All I Want For Christmas Is My Compression Stockings
OK, nobody would really want to swap their actual Christmas stocking for the compression sort, especially in the winter wonderland of Northern Michigan! But compression hosiery is an important tool to protect your legs from developing varicose veins and spider veins. They are also something Dr. Heeringa will put our patients in after we’ve performed treatments such as radiofrequency ablation.
But compression hose can be a challenge to put on. So, in this final blog of 2021, let’s give you a few tips to help get this hosiery on to provide the compression your lower legs need.
- Prepare your feet and legs
It’s a great idea to put your compression hosiery on first thing in the morning before any swelling occurs as you’re on your feet doing stuff. Without swelling, it will be easier to put on your hose. But you’ve already been up and about. OK, to reduce any swelling, lay down on the couch and put your lower legs up on a couple pillows for about 15 minutes. This will reduce any swelling.
Your feet and legs also need to be clean and dry. Dry off completely after showering. If it’s a humid day you can sprinkler talc or cornstarch across your feet and legs to help the fabric of the compression hosiery to slide smoothly.
- Get into the right position
The best way to pull on your compression stockings is to begin by placing just your toes into the toe area of the stockings. Leave the rest of the hosiery bunched up around the toes, and then gradually unravel the stockings as you make your way up your leg.
It’s best to sit in a chair to do this. Don’t crouch on the floor or bend over while standing. If you have trouble getting down to your feet while sitting in a chair, you’ll need to consider having someone else help you or purchase a donning tool for pulling them on.
- Smooth the fabric
Once you get your compression hosiery on your feet and legs, be sure to smooth out any wrinkles across the fabric. These wrinkles can create excessive pressure to the skin beneath them. This causes discomfort and it can cut off circulation.
Also, do not fold over the top of your compression hose, as this can cause way more compression in that area. This can cut off blood flow.
- Talcum powder
If you’re having trouble with your hosiery getting stuck on your skin, try first sprinkling talcum powder or cornstarch across your ankles and legs before pulling your socks on. These materials allow close-fitting compression hose to slide over your skin more easily.
Do you have varicose veins or spider veins you’d like to do something about? Call the team at Northern Michigan Vein Specialists, (231) 936-2068, to make an appointment at our Cadillac or Traverse City locations.
