Having Trouble Getting Those Compression Hose On?

For most of our vein treatments, Dr. Oswalt will recommend the patient wear compression hosiery afterwards for a couple weeks. The compression supplied by this hosiery helps the body to scavenge the closed off vein and it provides support. 

But compression hosiery can be really challenging to put on. Over the next couple of blogs, let’s give you a few tips to help you put on your compression hosiery without going insane! 

1. Prepare your feet and legs

It’s a great idea to put your compression hosiery on first thing in the morning before any swelling occurs as you’re on your feet doing stuff. Without swelling, it will be easier to put on your hose. But you’ve already been up and about. OK, to reduce any swelling, lay down on the couch and put your lower legs up on a couple pillows for about 15 minutes. This will reduce any swelling. 

Your feet and legs also need to be clean and dry. Dry off completely after showering. If it’s a humid day you can sprinkler talc or cornstarch across your feet and legs to help the fabric of the compression hosiery to slide smoothly. 

2. Get into the right position

The best way to pull on your compression stockings is to begin by placing just your toes into the toe area of the stockings. Leave the rest of the hosiery bunched up around the toes, and then gradually unravel the stockings as you make your way up your leg. 

It’s best to sit in a chair to do this. Don’t crouch on the floor or bend over while standing. If you have trouble getting down to your feet while sitting in a chair, you’ll need to consider having someone else help you or purchase a donning tool for pulling them on. 

3. Smooth the fabric

Once you get your compression hosiery on your feet and legs, be sure to smooth out any wrinkles across the fabric. These wrinkles can create excessive pressure to the skin beneath them. This causes discomfort and it can cut off circulation. 

Also, do not fold over the top of your compression hose, as this can cause way more compression in that area. This can cut off blood flow. 

4. Talcum powder

If you’re having trouble with your hosiery getting stuck on your skin, try first sprinkling talcum powder or cornstarch across your ankles and legs before pulling your socks on. These materials allow close-fitting compression hose to slide over your skin more easily. 

Next month, we give you four other tips to help you get your compression hose on your feet and legs. Until then, if you have the signs of problems with your veins, please give us a call at Fort Worth Vein Center, (817) 536-9600, to set up an appointment.