Compression Stockings
This handout will help you get the most from your compression stockings. Our staff will review parts of this handout with you before you leave for home.
Compression stockings help your veins work by putting mild pressure on your legs and helping to control the swelling in your legs. The special knit of a compression stocking has a “massaging” effect that helps your vein valves work to improve the return of blood to your heart.
It is best to put on your stockings at the start of your day. For best results put them on before you even get out of bed. Legs are often less swollen at that time, and this will make it easier to put on your stockings. You should wear your stockings as long as you are able to during the day. Take them off before going to bed (unless you have been told something else by your doctor or nurse).
If you have had a weight loss or gain, you may need to be measured again. If your leg measurements fall outside sizing ranges, you may need to be measured for a custom stocking at a different location. Stockings that have large holes or tears or are stretched out should be replaced. They may not be doing the best job for your legs. The lifespan of a compression stocking is about 6 months if worn daily.
Medicare will not cover the cost of these compression stockings except under certain diagnoses and compression levels. Please check with your specific insurance policy regarding coverage.
Below are guidelines for wearing your stockings. Your doctor may have other instructions for you. If you have any questions or problems with your stockings that are not answered in this handout, you may call the clinic that fit you with your stockings or your doctor.
Helpful Hints
- You may return or exchange your stocking within 30 days from the date you receive them.
- Keep your nails short and take off rings before putting on or taking off your stockings to help prevent runs or snags.
- Rubber gloves may help to provide extra grip when putting on, adjusting, or taking off your stockings.
- Dry your legs and feet before putting on your stockings. Moisture may cause them to stick.
- If needed, moisten your skin at night after you have removed your stockings rather than in the morning. Oil-based creams, ointments, and petroleum products will shorten the life of the stocking by breaking down the spandex fibers that provide the compression you need. If you do lotion your legs before putting on your stockings, use a non-oil based lotion.
- Reach into the stocking and grab just above the heel. While holding this area, pull your arm out to turn the leg part of the stocking inside out. (You will turn it right side out as you put on the stocking.) Stretch the stocking as wide as you are able and pull it over your foot and heel. Ease it up your leg to about 1½ inches below the crease behind your knee while releasing a bit of fabric at a time. Make sure you do not pull up by the top band as this may cause the fabric to tear.
- Rub or smooth out any wrinkles or creases. Do not fold or roll the top band over on the top of your leg, as this may slow the blood flow and cause more swelling.
- Swab the silicone bands in thigh-high stockings once a week with rubbing alcohol to remove body oils and lint. This can help thigh-high stockings to stay in place. There is a product called "It Stays" which is a roll-on adhesive that keeps stockings in place.
- Adjust thigh-high or full length stockings if you notice that the stocking material is bunching behind your knee.
- Wear a loose fitting stocking or sock over your stockings, if you desire.
- Do not wear your stockings unless you protect them by wearing a sock, slipper or shoe over them.
Stockings must be washed every time you wear them.
1. Use a cleaning agent made for your stockings (that is, Medi-Care Wash®, Jolastic® Washing Solution). These agents help prolong the life of your garments and help maintain the prescribed pressure. If you are unable to use these soaps, you may use Dreft® or Ivory Snow®. Dreft® or Ivory Snow® can be found in the baby laundry section of most grocery stores. No other soaps should be used.
DO NOT use chlorine bleach, detergents, fabric softeners, or delicates washing products such as Woolite® as these products can damage the elastic in the stockings. Do not dry clean.
2. Hand wash in warm water (the temperature for hand-washing dishes) or machine wash on delicate cycle in a mesh bag. Using warm water will prevent a build-up of skin oils and will also create better fabric “memory” so that your stockings will retain their shape and support. Rinse well with warm water.
3. Squeeze stockings to remove excess water. Do not roll in a terry cloth towel as the fibers from the towel can become stuck in the stocking fabric and break it down. You may use a lint-free kitchen towel or flour-sack towel instead. Do not wring or twist.
4. Lay your stockings flat or hang to dry away from sunlight or direct heat. Do not machine dry, unless on “Air Dry” cycle.
5. Do not cut off the ends of any threads because this may unravel knots that are part of the stockings.
When to call your doctor or nurse
- If you have any new or increased numbness, tingling, pain, redness, or swelling while wearing your stockings.
- If you have any new open skin areas, drainage, or redness on your leg or have more leg pain with the stocking on.
Places to Find Compression Stockings
Appointments are needed for all locations.
Madison Area
UW Health CareWear UW Health West Clinic 451 Junction Road Madison, WI 53717
(608) 262-2609 1-800-323-8942 ext. 2-2609
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UW Health CareWear UW Health East Clinic 5249 East Terrace Drive Madison, WI 53718
(608) 262-2609 1-800-323-8942 ext. 2-2609
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The Spanish version of this Health Facts for You is #6296.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 10/21/2011
Copyright © 10/15/2010 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. UWH #5362
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