. It’s a tube that makes it easier to get compression stockings on and off. You can find these at medical supply stores, but you can use a sheet or long pillowcase as a makeshift donner as well.
To put on your compression stockings:
- Adjust the donner: Before filling the donner with your sock, slide it over your foot and up to just below your knee (if you have ankle support).
- Fill the donner: Fill it with one leg of your stockings until it reaches just below where that leg will be when worn (between mid-thigh and knee). If using two legs of stockings, fill each leg separately so that they’re not tangled together when put on later!
- Wind up the process: Remove the donner from one foot and pull one end of the stocking through its hole; this will prevent any bunching up around your toes once everything is in place! Repeat with other foot/legs if use.
use a sheet or long pillowcase as a makeshift donner
If you are unable to purchase a donner, or if you prefer to use your own method, you can use a sheet or long pillowcase.
To use the sheet/pillowcase method:
- Put on your compression stocking with one hand while holding the top of it with your other hand.
- Roll up the bottom half of the leg from ankle to just below mid-calf (If you have extra length at this point, fold it over.) Do not roll off any toe length yet!
4 Useful Aid For Compression Socks For Easy Wearing
You know you need to wear compression stockings for your workout, but getting them on is just a bit too far out of reach. You are feeling frustrated and find yourself in a tricky spot and you have no options.
Well, have no fear! There are many products available that can help you get those compression stockings on by yourself. Here are some tools that can aid with compression stockings and you would admire the way they work for you!
Dressing Stick
The best way to help you put on your compression socks is through a dressing stick.
A dressing stick is a small plastic or rubber device that can be used to assist in putting on and taking off compression socks. It slides into the top of the sock, and then you pull it out while pulling up on the sock to help ease it over your foot and onto your leg.
These sticks are available in multiple sizes, so they’re great for people with arthritis or limited mobility who have trouble bending down and stretching their arms in order to reach their feet.
They’re also especially helpful if you have trouble gripping items due to pain or weakness in your hands–the dressing stick helps support its weight as you lift up your leg so there’s no extra effort needed from you!
Long Handled Shoehorn
This device works by forcing your foot into the shoe, and then it’s used to pry the shoe open at the heel as you pull it up. A long handle curves at one end (like an old-school torture device) so that you have enough leverage to force your footwear on with ease.
Shoehorns are made of wood, plastic, or metal and can be found in most department stores or pharmacies near where they sell socks. They’re also pretty cheap: anywhere from $10-$20 USD should get you one of these tools if you don’t already own one!
Compression Stocking Heel Aid Donner
This device has been designed to help people with diabetes and peripheral vascular disease, who may experience swelling in their feet or legs.
The product helps reduce the amount of time spent removing and putting on compression stockings, which can be difficult for those with limited mobility due to joint pain or other issues.
The unit consists of two parts: A plastic handle and a rubberized ring that fits over the top of the wearer’s foot and attaches to the handle via Velcro straps. The ring portion also has small bumps on its surface to help grip tightly against the wearer’s leg when they’re wearing compression stockings.
Compression Stocking Remover
When it comes to removing your socks, the best aid for compression stockings is by using a stocking remover.
A compression stocking remover is a device that helps you remove your compression stockings without causing any pain or irritation. It’s also very easy to use and can be used by anyone even if they’re disabled or elderly.
What Are The Reasons That Putting on Compression Socks Is Harder?
You’re not alone if you have a hard time putting on compression stockings, socks, or slippers. The most common complaints include the following:
Other Options To Aid For Putting On Compression Socks
There are many options to help you get your compression stockings on and off without assistance. Some people find that using a shoehorn or other long, sturdy rod helps them to slip their compression socks on easily.
If this sounds like it would be helpful for you, try looking around for one at the local drugstore or hardware store.
Another option is to use a sock aid. A sock aid is simply an accessory that makes it easier for you to put your socks on by yourself.
They’re essentially just like putting braces on someone’s teeth! These devices come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and some even come with grips so that the wearer can grab onto them while pulling up their socks.
If neither of these solutions works for you, there are also braces specifically designed for use with compression garments available online through retailers like Amazon.
These devices will hold up any type of stocking in place so that only one person needs help getting them over their feet (and they’re often much less expensive than buying during an office visit).
What preventive measures should I take while wearing compression stockings?
Tip!
Compression Socks Are Usually Easier To Put On When You’re Lying Down.
You can put on compression socks by lying down and putting one foot up on the bed or chair. You can then pull the sock up to your knee. Repeat with the other leg.
You can also sit on the edge of a chair, bring one leg up so that it’s bent at about a 90-degree angle, and pull the sock over that foot while keeping your heel in place with one hand. Then repeat with the other leg!
FAQs – Get more hints, more ways!
If you’re going to be traveling anywhere, especially if you’ll be on an aeroplane or in an airport for any length of time, look for a pair of compression socks that are designed specifically for travel. These will be lightweight and easy to carry around without adding bulk or baggage fees to your trip!
That said, if you’re just looking for some extra support while recovering from an injury or surgery (and aren’t suffering from anything serious), then wearing them for long periods doesn’t make sense—especially because they can cause skin irritation and even allergic reactions over time if worn too often.
The answer to this question depends on your needs and how much help you need. If you’re looking for an alternative to compression stockings, a compression stocking aid may be right for you. You can also use some of these aids as alternatives to knee braces, which are often used by people with arthritis in their knees and legs.
The heel aid donner is the best compression stocking aid for elderly people because it’s designed with your needs in mind. It has an ergonomic handle that makes it easy to use, even if you have limited mobility. The handle allows you to hold onto your socks while you put them on, so you don’t have to worry about dropping them or struggling with them when putting them on.
If you want something even easier than a dressing stick for getting into those tight-fitting socks (and who doesn’t?), try getting some nylon tights instead–they’ll fit like a second skin but won’t cost nearly as much money as full-on compression garments as leggings or tights do!
Conclusion
While there are many different types of sock aids on the market today, we’ve narrowed down our top three based on their functionality and ease of use. The tools designed for easing the ways many people wear and remove compression socks are reliable as they are handy, convenient, and affordable. You just have to pick from them according to your health circumstances.
We hope this guide has been helpful to you. Giving yourself a leg massage while wearing the compression stockings may seem daunting, but it can help break up scar tissue and make your legs feel better overall. It is a great way to reduce swelling in your legs and feet as well.
If you want advice about how long you should wear them or what size would be best suited to your needs, then consult with a medical professional before making any purchases.
