Compression stockings

Compression stockings are specially designed to apply pressure to your lower legs. This helps to keep the blood flowing and reduces discomfort and swelling. The special knit of a compression stocking massages your veins so they keep your blood moving back to your heart.

Compression stockings are known by different names such as graduated compression stockings or thrombo-embolus deterrent (TED) stockings.

Compression stockings may be used if you have poor blood flow in your legs. They help to prevent blood clots forming in your legs. These clots are also called a deep vein thrombosis or DVT. 

Compression stockings may be recommended:

• after surgery 
• while you are unwell and less active than normal
• if you have varicose veins (swollen and enlarged veins)
• if you have leg ulcers
• if you have lymphoedema (when your body's tissues swell up).   

Read more about deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Compression stockings are not suitable for some people who have: 

• suspected or proven peripheral arterial disease
• severe peripheral neuropathy or other cause of sensory impairment
• allergy to stocking material
• massive leg swelling or fluid in your lungs from congestive heart failure
• skin or soft-tissue conditions of your legs, including recent skin graft, fragile 'tissue paper' skin, gangrene, oozing dermatitis and severe cellulitis
• a deformity of your leg or unusual leg shape or size that prevents correct fit.

Compression stockings come in different lengths, sizes and grades. To make sure they fit properly, your legs will be measured in several places. 

Compression stockings are either knee high or thigh length. They apply graduated pressure, which means that they apply the highest pressure at your ankles and lower pressure higher up your legs.

There are three grades of compression stockings that apply different amounts of pressure. Your nurse or doctor will assess your circulation and tell you which grade of stockings you need for your condition.

You may need to wear them on both legs or just on one.

How long you need to wear compression stockings for depends on your condition. Your doctor will tell you how long you need to wear them for. If you are in hospital they are usually worn during the day and night until you get back to a normal level of activity. Only remove the stockings for washing, bathing or showering.

• Place your hand into the stocking as far as the heel.
• Holding the heel turn the stocking inside out.
• Ease the stocking over your foot and heel; ensure that your heel fits into the heel pocket. 
• Ease the rest of the stocking up over your ankle, calf and thigh.
• Smooth out any wrinkles and make sure the heel is in the heel pocket and the hole is under your toes/ball of your foot.
• Ensure you can put the stockings on and remove them yourself or have someone to help you with this. 

Note: There is no right or left stocking. 

Here are some handy do's and don'ts when using compression stockings.

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 other is being washed and dried. Wash your stockings as often as necessary but at least every 3 days.

Wash stockings by hand or machine wash in water no hotter than 95°C with an added non-bleaching washing powder or liquid. Spin, air dry or tumble dry at a maximum temperature of 70°C. Do not iron or dry clean. 

Discard the stockings when they appear to have lost their elasticity or are damaged.  Generally your stockings should last for about 3–4 months.

Compression stockings can cause problems. If you notice any of these signs, stop wearing your stocking and contact your doctor:

• Feelings of numbness, tingling, pins and needles, pain or soreness in your foot or leg, or if your leg or foot becomes pale, cool or changes colour – these may be signs that your stocking/s are too tight. 
• A rash – this may mean you have an allergy to the elastic fibres in the stockings.
• Changes in the colour of your skin or damage such as red marks and/or sores on your toes or feet.