Overview
This article will first show you how to put on compression socks in 8 easy steps right out of bed in the morning.
Besides putting them on, later, we will show you how to take them off in 6 steps at the end of the day before sleeping.
Also, to help you visualize these steps, we have added a tutorial prepared by Doctor Brace.
This video shows you how to wear compression socks and remove them. You can find this tutorial at the end of this blog.
But before we get to the steps, let's answer a few questions you might have while wearing compression socks.
Why is it important to put compression socks on correctly?
While wearing compression socks, the first piece of advice that comes to mind is:
Be sure to put them on correctly!
Here's the reason why:
Benefits
Putting compression socks on correctly has several benefits, including:
- The legs will be more comfortable
- Even distribution of compression fabric: graduated compression would be even across the entire leg
- Fit them snugly over your toes, heel, calf, or thigh to ensure your compression stockings fit perfectly. It also helps prevent chafing and swelling if it's too tight or ill-fitting
When to wear compression socks?
It's essential to put on your compression socks when you get out of bed in the morning.
If you have to shower before putting them on, that wouldn't be a problem. You can always wear them right after your shower.
Why put on compression socks when getting out of bed?
Wearing compression socks when you get up is strongly recommended because your legs are less swollen in the morning.
Thus, the fact that your leg is less bulky makes it much easier to put on compression socks.
Can you wear compression socks all day? How many hours a day should you wear them?
Yes, both men and women should wear compression socks all the time, all day, as long as they are awake.
How long should you wear compression socks?
As for the time horizon for wearing compression socks, you should know that people with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) or varicose veins must use them for a long time.
Why? There is currently no known medical treatment for CVI or poor blood circulation.
Regular use of medical compression stockings will limit its symptoms and prevent its aggravation.
So, before choosing your compression socks in 20 30 mmHg or 30 40 mmHg, it is essential to feel good in them.
Also, since you will be wearing them for a long time, you should choose the best compression stockings with the materials that suit you best.
Devices to help put on compression socks
There are two types of devices to help you put on your compression socks more easily:
- Donning gloves
- Donner for compression socks
Donning gloves
Donning gloves for compression stockings are rubber gloves that come in pairs.
What particularly characterizes them is the rough surface on the palm side of the hand.
This surface allows you to hold and adjust the stockings to your legs without tearing them or pulling on a thread.
Donning gloves are essential accessories for properly wearing compression socks. Everyone should have at least one pair.
Compression socks donner
The compression stocking donner is a device to help put on and take off compression socks without much effort.
This specialized sock donner can have several shapes or modes of operation:
- In soft and slippery fabric
- With a metal frame
- Conical shape
- With gel, etc.
Compression socks donner is ideal for older adults. It can also help put on stockings with more compressive fabric, such as the 30 40 mmHg or 40 50 mmHg compression grading, or opaque material, such as rubber.
8 steps to wear compression socks
Step 1: Get into a seated position
You can sit on the edge of your bed or a chair to wear your compression socks comfortably.
Step 2: Wear your donning gloves
Before putting on your compression socks, we strongly recommend wearing donning gloves.
Step 3: Hold the antislip band of your compression stocking
- Slide both thumbs inside the stocking
- Hold the antislip band on each side
- Gently pull on the elastic band. Be sure to do this simultaneously to widen the opening
Step 4: Tuck the forefoot into your socks
Gradually tuck your toes into the stretched opening, then pull the compression stocking upwards by gently pulling on the antislip band.
Note: Avoid pulling too hard to prevent tearing the band or the compression fabric.
Step 5: Gradually slip your leg into the compression stockings
Pull the compression stockings up as high as possible until you have some resistance.
At this point, be careful not to stretch them too much, as this may damage the band.
Step 6: Fit your socks properly to your foot and heel
Now that your stockings are in place, fit them snugly over the heel, foot, and toes.
Apply a rocking motion. To do this, gently massage the fabric with the donning gloves.
Note: Smoothing the fabric over your skin is essential.
Step 7: Fit your stockings snugly to your ankle and calf
Now adjust the stocking at the ankle and calf. Also, massage the compression fabric with an upward motion.
Note: You must avoid leaving creases on your compression socks.
Step 8: Lift the antislip band of your compression socks and put it in the correct position
Once the compression fabric is snug on your leg, the last step is correctly positioning the antislip band of your compression stocking.
Ideally, position the band 1 or 2 inches below the popliteal fossa.
Note: Again, make sure the fabric is smooth. Otherwise, massage the fabric to remove excess material.
6 steps to take off compression socks
Step 1: Wear the donning gloves
As with wearing your compression socks, we strongly recommend using donning gloves when taking them off.
Step 2: Place your thumbs between your leg and the antislip band
Slide the thumb of each hand on either side of the stocking.
Step 3: flip the end of your compression socks
Using both thumbs, flip the sock band inside out.
Then, gently pull the band down, returning it to the toes.
Step 4 Lower your compression stockings to the heel
To do this, you must massage the compressive fabric at the ankle's height with downward movements.
Then, you have to bring it back gently to the heel level.
Step 5: Take your heel off your sock
Slide the compression stocking with your thumb to release the heel.
Step 6: Completely remove the foot from your compression stockings
Slide the fabric again to release your foot from the compression socks gradually.
Finally, remove your foot from your stocking by pulling on the band.
Summary
In this text, we have listed the eight easy-to-follow steps to put on compression socks. We have also prepared some helpful tips to help you do it right.
In addition, we have listed the six steps to remove them gradually without damaging them.
For more help, you can also consult this educational tutorial to familiarize yourself with this process and more easily integrate all this information:
This video shows you how to put on and take off your compression stockings daily.
