The specialized knit of compression leggings, whether worn for athletic recovery or medical conditions like edema, is designed to apply therapeutic pressure to the limbs. This intentional tightness promotes blood flow back toward the heart, which is achieved by a weave that is notoriously difficult to stretch and pull over the skin. The struggle to don these garments is a common user experience, but proper technique is necessary both to preserve the structural integrity of the fabric and to ensure the garment’s graduated pressure profile is fully effective. Without correct application, the pressure distribution is compromised, which undermines the intended medical or performance benefits.
Essential Preparation Steps
Before putting on the leggings, the condition of the skin must be addressed, as moisture and friction cause application difficulty and fabric degradation. The skin should be completely dry and free of lotions, oils, or heavy moisturizers. These products create friction and may break down the elastic fibers over time. Applying moisturizers at night after the garments have been removed is recommended for maintaining skin health.
Securing the proper aids beforehand helps facilitate the process and protects the delicate fabric from accidental damage, such as snags from fingernails. Wearing rubber or nitrile gloves provides a superior grip on the smooth, tightly woven material, allowing the user to manipulate the fabric more effectively. It is best to sit down in a stable, comfortable position where the leg can be fully extended and easily reached, which prevents unnecessary strain or loss of balance during the physical exertion required.
Step-by-Step Technique for Donning
The physical process begins by preparing the garment itself. Reach inside the legging and grab the fabric at the toe area. The material should then be carefully inverted down the leg until the entire garment is bunched up into an ankle-sized ring with the foot pocket fully exposed. This folding technique concentrates the elastic material, making it manageable for the initial application over the foot.
The foot is then inserted into the pocket, ensuring the heel and any specialized seams are perfectly aligned with the anatomical heel of the foot. The bunched fabric should next be pulled gently over the ankle and heel, which is often the tightest point of resistance due to the concentrated compression at the extremity. The key to successful donning is to unroll the fabric gradually up the leg, using the palms of the hands to inch the material upward.
The garment should never be pulled up by the top band. This action stretches the fibers unevenly, which can damage the garment and cause a tourniquet effect at the thigh. Instead, the fabric should be pulled up in small sections, a few inches at a time, distributing the tension evenly across the calf and thigh.
Once fully on, it is imperative to smooth out all folds, wrinkles, and bunched material. Pay particular attention to the areas behind the knee and around the hip flexors. Wrinkles cause uneven pressure distribution, which can compromise circulation and irritate the skin, thus nullifying the garment’s therapeutic intent.
Addressing Common Difficulties
Persistent wrinkles or folds must be smoothed immediately, as localized bunching creates bands of excessive pressure that can restrict blood flow. If the top band is digging in painfully or causing numbness, this may signal that the garment is either the incorrect size or has been pulled too high, requiring immediate adjustment or removal. Numbness or tingling in the toes is a significant warning sign that the compression is obstructing nerve or blood vessel function. If this occurs, the garment should be taken off immediately and the fit re-evaluated.
Removing the garments is the reverse process of donning. Slowly peel the fabric down, never yanking or tearing the material off the skin. Once removed, the skin should be inspected for signs of irritation. The garments should be washed according to the manufacturer’s instructions to maintain their elasticity and hygienic integrity. Consistent skin care after removal, focusing on moisturizing dry areas, helps maintain skin health.