Don’t Rush Things When Donning and Doffing Compression Stockings or Support Hosiery

The old saying “Haste Makes Waste” couldn’t be more true when it comes to putting on or taking off compression stockings, compression pantyhose or any other type of hosiery.

Compression stockings have to be made pretty strong to do their job of delivering graduated compression to the legs.   Graduated compression is designed to help optimize the blood circulation in the leg veins. These elastic super stockings and pantyhose exert supportive pressure in a precise and predetermined pressure gradient that starts out the strongest in the area of the ankles and then gradually becomes less as the garment continues further up the legs.

Compression hosiery may be strong, however, trying to rush things when donning or doffing compression stockings could easily result in a disastrous tear or run, which could easily ruin a perfectly good and potentially expensive pair of compression stockings or compression pantyhose.

To help prevent this type of accident we have compiled some important steps to help you make compression and support garments last longer.

Tips for Handling Your Compression Stockings or Pantyhose:

• Compression stockings haste makes compression stockings waste – taking extra time and care in putting them on and taking them off is well worth it.
• Ensure that hands and nails are well groomed and remove any jewelry before handling compression or support hosiery – ideally we also suggest wearing special rubber coated gloves for easier donning and doffing of compression stockings.
• Pull the stocking leg inside out up to the heel area and carefully work the foot portion over your foot taking care to center the heel properly – now repeat this process with the other foot.
• Next gather each of the stocking legs, gently working them up over the knees to the upper thighs – the rubber gloves mentioned earlier will be particularly handy for smoothing and stretching the compression stockings on the legs.
• If you are wearing full length compression pantyhose pull the panty portion up over your thighs gently and slowly avoiding excessive pulling in any particular area.  Ensure the waistband and crotch area of your hose is comfortably situated.
• Finally, check for any wrinkles or folds in the compression stockings or compression pantyhose and smooth them out to avoid any pinching or tourniquet effect from the elastic stockings.
• In removing the compression stockings simply follow the steps described above in reverse order always taking care and taking the time needed to remove them gently and safely.

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