How to take care of your legs and your compression hosiery.
How does compression therapy work?
Compression therapy is the term given to stockings and bandages that aid or assist the blood in your leg veins being pushed back up to your heart. Wearing your stockings every day will reduce the risk of your ulcer or leg swelling returning.
Accurate sizing is essential to ensure a good fit.
How do I care for my legs?
Do
- Apply regular prescribed moisturiser to both lower limbs in a downward action.
- Raise legs whilst resting to minimise swelling.
- Continue to walk as much as you can and flex your ankle up and down several times a day.
- Check your legs and feet daily for any changes or problems. Gain assistance from carer or relative if required.
If you experience any itching, redness or break in the skin contact your GP or other healthcare professional without delay for medical advice.
Don’t
- Do not cross your legs or stand still for long periods.
- Do not ignore any signs of problems such as redness, change in pain, itching or broken areas on your leg. Do telephone a health care professional to come and have a look.
- Do not stop using your stockings without first seeking medical advice.
How do I wear my stockings?
- Follow the instructions given by the healthcare professional on application of the stockings. There will be written advice available to support this.
- Ensure they are pulled up and sit just below the knee with a two finger space between the knee and the top of the stocking.
- Do not roll them down, cut them or fold the top down.
- Do ensure there are no creases in the stockings.
- If they are tight around the toes, pull the material off them to loosen.
- They may require re-adjustment throughout the day.
How do I care for my stockings?
- Generally stockings are worn for up to 16 hours a day and should be removed at bed time. However, stockings can be worn 24 hours a day and up to 7 days a week, when they must be changed. Your healthcare professional will advise on when to change your stockings.
- Examine your stockings daily to check for signs of damage and contact your GP to organise replacements.
- Your healthcare professional will advise you of the expected life span of your stockings.
- Please throw away your stockings when they have reached their maximum life span, ensure new stockings have been delivered beforehand.
- Stockings can be machine washed on a gentle cycle at 30 degrees, using a mild detergent. Do not tumble dry.
- If in doubt, refer to manufacturers guidance found in each box.
Who do I call if I have a problem?
- There are a number of different healthcare professionals that can help you if any problems occur.
- Please see your own GP first
- Other healthcare professionals may be:
- A pharmacist (all pharmacists are trained in compression hosiery)
- Your neighbourhood team
- A practice nurse
What to do next
Your healthcare professional will ensure that your stockings fit correctly and that you are happy and comfortable with wearing them.
