How to put on compression stockings?

Compression stockings are snug-fitting socks that squeeze the leg gently. These socks have graded compression, which means the compression is tighter at the foot and ankle and gradually decreases as the hose ascends the leg. They are worn to promote blood flow, reduce edema, minimize troublesome varicose veins, and increase daily comfort.

Patients with varicose veins or diabetic neuropathy understand the pleasure of donning compression stockings. However, since compression socks are designed to compress the legs gently, they might be challenging to wear. Knowing how to wear compression socks properly will facilitate daily tasks.

Putting on graduated compression socks is not always difficult. You can grasp the process in a single sitting by following our clear and straightforward instructions on how to put on compression socks. We advise beginning with moderate compression socks and gradually increasing to firm compression.

Before learning to put on compression stockings, ensure you are seated and relaxed.

How to put on compression stockings?

Step 1: First, the stockings must be of the correct size. They will not offer sufficient compression for therapeutic purposes if they are huge. They will be challenging, uncomfortable, and harmful if they are too tiny.

Step 2: Before beginning, ensure that your legs are free of water or moisturizer. Sometimes putting baby powder or cornstarch on your legs will aid in moving your stockings.

Step 3: Now that your stockings are appropriately suited, let's wear them. Reach into the hose and grab the toe of the sock.

Step 4: Pull the upper portion of the sock inside out until it reaches the heel.

Step 5: Put your foot into the stocking's toe and glide the sock over your heel. Then, "slide" the hose up your leg using your fingertips or palms. Gloves can assist with pulling the stocking up. Do not grab the top of the stocking and tug it since doing so could rip it.

Step 6: Continue sliding the stocking up the leg until it is appropriately positioned. Perform these steps on the opposite leg. Once the stockings have been completely pulled up, smooth out any wrinkles or folds.

Utilizing donning aids to wear compression stockings

While the methods mentioned above will aid you in putting on your compression stockings, we also propose the usage of certain donning aids.

There are various relatively inexpensive donning tools available for purchase. These items are available at local medical equipment stores and online sellers.

Medi Butler

The medi Butler is a metal frame that facilitates simple donning, especially for taller individuals. In addition, they have extra-long handles so that taller people can grip them firmly without stooping excessively. Here is how to employ it:

Step 1: Stand the middie butler on a firm surface with the broader side facing you. 

Step 2: Lay the Medi compression stocking in the stirrup with the toe of the stocking facing forward.

Step 3: Turn the top end of the stocking inside out and over the frame.

Step 4: Slide the stocking down the stirrup until the heel pocket appears at the edge of the stirrup. 

Step 5: Slide your foot toes first into the stocking. It is recommended that you hold onto something sturdy for stabilization. 

Step 6: Step into the medi Butler and adjust the toe and heel pocket material if necessary by pulling and releasing the two handles.

Step 7: Slide the medi stocking up towards your knee belt, the medi Butler backward slightly, and remove it.

Step 8: Smooth out your compression stocking evenly and rest the top band comfortably on your thigh. 

The extra-long assistance for donning compression stockings is also suited for individuals with limited mobility. It can be utilized regardless of the garment's compression class, length, or features. This can be applied to don all calf- and thigh-high stockings.

Juzo Slippie Gator

The Slippie Gator Kit contains a Donning Aid and an Easy Pad. Slippie Gator by Juzo is a lightweight, user-friendly donning and doffing device for open-toe and closed-toe compression stockings/socks. When used with the supplied Juzo Easy Pad, the Slippie-Gator allows for hands-free donning and doffing, minimizing waist bending. These are the steps for using it:

Step 1: Insert the device into the stocking, stopping just before the heel. 

Step 2: Lay the slippie gator on the easy pad. 

Step 3: Insert your foot until your heel is inside the device. 

Step 4: Slide your foot in a toe to heel rocking motion on the juzo easy pad. 

Step 5: Use the toe to heel motion until your toes reach the beginning of the heel. 

Step 6: Once your toes reach the garment heel, stop. 

Step 7: Pull the tabs of the device and work your toes through the elastic end. No heel pushing in this step.

Step 8: Once your toes are through the elastic end of the device, position your foot in the garment. 

Step 9: Now that your foot is positioned, use the heel slide motion and pull the device past your calf. 

Step 10: Use the gloves to smooth out the fabric.

DSC Sock Aid Slider Kit

The Diabetic Sock Club provides a Sock Aid Slider Kit, a sock cradle, and a long handle that lets you wear socks without bending, twisting, or turning. The handle will also help you remove your socks when you are through wearing them and hold your shoes in place while you are putting them on. In addition, its cradle-like construction stretches to keep your hose open, allowing you to slide your foot in. This also features a soft rubber grip bottom that prevents the unit from slipping when you wear socks or stockings.

This is extremely simple and quick for putting on and removing socks. For example, you can follow these steps:

Step 1: Place your sock on the cradle.

Step 2: Lower the cradle to the floor.

Step 3: Slide your foot in. 

This method applies to a range of socks, including formal socks, casual socks, athletic socks, compression socks, and diabetic socks of any length, including ultra-soft socks, ankle socks, crew socks, and compression socks. This is suitable for people with movement difficulties, injuries, or who are pregnant. In addition, this item can be easily packed up for storage and travel. You can avail of this easy-to-use Sock Aid Slider Kit here: https://diabeticsockclub.com/products/dsc-sock-aid-slider-kit.