How to put on compression socks

Unlike traditional socks or stockings, compression stockings are designed to offer medical support via integrally-knit graduated compression. This therapeutic compression is designed to be tightest in the ankle and gradually looser above.

First time wearers of medical compression are sometimes surprised by how firm it actually is. The compression provided will be meaningfully stronger than what you might experience with traditional stockings or socks. Be patient with yourself when donning for the first time. Even properly-fitting compression will be tight and require a bit of “getting used to.”

Before putting on your compression stockings, remove any jewelry and be sure your legs are dry. If you find you are having a hard time gripping the sock to put it on, you may want to consider using rubber kitchen or gardening gloves to help ease the donning process as well. The textured grip on the palms and fingers will aid with grabbing.

By habit, you may be tempted to gather or bunch your new socks to pull over your foot. Don’t do this! Gathering a support sock like you would a normal sock will only concentrate its compression tension in that area & make it harder to get on.

While it may sound silly to need instructions to put socks and leggings on, when it comes to compression you will be glad someone gave you some tips! 

• Reach into the stocking and grasp the heel. Pull your arm out to turn the leg portion of the stocking inside out. 
• Stretch the stocking as wide as possible and pull the stocking onto the instep of your foot.

 

• Grasp the stocking just below the top band and pull it up over the heel to just above the ankle, turning the stocking right side out. 
• Next work the stocking all the way up your leg, a little at a time, smoothing out the wrinkles as you go. Never pull on the stocking top band. 

To put your leggings on, follow these helpful tips.