Boston Enterprises

Compression Sock Application "Donning"

HOW WE PUT ON CALF COMPRESSION SLEEVES

Turn the sleeves inside out. Make sure your skin is dry, using body powder may be helpful.
Put the small end on your foot first, pull over your heel, grasp the large end which is over your toes now, pinch the fabric between your thumbs and fingers below the cuff and pull up past your heel to your knee. Adjust the sleeve and smooth out any wrinkles. If the sleeve is a little too long for your leg you may have to push the top cuff down your leg and work the sleeve to your knee taking care not to stretch the length.

                                   

     The most important thing to remember about compression garments is to wear them everyday.


The following tips and tools will help you put on your socks. Wearing your compression socks will deliver the therapy your physician or healthcare provider recommends. It’s a habit worth starting.


Helpful Hints:
Compression garments are easiest to put on when you first get out of bed in the morning, before swelling might occur. 
Limbs should be dry or have a thin layer of cornstarch or powder applied. 
Remove rings and jewelry, and wear rubber gloves to prevent fingernails from damaging the garment. 
Spread the fabric evenly – working upward using the rubber gloves to help create friction and provide more grip.
Use a moisturizing cream or lotion on your skin in the evening, when you take off your garments.


Stocking Application "Donning"
1.       Push hand inside sock…pinch heel and pull sock partially inside out, leaving foot part of sock turned in.
2.       With a firm grasp on each side of the sock, stretch sock over toes, pull to heel, and adjust to fit foot comfortably.

(sock will be on foot with leg portion still inside out.)

3.       Reach down and pull up leg portion, turning right side out a section at a time. Stretch and adjust up your calf as you go. Sock top should be an inch below knee.


Removal of Stockings "Doffing"
1.     Take hold of the socks at the upper edge and peel downwards past the ankle.  Never push downward as this creates bunching and makes the stocking more difficult to remove.
2.     With the flat of the hand work the stocking over the heel and remove. Don’t “roll” or “gather” or “bunch up” the fabric, as that will create a sensation of trying to stretch 100 rubber bands. 


Care Instructions:

  • Turn inside out, machine wash warm (do not use hot water), tumble dry cool or air dry, do not bleach, iron, or dry with heat.
  • If the stockings irritate your skin, change washing detergents (or use shampoo or liquid dishwashing detergent) and make sure to rinse thoroughly.