The Importance of Compression Socks/Stockings

Your doctors may be constantly recommending that you wear compression socks, do you know why though?

What do Stockings do?

• Aching and heavy feeling in legs
• Swelling in legs
• Preventing blood clots, primarily after surgery or injury when you are less active
• Preventing complications of blood clots in the legs, such as post-phlebitic syndrome (pain and swelling in the leg)

Compression Stockings can be hard to put on….here’s what to do

Put on stockings first thing in the morning before you get out of bed. Your legs have the least amount of swelling early in the morning.

• Hold the top of the stocking and roll it down to the heel.
• Put your foot into the stocking as far as you can. Put your heel in the heel of the stocking.
• Pull the stocking up. Unroll the stocking over your leg.
• After the top of the stocking is in place, smooth out any wrinkles.
• Do not let the stockings bunch up or wrinkle.
• Knee length stockings should come to 2 fingers below the knee bend.

Make sure to wash your stockings carefully, everyday and allow them to airdry.

Want to discuss the benefits of compression stockings and possibly get a prescription? Call us at 301-441-2655 to schedule your appointment today!

Information acquired from Medline Plus