Open-toe compression stockings are specialized garments that apply graduated pressure to the lower leg, tightest at the ankle and gradually easing higher up. This mechanism assists veins in pushing blood back toward the heart, improving circulation and reducing swelling (edema). The open-toe design is often chosen because it allows for greater breathability, accommodates different foot sizes, and leaves the toes free for medical inspection or comfort. Because of the material’s firm, elastic nature, application can be frustrating. These detailed methods provide practical strategies to apply the garments effectively, ensuring they fit correctly and deliver their intended medical benefit.
Essential Pre-Application Steps
Preparation simplifies the application process and protects the garment’s elastic fibers. Start by ensuring the skin is completely clean and dry, as moisture significantly increases friction, making the stocking nearly impossible to slide on. Avoid lotions, oils, or creams unless they have fully absorbed, as these substances can break down the elastic integrity over time. Before handling the stocking, remove all jewelry, especially rings, and check that fingernails and toenails are smooth and trimmed to prevent snags or tears.
The stocking itself needs preparation. Reach a hand inside to grasp the heel pocket, turning the garment inside out down to that point. This creates a small pouch of material, leaving the foot section visible and ready to receive the foot. This preparation minimizes the amount of material that must be pulled up the leg in one continuous motion. This pre-folding technique ensures the heel and ankle, the areas of highest compression, are correctly positioned from the start.
Detailed Application Method
Begin by carefully inserting the foot into the prepared foot section, ensuring the stocking’s heel aligns perfectly with the foot’s heel. The open-toe area provides a visual guide to confirm the material is straight and not twisted. Gently pull the open-toe material forward until the fabric rests just behind the ball of the foot, ensuring the toes have full freedom of movement.
Next, grasp the material at the ankle and begin to roll and pull the stocking up over the heel, which is typically the most challenging part. Unroll the material in small sections, using the palms or flat surfaces of the fingers to distribute the fabric evenly. Avoid pulling or tugging the top edge of the stocking, as this can over-stretch the material and compromise the graduated compression.
Continue working the stocking up the leg, smoothing out any wrinkles or bunching with flat, gentle movements. Wrinkles create concentrated pressure points that can be uncomfortable, compromise circulation, and lead to skin irritation. The final position should have the top band resting comfortably, usually two finger-widths below the bend of the knee for knee-high garments, with the material completely flat against the skin.
Utilizing Donning Aids and Specialized Techniques
When manual application proves too difficult, specialized tools can significantly reduce the physical effort required. One common technique involves wearing specialized rubber or vinyl gloves. These gloves improve grip on the slick elastic material and protect the stocking from damage caused by fingernails, allowing the user to grasp the fabric firmly without pinching and facilitating smooth distribution up the leg.
Another option is to reduce friction by applying a small amount of talcum powder or cornstarch directly to the skin before application, making the garment easier to slide. For open-toe styles, a thin, slippery fabric called a “foot slip” or “gliding sock” is often used. The foot is inserted into this slip, and the stocking is pulled over both. Once the stocking is past the heel, the slick foot slip is easily pulled out through the open-toe area, leaving the stocking perfectly placed.
More robust mechanical assistance is available through rigid donning devices, such as metal frames or plastic troughs. These devices hold the stocking open, allowing the foot to slide into the pre-stretched material. Brands offer specialized open-toe models, like the Arion Easy-Slide or Juzo Slippie, designed from ultra-smooth, low-friction fabric. These devices are beneficial for individuals with limited hand strength or back mobility, as they minimize bending and straining during application.
Safe Removal and Garment Care
Safe removal is accomplished by peeling the material down gradually from the top band, turning the stocking inside out as it is removed. Avoid simply rolling the stocking down into a tight ring. This concentrates the compression, making it difficult to maneuver over the ankle and heel, and places unnecessary stress on the elastic threads, potentially weakening the therapeutic compression level.
To maintain the garment’s effectiveness, regular care is necessary, ideally washing the stockings daily to restore the elastic’s original shape. Manufacturers recommend handwashing in cool or lukewarm water using a mild soap or specialized cleaner. If machine washing, use the delicate cycle with a mesh laundry bag and cold water, avoiding fabric softeners and bleach, which degrade the elastic fibers. Never place stockings in a machine dryer or near direct heat, as high temperatures destroy the elastic; instead, air-dry them flat or hang them away from heat sources.