Compression stocking application: How to:

Patients can have chronic swelling as a result to many conditions.  Heart failure, vein incompotence, and lymphedema are just a few examples.  At the bottom of every condition, literally, is swollen legs.   The pressure of fluid accumulating the legs can cause fatigue, heaviness, pain and wounds.  Leg elevation, calf pumping exercises and compression are easy treatments for lower extremity swelling.  These actions help push the fluid out of the leg and into the circulation to be excreted in the urine.   If there is no heart history, medical grade compression stockings are generally recommended to push the swelling out and keep it there.   Tugging them on from the top or scrunching and pulling make putting on the socks feel almost impossible. 

Try this:

1. Turn the sock inside out until you get to the heel

2. Put your foot in the sock so your heel matches with the heel of the sock. 

3. From the top pull the sock right side in and up your leg.

4. Poof! You got it!

If you experience pain in the legs, shortness of breath or wound drainage, make sure to remove the stockings and contact your doctor! 

Author

Jenna Wishnew Dr Wishnew is a Board Certified General Surgeon practicing in the North Texas area She specializes in general surgery, gastroparesis, wound care, vein concerns and robotic surgery.