How to Wear Compression Socks for Edema
Compression socks are tailor-made, stretchy, and snug-fitting socks that delicately squeeze your legs. These can be bought over the counter. Often, people wear compression socks to prevent severe medical conditions, performing excellently in sports and other physical activities, and for comfort.
What is edema?
Compression socks can increase blood circulation, which is usually impaired by edema-induced poor circulation. Edema involves water accumulation since it is observed as abnormal retention of fluids under the skin. While edema may impact any portion of your body, it may be more prominent in the legs, ankles, feet, arms, or hands.
The most common causes of edema are varicose veins, pregnancy, surgery, sports injuries, humid weather, and sitting down or standing for a long time. Mild cases of edema may often be caused by eating excessive salty food, having premenstrual symptoms and signs,
Certain medical conditions may also result in edema. It can also be the consequence of medications for liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, high blood pressure congestive heart failure, diabetes, pregnancy, and any other conditions.
How long do I need to use compression socks?
If wearing compression stockings have been recommended for a condition that inhibits your circulation, you can wear them for numerous years, or in several cases, for your entire life. If the edema can be controlled or you have other medications, the period of wearing compression socks should be shortened considerably.
If you were advised by your physician to wear compression socks, you probably want to put them on at all times. But you should take them out when you bathe or shower. Shoes, slippers, and socks may be worn over compression socks. Make sure to check with your doctor how long or how often you need to use such socks.
Compression socks can be worn on both legs or just one depending on the need. It should be worn during the day, especially first thing in the morning and taken off before sleeping at night. Socks are commonly replaced every three to six months as soon as the nurse or doctor has monitored your progress.
How to wear compression socks
Donning or putting on compression stocks can be done in various ways. You may check some effective tips shown below on how to wear compression socks for edema.
- Gently pull the unrolled and unbunched socks up your foot until it fits properly over the heel or foot. You may also do this if the socks are folded inside out or rolled down towards the ankle level. Then you unroll or pull the rest of the socks up the leg to achieve the ideal height.
- Once your sock has been worn, determine if the seams are running straight up your legs. Check if there is wrinkling or bunching at the ankles. Never fold the top of the sock down.
- Remove any form of wrinkles on your compression socks once you have worn it. This is because the wrinkles on the socks may hurt your skin.
- In wearing compression socks, you should also make a pocket to put your leg first, then enter your feet inside the pocket, and make use of your fingers to pull the socks up to the calf.
- A stocking donner or any device can be used to wear and remove a compression sock, especially if you are experiencing arthritis, making it difficult for you to hold and pull the socks. Rubber kitchen gloves can also be used for better grip of your socks.
- Allow your skin to dry after applying lotion to it. Moisture may hinder you from pulling your socks up to your legs.
- You may sit on a chair for stability purposes when wearing your compression socks.
- Your compression socks can be protected from damage when you wear shoes, slippers, or socks over them.
- You also need to be careful so as not to allow compression socks to touch jewelry, fingernails, or toenails.
- Wear your socks as prescribed by the doctor. You may wear it in the morning or until bedtime. Wear the socks also for the whole day or night. If you do not wear them, your legs may swell, which makes it impossible or complicated to wear the socks again.
- If your legs swell, you need to take specific measures to reduce swelling, such as lying down with your feet raised on a chair or table or putting on compression bandages overnight.
- Notify your healthcare provider if the swelling on your legs occurs for more than two days. Discuss other alternatives if you are having a hard time wearing compression socks.
- Check your legs every day for any redness or skin changes and skin irritations. These may be signs that your socks are not the ideal fit, or you may have an infection.
- If both compression socks are used on both legs, you need to purchase at least two pairs of socks. When one pair is washed, the other pair is the one you should wear.
Compression socks are designed to apply a certain level of pressure to your ankles and legs in order to promote better circulation, muscle relief, recovery from muscle fatigue, and comfort from the lower areas of your body and the heart.
WHERE TO BUY COMPRESSION SOCKS
As a consumer, we know there are a lot of options on the market to choose from, that is why SQUEEZEGEAR prides itself on being the leader in compression products. We have a wide range of socks to suit your specific needs. Choose from a great selection of designs and colors and get the maximum comfort from our unique blend of synthetic fabrics. Our compression products are made with anti-microbial technical fabric for ideal moisture and odor control. To add, they are stitched to provide the ultimate softness, comfort, and fit.
We’ve got the science down when it comes to compression products, and we want you to reap the benefits. Shop SQUEEZEGEAR today to get the best compression socks.