Your doctor may prescribe compression stockings to aid in circulation and help prevent swelling. Compressions stockings gently squeeze your legs in a way that helps promote blood from the legs back to the heart and prevent pooling of the blood within the veins. This can often improve symptoms associated with varicose veins.
Here are some great compression stocking tips and tricks:
- Put them on first thing in the morning before any leg swelling has started
- Make sure your skin is completely dry
- Sit in a chair to provide stability when applying them
- Use a device such as a stocking donner if you struggle to apply your stockings due to arthritis or limited flexibility/range of motion
- Be sure that there is no bunching or wrinkling at the ankle or knee
- Prevent damage to your stockings by wearing socks, slippers or shoes
- Be careful not to snag them on toenails, fingernails or jewelry
- Replace your compressions stockings every 3-6 months
- Replace your stockings if they tear or if they begin to consistently bunch, wrinkle or slide down For more information on compression stockings, click here.
Source: Mayo Clinic News Network, by Lisa Torborg 8/05/17