Putting on socks can become difficult when mobility is limited due to conditions like back pain, pregnancy, or post-surgical hip precautions. Occupational therapists frequently recommend strategies to help people regain independence in dressing without risking injury to the back or hips. These techniques focus on keeping the spine and hips safe by eliminating the need to bend the torso past a 90-degree angle. Learning to don socks without significant bending allows individuals to maintain safety and autonomy.
Using Specialized Sock Donning Aids
Specialized sock aids are designed tools that remove the need for excessive bending and are an effective solution for this dressing challenge. These aids generally consist of a semi-rigid trough or shell attached to long straps or cords.
The process begins by loading the sock onto the aid, pulling the fabric up and over the shell so the toe is positioned at the end and the heel cup is aligned. Once loaded, the user, sitting down, lowers the device to the floor using the straps, keeping the straps in hand.
The foot is then inserted into the open end of the sock, which is held open by the aid. To complete the task, the user pulls the straps straight back and upward, allowing the foot to slide into the sock and the aid to release.
Sock aids come in various types, including flexible nylon or terry cloth versions and rigid plastic shells. Rigid aids are often preferred for compression stockings or for individuals with swollen feet, as the firm plastic stretches the sock opening wider. Flexible aids are generally easier to load for standard socks but may not offer enough structure for thick, elastic compression garments.
Leveraging Household Items and Improvisation
For immediate or low-cost solutions, common household items can be temporarily adapted to serve as a sock aid. A long-handled reacher or grabber tool can manipulate the sock, but this requires more dexterity than a dedicated aid. A thin hand towel, folded lengthwise into thirds, can also be used as a simple, flexible sock aid substitute.
The towel technique involves sliding the sock over one end of the folded towel until the toe is flush with the tip. The user then lowers the towel and sock to the floor, inserts their foot, and pulls the towel’s ends to guide the sock over the heel. Long shoe horns are useful for taking socks off and can also assist in guiding the heel into a partially applied sock.
A reacher can pinch the cuff of a sock and gently pull it up the ankle after the toes are positioned. This requires a stable sitting surface and careful, repeated short pulls to work the fabric over the heel and up the calf. While improvised aids may require more practice, they provide an immediate path to independence.
Body Positioning and Foot Movement Techniques
Beyond assistive devices, specific body positioning and foot movements can significantly reduce the need for bending. The fundamental principle is to bring the foot closer to the hand without flexing the torso or hip joint excessively. This is important for individuals recovering from hip surgery, who must adhere to strict hip precautions.
Sitting in a stable chair with arms or on the edge of a bed provides a secure base. One technique involves using the hands to gently lift the foot and rest the ankle on the opposite knee, a position known as the “Figure Four.” This position brings the foot into reach, allowing the user to put the sock on by hand without bending the back.
If the Figure Four position is difficult due to limited hip or knee range of motion, the user can instead lift their foot onto a low footstool or a stack of firm pillows. Keeping the trunk upright, the user can then grasp the sock and pull it over the toes and heel. For all seated techniques, stability is paramount; a chair that does not roll or swivel should be used to prevent loss of balance.