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Compression Stockings

Why do you need compression stockings?These stockings decrease or prevent swelling created by blood pooling in your legs. Leg swelling can lead to leg ulcers. The compression gently squeezes the legs and is like slipping on a new set of muscles to squeeze the blood back to your heart. Refer to Venous Leg Ulcers handout.

Can you wear your T.E.D.s instead? No. T.E.D. stockings do not give enough pressure to control swelling. The white T.E.D. stockings are used in the hospital for a short time to prevent blood clots. Compression stockings are specially measured and have a prescribed pressure to control swelling.

Where can you get compression stockings?Proper fi t of compression stockings is important. Your legs need to be measured before stockings are purchased. The wound clinic nurse, a specially trained physical or occupational therapist or a certifi ed fi tter from a supplier may do measurements.

Medical supply houses and good pharmacies will be able to help you order compression stockings. Ask your nurse for a list of compression stocking dealers in your area.

Sometimes you can get a good price for stockings by searching the Internet. You will need to have your measurements and the prescribed compression strength before you make this type of purchase.

Will insurance pay for the stockings?Generally, compression stockings are not covered by insurance. Check with your insurance company for further information. Costs range from $20 to $100, depending on your needs.

What style stocking should you buy?Stockings generally are ordered in the knee-high version. They are also available in thigh-high and pantyhose for special needs. Speak with your doctor about this.

You will also have a choice of open toe or closed toe styles. Choose the style you prefer. If you have questions about this, talk with your doctor or wound clinic nurse.

How do you put these stockings on?

1. Turn your stocking inside out by putting your hand inside the foot, grabbing the heel and pulling the stocking inside out.

2. Slide the stocking onto the foot until the toe and heel are positioned correctly.

3. Pull the top of the stocking over the foot. Pulling at the heel area, work the stocking

over the foot.

4. Once you have the stocking above the foot, grab the top of the stocking and pull up over the calf and into place. Smooth out any wrinkles. Check your stockings often and pull them up as needed.

Compression Stockings (T.E.D.S.) Compression stockings improve blood flow, reduce swelling, and prevent injury to the walls of your veins. They are often used to lower the chance of blood clots forming in your legs (deep vein thrombosis – DVT). the chance of blood clots forming is much higher during or soon after hospital discharge because your muscles are less active. Patients who have had a blood clot are encouraged to wear their compression stockings to limit leg swelling and permanent vein damage in the lower leg.

To Apply: Your legs must be measured to ensure that your stockings fit well. The stockings must be put on according to the steps below to prevent serious complications. Do not gather the stocking together into a “donut” since that will make it less able to stretch. Follow these basic steps:

1. Insert one hand into the stocking as far as the heel pocket.

2. Grasp the center of the stocking inside out to the heel area.

3. Carefully place the stocking over your foot and heel. Be sure your heel is centered in the heel pocket.

4. Pull the stocking up and fit it around your ankle and calf, working up to final position. Smooth out any wrinkles between the tip of stocking and your ankle. Check your stockings often and pull them back up as needed.

5. Be sure to wear your stockings as directed.During your hospital stay you will have your stockings on day and night. When you go home, ask your doctor if you may take them off at bedtime. If you take them off, put them on again before getting out of bed when your legs are the least swollen.

Precautions Do not turn down the top of the stockings for any reason. If your stockings cause pain, cramping or skin discoloration, remove them and call your doctor. You may need to be re-measured for new, better-fitting stockings.

Skin and Stocking Care Remove your stockings at least once a day. Wash your legs and feet and look for any reddened areas or sores. If they don’t go away, report them to your doctor. Do not use ointments, oils, or lanolin on your feet or legs unless directed by your doctor.

Launder your stockings every 3 days. They can be machine washed using a mild soap. Do not use harsh detergents and bleaches. Tumble dry on a low temperature for 15 minutes or air dry.

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Compression Stockings, Page 2

If you cannot get your stockings on, contact your doctor or the wound clinic for help. Never give up and stop wearing your stockings. There are many ways to help you wear these stockings. One device that can help is the Jobst Stocking Donner. Ask your stocking supplier or wound clinic staff.

Precautions• Never turn down the top of your stockings, roll or

bunch the fabric as it creates too much pressure. • If your stockings cause pain, cramping, rash

or skin color changes, remove them and call your doctor.

• Remove your stockings at least once each day. Wash your legs and feet while looking for any redness areas or sores. Report any problems to your doctor as soon as possible.

• Do not use ointments, oils or lanolin on your legs or feet while wearing stockings. These will break down the fi bers and damage your stockings.

Helpful hints• Properly fi tting stockings should feel snug at fi rst.

It may take several days to adjust to the pressure.• Compression stockings are easiest to put on when

you fi rst get out of bed, before swelling begins.• Remove rings and jewelry before putting on

stockings. These can damage the stockings.• Use rubber or vinyl gloves to help position the

stockings on your leg. This gives you more grip.• Make sure your skin is dry before putting on

stockings.• Apply a thin layer of cornstarch or powder to your

legs to help the stockings slide easily.• Apply lotion or moisturizer to your legs and feet

in the evening, after removing your stockings. This allows the moisturizer to soak in before you reapply the stockings in the morning. Moisturizer can make it hard to pull on the stockings.

When do you need to wear the stockings? It is important to wear compression stockings every day, all day while you are out of bed. Stockings are worn to manage a chronic problem that is still there, even if you do not have wounds. If you do not wear your stockings as prescribed, your condition could become worse or your wounds could return.

Wear your stockings any time you are up and out of bed. You may remove your stockings before you get into bed. However, if you sleep sitting up in a chair, you should wear your stockings all the time.

How do you care for the stockings? Hand or machine-wash stockings with warm or cool water and a mild soap or detergent – no bleach. Rinse with warm water. Hand or lay fl at to air-dry. You may dry stockings on the low heat setting or delicate setting of the dryer. Washing stockings in a mesh laundry bag will protect them during the wash cycle.

When do you need to replace them?The elastic fi bers of your stockings will break down with wear. Proper care can increase the life span of your stockings, but they will need to be replaced about every 3 to 6 months depending on how often you are wearing them. As a general rule, if your stockings are easy to put on, they need to be replaced.

You should be measured each time you purchase compression stockings. This will assure proper fi t. Over time, your leg size may change. The compression strength will need to be the same as your original prescription. If you do not have the prescription, please contact your doctor’s offi ce to get the compression strength before buying new stockings.

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The information presented is intended for general information and educational purposes. It is not intended to replacethe advice of your health care provider. Contact your health care provider if you believe you have a health problem.