To be honest, socks or tights are easy clothes to put on. However, when it comes to putting on compression socks , certain tips must be taken into account to ensure that the garment fulfills its function perfectly. It's simple, don't worry.
Before talking about these issues, the first thing you should know is what a compression sock or stocking is, since they are more than just garments to protect yourself from inclement weather or to avoid chafing with your footwear.
What are compression socks?
Compression stockings, or compression socks, are clothing items worn to help improve circulation through the legs. By doing so, they combat circulation problems, and reduce the feeling of swollen, tired or itchy legs, discomforts that are quite widespread among the population, and not only among older people, especially at the end of the day.
The pressure exerted by compression garments on the legs is greatest in the ankle area, and should gradually decrease towards the knee. In this way, they contribute to the efficiency of the calf muscle pump and reduce the accumulation of fluids in the lower extremities of the body , which is the cause of their swelling.
Types of compression socks according to their application
There are different types of compression socks depending on the intensity of the pressure they apply and the circulatory problem you want to treat with their use. In Spain, these garments are regulated in this provision of the BOE. The pressure values (mmHg) corresponding to the types stated in the third paragraph of this provision are:
- Type I: Normal compression, between 22 and 29 mmHg at point b.
- Type II: Strong compression, between 30 and 40 mmHg at point b.
- Type III: Very strong compression, greater than 40 mmHg at point b.
There is a compression that is below the first, which we could call light compression (below 22 mmHg). This is indicated for those small symptoms of swelling or itching in the legs, and for people who spend more than 4 hours sitting or standing, and who have not previously had serious problems of poor blood circulation in the extremities. lower.
Considerations before putting on compression socks
Choose the right size
To guarantee the effectiveness of these socks for swollen legs , it is essential to choose the appropriate size. To do this, it is necessary to measure the circumference of the calf and ankle . Don't be fooled by other products that only talk about calf size, as the gradual compression should start at the ankle and end below the knee.
It is also important to keep in mind that each manufacturer may use a different sizing system, so you should make sure you are choosing the correct size. At calcetinos.com you will find a size guide with the measurements of each one.
How do you know what size compression stockings to wear?
Checking the condition of the feet and legs
Once you have chosen the size, and before putting on the stockings, you should check that your nails are well trimmed , this way you will avoid injuries to the fabric when stretching the stockings.
When at the end of the day you take the opportunity to relax your legs by moisturizing them with creams that do not leave residue on the skin, inspect them for wounds or bruises , since you should treat them with experts if they do not heal soon. We always moisturize at night, never in the morning, since the residue could damage the fabric of your socks.
It is also very important not to use creams before putting on compression stockings. Creams can cause increased sweating, cause the sock to move, or even deteriorate the material it is made of.
Checking the stockings
When you are sure that your feet and legs are in perfect condition, you should check that the socks do not have holes or tears , as these could reduce the effectiveness and durability of the garment.
Placement of compression stockings
Once the appropriate compression stocking has been chosen and all of the above has been verified, we move on to placing the garment. This requires some practice the first few times, but it will quickly become much easier to do.
Step 1: Insert the foot and adjust the heel
You have to place the sock inside out up to the heel. This way it will be easier to place the foot in its corresponding part.
Step 2: Stretch the stocking
The next step is to stretch the stocking down the leg. To do this, with your heel still on the ground, grab the upper part of the garment and raise it up your leg little by little. If the stocking doesn't slide easily, turn it from left to right while pulling up.
Step 3: Adjust the top
Finally, adjust the top of the stocking to the leg. It should be two fingers below the crease of the knee. It is important that it is well supported and that it does not give way or roll up below the knee. Once on, the stocking should feel firm, but not too tight .
Each compression stocking or sock has a maximum compression point , that is, an area where the pressure is greater than the rest. This area of greatest pressure must be a few centimeters above the ankle , otherwise the stocking would lose effectiveness.
If the pressure you feel is too strong for the type of compression stocking, you should change to a larger size or consult a specialist to make sure there is no other underlying problem.
Remember that putting on your compression stocking correctly is essential to make the most of its health benefits .
Tricks to put on your compression stockings quickly and easily:
When to put on and when to take off compression stockings
The right time to put on compression socks is first thing in the morning , ideally, just after waking up. The reason is that, during those hours, the legs are more rested and less swollen.
Later, in the afternoon or at night, when you take off your stocking, it is advisable to bathe your legs in warm and cold water, alternating for a few minutes, to work the venous system and give them a little rest. If you use moisturizers or any type of skin treatment, this is the time to apply it.
Don't forget that compression stockings are not conventional garments, so their use is different. It is important that you follow the instructions on the product to know the degree of compression, the duration of the treatment and any other necessary information.
How to care for your compression socks
Keeping these garments in perfect condition will increase their useful life and ensure the effectiveness of the stocking.
It is best to wash them by hand with cold or warm water (less than 30ºC) and neutral pH soap , without using fabric softeners or bleaches. However, there is no problem washing them in the washing machine with cold or warm water . Likewise, we recommend not twisting them, exposing them directly to the sun to dry them or ironing them.
Take a weight off your shoulders with Compression Stockings from Calcetinos
Spending the day standing or sitting, among other factors, causes fluids to accumulate in the lower extremities and blood circulates worse through them.
This causes that feeling of swelling, heaviness, tiredness or itching in the legs, known as “lead legs” . It is not that they are a disease per se, but a problem that causes us discomfort throughout the day and prevents us from enjoying our free time.
Gradual compression stockings, like those you will find in Calcetinos , exert a pressure that ranges from 14 to 17 mmHg. We analyze our products in external laboratories to check if they exert the pressure we want .
With them, you can prevent and relieve leg swelling due to causes not associated with diseases, muscle fatigue after exercise or the risk of developing varicose veins . Therefore, our compression garments, which are comfortable and easy to put on, are indicated for:
- People who spend the day on their feet , such as healthcare personnel, flight attendants, waiters, teachers, shop assistants, chefs, hairdressers, construction workers...
- People who spend the day sitting , such as students, programmers, teleworkers, teleoperators, lawyers, graphic designers, analysts, writers, translators...
- People who want to increase their sports performance and recover faster from exercise or muscle fatigue .
- People who want to prevent the appearance of varicose veins .
- Pregnant women, especially in the last months of pregnancy, and women with menopause.
Don't let your legs cut your wings: wear some socks and take that weight off your shoulders.
