The most common reason for failing compression therapy is the difficulty in putting on the stockings. This may be due to:
- loss of hand strength
- arthritis
- an inability to bend over
- unable to cross your legs
- other dexterity issues
It could also be due to the actual compression of the stocking. For example, graduated compression hosiery has the tightest part of the stocking at the ankle; which makes it difficult to get them over your heel while putting them on. These stockings are made by Jobst, Medi, Juzo and Sigvaris.
There are a number of ways to get your compression stockings on:
- turning the sock inside out and, starting at your toes, inching them up your leg
- using rubber gloves to obtain a better grip on the stocking
- using a ridge sock aid
- using a stocking donner
Helpful Hints
- Put your stockings on first thing in the morning before your legs swell
- Make sure your legs are dry
- Do not use lotion on your legs before putting your stockings on – if you use lotion you should put it on at night before bed
- Powder on your legs may help
The easiest method I have found to put on compression stockings is the stocking donner. A donner is a metal frame device that has two handles and an inner half tube to hold the stocking. The word donner comes from the word don — which means “to put on.” The best donner I have used is the “Jobst Stocking Donner”. There are other manufacturers of donners, but I like the coated metal (avoids snags to the stockings) and the padded handles. The following is a step by step instruction on how to use the donner to put on your support stockings.
Watch this video showing “How to Use a Jobst Compression Stocking Donner”
Liberty Oxygen and Medical Equipment has Certified Fitters at all of our seven Twin Cities locations
• Burnsville
• Maple Grove
• Maplewood
• St. Louis Park
• Shakopee
• St. Paul
• Woodbury
Our fitters can also assist in selecting your stockings, donning, compression, style, fabric and color.
The following is a step by step instruction on how to use the donner to put on your support stockings. It says here is a step by step instruction where is it?
We’re not sure what happened but the bottom part of the blog got cut off! We just updated this post on “The Best Way to Put On Compression Stockings”, complete with a video and graphic. Give us a call at 952-920-0460 if you’re interested in ordering a sock or stocking aid.