How to Use Compression Stockings

Compression stockings are elastic socks that squeeze the legs. They help increase blood flow (circulation) to the legs, decrease swelling in the legs, and reduce the chance of developing blood clots in the lower legs.

Who need Compression stockings often?

• Are recovering from surgery.
• Have poor circulation in their legs.
• Tend to get blood clots in their legs.
• Have bulging (varicose) veins.
• Sit or stay in bed for long periods of time.

Follow instructions from your health care provider about how and when to wear your compression stockings.

How to wear compression stockings

Before you put on your compression stockings:

• Make sure that they are the correct size and degree of compression. If you do not know your size or required grade of compression, ask your health care provider and follow the manufacturer’s instructions that come with the stockings.
• Make sure that they are clean, dry, and in good condition.
• Check them for rips and tears. Do not put them on if they are ripped or torn.

Put your stockings on first thing in the morning, before you get out of bed. Keep them on for as long as your health care provider advises. When you are wearing your stockings:

• Keep them as smooth as possible. Do not allow them to bunch up. It is especially important to prevent the stockings from bunching up around your toes or behind your knees.
• Do not roll the stockings downward and leave them rolled down. This can decrease blood flow to your leg.
• Change them right away if they become wet or dirty.

When you take off your stockings, inspect your legs and feet. Check for:

• Open sores.
• Red spots.
• Swelling.

General tips

• Do not stop wearing compression stockings without talking to your health care provider first.
• Wash your stockings every day with mild detergent in cold or warm water. Do not use bleach. Air-dry your stockings or dry them in a clothes dryer on low heat. It may be helpful to have two pairs so that you have a pair to wear while the other is being washed.
• Replace your stockings every 3–6 months.
• If skin moisturizing is part of your treatment plan, apply lotion or cream at night so that your skin will be dry when you put on the stockings in the morning. It is harder to put the stockings on when you have lotion on your legs or feet.
• Wear nonskid shoes or slip-resistant socks when walking while wearing compression stockings.

Contact a health care provider and remove your stockings if you have:

• A feeling of pins and needles in your feet or legs.
• Open sores, red spots, or other skin changes on your feet or legs.
• Swelling or pain that gets worse.

Get help right away if you have:

• Numbness or tingling in your lower legs that does not get better right after you take the stockings off.
• Toes or feet that are unusually cold or turn a bluish color.
• A warm or red area on your leg.
• New swelling or soreness in your leg.
• Shortness of breath.
• Chest pain.
• A fast or irregular heartbeat.
• Light-headedness.
• Dizziness.

Summary

• Compression stockings are elastic socks that squeeze the legs.
• They help increase blood flow (circulation) to the legs, decrease swelling in the legs, and reduce the chance of developing blood clots in the lower legs.
• Follow instructions from your health care provider about how and when to wear your compression stockings.
• Do not stop wearing your compression stockings without talking to your health care provider first.