Overview

Your doctor or specialist nurse might prescribe compression stockings to help the blood circulation in your legs and reduce any pain.

How to put on your compression stockings

Make sure you put on your stockings first thing in the morning, as soon as you can after getting up.

For stockings without a toe section (open toe)

1. Place your hand inside the stocking, and grip the heel.
2. Pull the stocking inside out up to the heel.
3. Place your foot in the "easy-on" slipper that comes with your stockings. The slipper holds the stocking in place while you slip your foot into the toe area.
4. Put your foot into the opening of the stocking, making sure your heel lines up with the heel of the stocking.
5. Pull the stocking over your ankle and up your leg. Make sure that you pull it up smoothly without twisting or overstretching the material. If it becomes overstretched, push it back down to the ankle and pull it up again.
6. Remove the "easy-on" slipper by pulling it through the open toe of the stocking.
7. Make sure the heel and toes sit properly.

For stockings with a toe section (closed toe)

1. Place your hand inside the stocking and grip the heel.
2. Pull the stocking inside out up to the heel.
3. Put your foot into the opening of the stocking, making sure your heel lines up with the heel of the compression stocking.  
4. Pull the stocking over your ankle, and up your leg. Make sure that you pull it up smoothly without twisting or overstretching the material. If it becomes overstretched, push it back down to the ankle and pull it up again.
5. Make sure that the heel and toe sections are correctly in place. 

Important

You can use talcum powder if your skin is moist, to make the stocking easier to slide on.

Be careful with sharp fingernails or jewellery that could damage the stocking or your skin.

Washing instructions

Ideally, you should have 2 pairs of compression stockings, one pair to wear while the other is being washed and dried.

• Wash the stockings on their own the first time you wash them. 
• Wash the stockings either by hand, or on the delicate cycle of your washing machine at 40C. Stockings are not suitable for dry cleaning. 
• Do not squeeze the water out of your stockings, let them dry naturally. 
• Make sure the stockings are dried away from direct heat (for example, not in a tumble dryer or on a radiator). 
• If you're using ointment on your legs, wash the stockings every day. Remember to rinse the stocking several times afterwards.

Replacement stockings

At some point, you'll need to have your stockings replaced. The orthotics service will arrange this for you. 

Medi, Bauerfiend and Sigvaris products usually need replacing after 4 to 6 months.

You should go to your review appointments to make sure you get the right prescription.