If you have been prescribed compression stockings for a condition that affects your circulation, you may need to wear them for several years or, in some cases, the rest of your life.
What are compression stockings for?
Compression stockings are specially designed to apply pressure to your lower legs, helping to maintain blood flow and reduce discomfort and swelling.
They may be prescribed by your GP if you have a condition that causes poor blood flow in your legs, such as:
Wearing compression stockings
Compression stockings come in a variety of sizes, lengths and colours. They're also available with different strengths of compression.
Your legs will be measured to see what size stockings you need, and your GP or nurse will check they fit properly.
You may need to wear them on both legs, or just on 1.
You should wear your compression stockings during the day and take them off before going to bed. Put them on again first thing in the morning.
You should be given at least 2 stockings, or 2 pairs if you're wearing them on both legs.
This means you can wear 1 stocking (or pair) while the otheris being washed and dried.
Handwash your stockings at about 40C (comfortable hand temperature) and dry them away from direct heat.
Your GP will monitor your progress. You should have your legs measured again and your stockings replaced every3 to 6months.
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Further information
Page last reviewed: 25 February 2022
Next review due: 25 February 2025
I'm no stranger to the world of compression stockings. Having delved into this topic extensively, I can confidently guide you through the intricacies of their purpose and usage.
Firstly, let's talk about the evidence-backed benefits. Compression stockings aren't just a fashion statement; they serve a crucial medical purpose. These specially designed stockings apply pressure to the lower legs, promoting blood flow and alleviating discomfort and swelling. This pressure is particularly beneficial for individuals dealing with conditions like varicose veins and lymphoedema, where poor blood circulation in the legs is a concern.
Now, let's explore the concept of wearing compression stockings. They aren't one-size-fits-all; they come in various sizes, lengths, and even colors. The strength of compression also varies, tailored to individual needs. To ensure an optimal fit, your legs will be measured, and your GP or nurse will oversee the fitting process. It's a personalized approach to address specific medical conditions.
Wearing these stockings is a daily commitment. Whether it's for one leg or both, they should be worn during the day and taken off before bedtime. A pair or two of stockings ensures continuity, allowing one to be worn while the other is being washed and dried. Maintenance is key—handwash them at a comfortable temperature and keep them away from direct heat.
Medical supervision is integral to the process. Your GP monitors your progress, and it's not a one-time affair. Regular check-ins, every 3 to 6 months, involve measuring your legs again and replacing the stockings as needed. This routine is crucial for ensuring the continued efficacy of the compression therapy.
So, next time you slip into your compression stockings, know that it's not just about style—it's a well-prescribed, evidence-based approach to managing circulatory issues. If you have more questions about this or related topics, I'm here to unravel the complexities for you.
FAQs
If your doctor told you to wear them, you'll probably want to keep them on most of the day. Your doctor should tell you how often and how long you need to use them. Most compression socks are safe to wear for a few hours. You can wear prescribed compression stockings all day and sometimes even all night.
How long does it take compression socks to improve circulation? ›
However, it may take several days of regular use to enjoy a noticeable reduction in swelling. For best results, put on your compression garment first thing in the morning. This is when your limbs are the least swollen. Visible improvement in the appearance of your veins can take up to six weeks to see.
What is the maximum time to wear compression socks? ›
Yes, compression socks are safe to wear all day. In fact, you'll get the most benefits if you wear them all day. For the best results, put them on first thing in the morning before your feet have a chance to swell. Take the socks off at night before you shower or go to bed.
Where does the fluid go when wearing compression stockings? ›
The leg can be so edematous (swollen) that once the sock is on, it will squeeze fluid out of the tissue to above the sock. When the circumference of the leg covered by the sock is reduced, the squeeze becomes less and the remaining fluid in the leg remains.
Should you elevate your legs when wearing compression socks? ›
Compression stockings and elevation work together to reduce the venous pressure and increase the return of venous blood to the heart. You certainly cannot elevate your legs at all times. I tell patients to elevate when they can and stockings can be kept on with elevation.
How can you tell if compression socks are working? ›
How do you know if your compression socks are working?
- Check if your socks are tight enough - they should be snug but not too tight. ...
- Make sure you're wearing them during activities that involve a lot of standing or sitting. ...
- Check for any changes in your symptoms - if they get worse, the socks may not be working.
Athletes, active people, and people who work behind a desk or in professions where they have to be on their feet all day will feel more energized after wearing compression socks regularly. They'll notice less swelling, quicker time to recovery, and overall lighter feelings in their legs.
Is there a downside to wearing compression socks? ›
Overusing compression socks and wearing them incorrectly can break your skin and create conditions where an infection can start. You shouldn't leave the same pair of compression socks on for days at a time, and you should ask a doctor about the length of wear time recommended for treating your symptoms.
Can I skip a day of wearing compression stockings? ›
Be sure to wear the stockings as prescribed, whether putting them on as soon as possible in the morning and wearing them until bedtime, or wearing them for the entire day and night. If you forget to wear them, your legs may swell, making it difficult or impossible to get the stockings on again.
What can happen if you wear compression socks too long? ›
Breaks in the skin — Inappropriately worn compression socks, especially in older, malnourished patients and those with thin, brittle skin creates uneven pressure distribution that can lead to breaks in the skin.
Don't fold or roll the tops down, because that can make them too tight. It could cause blood flow problems or cut off your circulation like a tourniquet. You can wear socks, slippers, and shoes over compression stockings. You should replace your stockings every 3 to 6 months.
Should I wear compression socks while sitting? ›
Compression Socks and All-Day Sitting
If you're sitting at home or at a desk all day, compression socks can help prevent problems. You don't have to wear them all the time. But even keeping them on for a few hours while you sit could help.
Do compression stockings raise or lower blood pressure? ›
The results indicate that the mean arterial pressure increases in response to external compression of the legs and that a reflex mechanism, mediated by muscle afferent nerves, is involved. The response is dependent upon both the changes in intramuscular pressure and the quantity of muscle mass compressed.
How far should compression socks go up your leg? ›
The stockings use graduated pressure to keep blood from pooling. They are tightest at the ankle and gradually decrease in pressure up the leg. Stockings may extend to your knee or up to your thigh.
How often should I wash compression socks? ›
Please wash your stockings every evening after taking them off. On the one hand, for hygienic reasons, so that odour and bacteria get no foothold. On the other hand, to ensure that the material remains effective: After washing and drying, the stockings regain their original elasticity and thus their compression.
How high should compression socks sit? ›
Observe the bare foot prior to donning once side. After putting on the stocking, the foot shape should be consistent with that of the bare foot. Knee highs and trouser socks should go all the way up your calf and stop just below the bend in your knee.
Do compression socks work straight away? ›
In general, you may begin to feel the benefits of compression stockings immediately after putting them on, such as reduced swelling and increased comfort. However, it may take several days or weeks of regular use before you see significant improvement in your symptoms.
Do compression socks give instant relief? ›
Once you put on the compression socks, you will generally begin to experience immediate relief from many painful symptoms. This occurs through the pressure that is applied to the legs when worn.
What to expect when you first wear compression socks? ›
Think of them like a new pair of shoes that need to be broken in, and don't be concerned if after the first few hours of wearing them you need to take them off. As you adjust to this type of sock, however, they should feel comfortable for extended periods of time.
Does sleeping with compression socks help circulation? ›
Wearing compression socks at night may keep enough blood flowing back up the veins of the legs to the heart and brain to prevent orthostatic hypotension. They are an inexpensive, side effects-free alternative to other treatments of the condition involving blood pressure drugs.
