Compression hose are elastic garments worn around the legs that apply graduated pressure to improve blood flow in the veins. They are prescribed to manage various venous disorders, such as preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and reducing leg swelling (edema). The stockings are tightest at the ankle and gradually decrease in compression higher up the leg, which helps force circulating blood back toward the heart. Although they are an effective medical tool, their strong elastic structure makes them notoriously difficult to put on, which is often the biggest hurdle for consistent wear.
Preparing for Easier Application
The time of day significantly impacts the ease of application. It is best to put them on first thing in the morning, ideally while still lying in bed, because the legs have the least amount of swelling. If you are already up, sitting with your legs elevated for a short period can help reduce fluid accumulation.
The legs must be completely dry, as lotions or moisturizers create friction and can degrade the elastic material. These products must be fully absorbed before starting. If your skin is naturally moist or too dry, a light dusting of talcum powder or cornstarch can help the material slide more easily up the limb.
The foundational technique is to minimize the material pulled up the leg at one time. To achieve this, reach into the hose and grasp the heel pocket, turning the entire garment inside out down to that point. This creates a smooth, single layer of fabric ready to receive the foot, preventing the struggle of pulling a bunched-up sock over the ankle.
Step-by-Step Manual Technique
With the stocking inverted to the heel pocket, slide your foot into the hose, ensuring your toes are straight and the heel of the stocking is perfectly aligned with your anatomical heel. This initial, correct placement is important, as a misaligned heel causes bunching and requires restarting the process. For open-toe styles, use a specialized slippery “slipper” or thin sock to assist the slide-in, which is then removed through the open toe once the hose is in place.
Once the foot is positioned, grasp the folded material just below the heel, using the flats of your fingers or palms. Pull the material up and over the heel in a single, smooth motion to lock the foot in place. Avoid using fingertips or fingernails, as they can easily snag and damage the elastic fibers, compromising the therapeutic compression level.
Pull the remaining material up the leg in short increments, approximately two to three inches at a time, moving from the ankle toward the knee. Instead of pulling straight up, gently walk the material up the leg by smoothing it with your palms. This method ensures the graduated compression remains correctly distributed. Continue until the top band reaches its final position, such as two finger-widths below the bend of the knee for a knee-high garment.
Tools That Simplify the Process
For individuals with limited hand strength, mobility issues, or those wearing very high compression levels, specialized tools can provide substantial assistance. Rubber gloves, similar to household or surgical gloves, are a simple and inexpensive aid that significantly enhances grip on the slippery elastic material. The enhanced friction allows the wearer to grasp and walk the stocking up the leg more effectively without damaging the fabric.
More substantial assistance comes from donning devices, often called “donners,” which are typically metal frames or plastic cones designed to hold the stocking open. The hose is stretched over the frame, and the foot is inserted, allowing the wearer to pull the entire stocking up the leg using long handles, bypassing the need for extensive bending or gripping. For open-toe stockings, a slick fabric sheet, or slipper, acts as a temporary low-friction layer over the foot, which is then easily pulled out through the toe opening.
Ensuring Proper Fit and Avoiding Mistakes
After the stocking is fully applied, a final check for safety and efficacy is required. The primary concern is ensuring the material is completely smooth, with no wrinkles or folds anywhere on the leg. A bunched or wrinkled area creates a localized band of excessive pressure, which can dangerously impede blood flow instead of promoting it.
The top band of the compression hose must lie flat against the skin and should never be rolled down or folded over. Folding the top band doubles the pressure in that small area, which can constrict circulation and cause discomfort. Finally, confirm that the stocking is fully extended to its designated length without being overstretched or pulled too high, which would distort the intended pressure gradient.