Hosiery Application Guide
Compression hosiery is designed to provide the optimum fit, compression, and comfort when applied correctly according to the recommended application guidelines.
Guidance for Patients
- Put on your compression hosiery first thing in the morning before any swelling has had a chance to build up in the legs, ankles and feet
- Insert your hand into the stocking as far as the heel area. Grasp the heel section and turn the stocking inside out
- Fit the stocking over the foot, ensuring the heel is correctly fitted into the heel pocket and the toes are not restricted
- Ease the stocking up the leg in small sections – don’t pull it up from the top
- Below knee stockings should come to just below the knee bend and thigh length to mid-thigh
- Smooth out any wrinkles or creases in the hosiery
- DO NOT roll back the top of the stocking as this may cause restriction in blood flow
- Ensure you can “wiggle” your toes comfortably
It is important that your patient wears their compression hosiery every day, or as they have been advised by their healthcare professional.
Caution: If you have any concerns about the use of compression hosiery, or if your legs become itchy, painful or hot, the stockings feel too tight or you lose sensation in your toes, or you notice colour changes to your skin consult your healthcare professional immediately for advice.
If your patient finds it too difficult to put their hosiery on, SockaidTM is available to help. It can be used with all classes of hosiery, either open or closed toe. SockaidTM is available on prescription or can be purchased directly.
Please use the pip code 319-4016.
Hosiery CARE
Patients should avoid damage to hosiery by smoothing rough edges from fingernails and toenails and removing jewellery when putting them on or taking them off.
We also advise that your patients wear footwear whenever possible to help prevent excessive wear on their stockings.
Compression hosiery are designed to last for a minimum of 3 months if cared for correctly.
Hosiery should be hand washed at 40°C and should be left to dry flat away from direct heat.
Do not iron, tumble-dry, dry clean or bleach
Contact us to Book a training session with your Local Clinical Trainer
The more your patient knows about their legs, the better they’ll be able to take care of them. Click here to watch our educational videos and learn about the venous system, leg uclers and compression therapy.