The biggest challenge for people who wear compression socks is how to get them on and off. Some have weakness in their hands that make it impossible to stretch and pull the tight stockings over their legs. And for others it might take so much time and effort that it becomes a frustrating daily task.
My gold tip if you are having a hard time with your compression socks is to consider buying a device called “Doff N’ Donner”. This neat product has a cone to stretch the stockings and a water filled sleeve that will unroll the compression socks onto the legs. There’s a learning curve to it but most people will be able to do this independently. It also helps caregivers that assist patients with their compression socks.
There are also other stocking donners on the market that will surely make wearing compression socks easier than just trying to do it with your hands only. If you were prescribed to wear compression stockings, these aids can be time saving.
Compression stockings are prescribed for people at risk for circulation problems in their legs that could cause deep vein thrombosis, known as blood clots. The pressure from the socks prevents blood from pooling around the ankle and legs and helps the blood vessels better do their work.
Although compression socks are available to buy over the counter, people should not wear them without medical supervision, as they could even cut off someone’s blood circulation and chafe the skin, among other risks.
If your legs are constantly feeling heavy, tired and/or swollen, or if you spend long hours on your feet, you should consider seeing a podiatrist. If it’s the case, we can prescribe the best fitting and ideal level of compression for your specific situation. In some cases, these stockings are covered by insurance if there’s a wound on the leg.
Call 508-757-4003 or Text 508-625-7775 for an appointment at Central Massachusetts Podiatry in Worcester or Westborough.
Find it on Amazon: Doff N’ Donner Stocking Aid and other compression socks donning devices
