Here are the top complaints, in no particular order, as expressed by individuals wearing compression hosiery and those who refuse to wear them for one or more of these reasons:
- The compression stockings or hose are too difficult to put on and take off
- They are too hot on the legs especially during the summer or in warmer climates
- They are uncomfortable to wear (too tight, pinching etc.)
- They look ugly
- They are too expensive
- The stockings slip and cause wrinkles
- They can make the skin dry and itchy
In the following paragraphs, each of these complaints will be discussed individually including pointers and tips to make wearing compression stockings easier.
Compression Stockings Are Too Difficult To Put On And Take Off
Depending on your physical strength and fitness, putting on or taking off compression hose can be challenging to say the least. Some individuals may also encounter problems performing these tasks due to other conditions such as arthritis, back problems, weight issues, or other circumstances preventing them from easily donning and doffing their stockings.
Do not despair – there are options. One of the most important considerations is that compression garments must be the proper size for your leg(s), which is easy to ensure if your legs are measured correctly by a professional fitter of stockings. For ease in putting on the stockings, donning and doffing aids are available (e.g. a stocking butler) to save you the most strenuous parts of these tasks.
If you prefer open toe stockings, a slide can be used to pull them over your foot. Rubber coated gloves are another handy and proven tool to push the stocking material up or down your legs and to massage away any wrinkles. Finally some stockings are also available with zippers for easy on and easy off positioning.
Compression Stockings Are Too Hot During The Summer
Depending on the type of compression stockings you need, you can look for the sheerest compression hosiery available that still offers adequate compression for your condition. Some stockings are also available in open toe versions which may offer some cooling effect.
One should not be afraid or embarrassed to wear shorts or skirts with their compression stockings in hot weather to prevent heat buildup under clothing. Remember, not wearing compression stockings at all during the summer, especially if recommended by your physician, could result in a worsening of existing venous or lymphatic conditions.
Compression Hose Are Uncomfortable To Wear
If the compression stockings are too tight or pinch, the first step is to have the measurements of your legs checked in relation to the size of the compression hosiery. If the measurements are correct you may simply have to try different styles from different manufacturers to determine which is the most comfortable for your needs.
Companies use a variety of fiber choices and different manufacturing techniques for their stocking products. Often the best or only way to find out which brand and style of compression garment is right for you is to try different makes and models.
Compression Stockings Are Too Ugly
Compression hose often still have a stigma of being ugly “Granny Stockings”. The short and simple truth is that those days are long gone and manufacturers have made great strides in offering fully fashioned product lines of compression stockings. Today compression stockings are available in a wide variety of colors and fabric weights from opaque to sheer styles, making them virtually undetectable compared to top of the line high fashion hosiery.
Compression Stockings Are Too Expensive
Compression stockings can be expensive but they don’t have to be. Like with everything else we purchase, major brand names of compression stockings can be on the expensive side. Nevertheless, spending some time on the Internet can result in finding compression hose “nuggets” of lesser known manufacturers or private label brands that will make you and your wallet breathe much easier.
If you are wearing your stockings for medical reasons your insurance plan may cover some or most of the cost. Individuals without insurance may find funding options with the help of social workers, workers’ comp coverage or through veterans affairs and other organizations just to name a few.
Compression Stockings Slip and Cause Wrinkles
Compression garments tend to slip and bunch up if they are not fitted properly. To ensure a proper fit the legs of the individual must be measured precisely to determine the required size of the graduated compression stocking. The measurements must be taken as early as possible after getting up before the legs have a chance to swell. The measurements must be taken in various areas of the leg as recommended by the manufacturers of the compression hosiery.
It should be noted that different manufacturers may have specific methods to determine the measurements and sizing parameters of the compression stockings. To ensure maximum comfort, the measurements should be taken by a professional fitter. Stockings that slip and bunch up should never be folded over or rolled up because this will decrease the effectiveness of the stocking and could even act like a tourniquet and restrict proper blood circulation.
A good fit also means the compression garment must have the correct length. For example, knee-high stockings should come up above the calf but end approximately the width of two fingers below the bend of the knee. If slippage of stockings is still a problem after proper fitting, thigh-highs can be held in place with skin friendly body adhesive or with a garter belt. Last but not least, pantyhose style compression hosiery is another option to consider.
If you have trouble with itchy and dry skin, make sure to moisturize your legs. The best time for this is at night after removing your stockings. Use non greasy lotion and always allow plenty of time for the applied lotion to dry before wearing your compression hosiery. Keeping your legs free of hair may also eliminate a possible source of irritation caused by the tightness of the stockings pulling on the hair.
If you liked this post please let us know by clicking the Facebook like button or the G+1 button below. We also appreciate any comments and personal experiences you have to contribute.
Jackson E. says
Thanks for the good write-up.
Susie K. says
This article is very informative.
Carroll B. Merriman says
Some really quality content on this web site , saved to fav.
W. Talley says
Your style is very unique in comparison to other folks I have read stuff from. Thanks for posting when you have the opportunity.
Matthew K. says
Great Website Here! Very Educational Subject For A Website. Keep Up The Amazing Work!
B. Schafer says
Thanks for sharing all this info about compression stockings.
Regards
Anonymous says
You pretty much tell it how it is. 🙂
Tory S. says
I think the admin of this website is truly working
hard, as every information here is quality material.
Kory M. says
Dear friend, wish you a happy 2013 !
Paulina F. says
This site no doubt will be famous, due to its quality contents.
Chat O. says
I follow your site and like your mission. Thank you.
R. Marcum says
I’m really enjoying this website. It’s simple, yet effective.
It’s tough to get that “perfect balance” between usability and visual appeal. I must say that you’ve done an awesome job with this. Also, the blog loads extremely fast
for me on Internet Explorer. Exceptional Blog!
Anonymous says
I have learned a lot here and I look forward to additional updates and will be returning.
D. Demara says
A Massive Thank you so much, the article was extremely educational.
Natalie S. says
I really appreciate this post. Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You’ve made my day! Thx again
Anonymous says
Hello. This article was extremely motivating.
Anonymous says
This website article shows how well you comprehend and know this subject.
Carmen T. says
For a very confusing subject you did a great job explaining it clearly.
Anonymous says
I enjoy investigating new topics! This was a great blog post to read!
Anonymous says
You are the best for writing this wonderful article!
Carla says
I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. Thanks for your blog, big help.
Anonymous says
I read about a hundred blog posts a week and i tend to only comment on a few of them, this is one of them.
Kevin S. says
I like the valuable information you provide in your articles.
Stacey R. says
“Wow, great article.”
Anonymous says
Thanks for sharing excellent information. Will come back for other articles.
jdt44 says
My main complaint may be more my own problem than the stockings themselves. It is that the foot portion of the stockings is too tight across my metatarsal arch. I use open toe stockings and often have problems with them being too snug in this area. I have tried folding the front part back over itself where most of the compression is on my arch. This works ok for some but can add too much compression on the central part of the foot.
This is, in no way, to say I don’t value and continue to wear my compression stockings daily. They have provided a major improvement in my activity level and lack of aches from the very first day.
T. Zahourek says
Absolutely brilliant post guys, been following you.
J. Lundsten says
You have a lot of useful pointers on this site.
Carol says
This article has changed my life, when i read it and followed it.
Anonymous says
Perfect website!
Cacilda says
Really informative blog thanks for sharing. Keep posting.
Vasildwpme says
Подписалась на ваш блог
Смотрю масса интересного у тут!
Спасибо
Tanisha says
I have to say that I have been hooked by the amazing articles on this blog. Keep up the good work.
Anonymous says
Thank you for this blog. There is so much information here. Thank you so much for enlightening my mind.
Marcus B. says
I found your website at Bing. I am interested to learn more.
Eugene B. says
I’m so happy to read this. This is the type of info that needs to be given and not the random misinformation that’s at the other blogs. Appreciate your sharing this best doc.
Anonymous says
This blog is absolutely fantastic! Lots of great information which we all need!
Lauren says
Great blog.
Anonymous says
I wish to say that this post is great written and comes with all vital info.
Anonymous says
Write more, thats all I have to say. You definitely know what youre talking about.
Idell L. says
WONDERFUL Post. Thanks for sharing.
Migdalia S. says
definitely amazing posting, thanks
Austin K. says
Your article really spurred my interest and it is not an easy task to do. I enjoy the way you made your distinct points.
Lora P. says
Nice post. I was checking this weblog and I’m inspired! Very useful info. Thanks and good luck.
Norma G. says
I read a few posts on this internet website and I believe that your weblog is interesting and holds bands of wonderful data.
Melisa K. says
Thanks, I have been seeking details about this subject for ages and yours is the best I’ve discovered so far.
Anonymous says
This internet site seems extremely helpful and useful.
Anonymous says
This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I love seeing websites that understand the value of providing a quality resource for free.
Michelle says
Hello! Just want you to know that I found this website really helpful to me. I will come back to this blog more often to read more. Thanks.