Thigh high compression stockings are designed to gently squeeze the legs and move blood up them. By so doing, they are effective for preventing leg swelling and (to a lesser extent) blood clotting. They are best suited for people with spider veins, varicose veins, or who have just undergone surgery. The doctor will typically prescribe these stockings to such people.
Why Wear Thigh High Compression Stockings?
Wearing thigh high compression stockings will help with:
- Aching in the legs
- Having feeling in the legs
- Preventing the formation of blood clots, such as after injury or surgery when you are not as active as you normally are
- Swollen legs
Types of Thigh High Compression Stockings
There are many types and varieties of these compression stockings. This is why it is highly recommended that you talk to you doctor to find the kind of stockings that are best suited for your condition.
Some provide strong pressure while others provide light pressure to the legs.
Thigh high compression stockings come in a wide variety of lengths, from top of the thigh to knee high.
These stockings are also classified into different colors.
To buy thigh high compression stockings, follow the procedure below:
- Call your prescription plan or health insurance company
- Find out whether they will pay for your stockings
- Ask whether your durable medical equipment benefits will pay for the thigh high compression stockings
- Get your doctor to write you a prescription
- Find the medical equipment store and get your legs measured so that you can get the perfect fit once you start shopping for the stockings
Wearing Thigh High Compression Stockings
It is highly recommended that you wear the compression stockings all day long. The stockings will feel strong and firm around your legs. The greatest pressure, however, will be around the ankles while there will be less pressure high up the legs.
To put on the compression stocking, consider the following:
- Always put the stockings on first thing in the morning even before you get out of bed. This is because the legs tend to have the least amount of swelling right after we get up.
- Hold the top of the thigh high compression stockings and roll it down to your heel
- Put the foot right into the stocking, taking care to go as far as you possibly can
- Then put the heel into the heel of the stocking
- Pull the stocking up and unrolling it over your leg
- After you have ensured that the top of the stocking is firmly in place, smooth out any wrinkles that might be on the stockings
- Take care so that the stockings do not wrinkle or bunch up
Remember, most knee-length stockings are designed to come 2 or so fingers below your knee bend. Similarly, these stockings are so tight that you might experience some difficulty putting them on. Consider the tips below to help you draw your thigh high compression stockings all the way up to the knee:
- If you are planning to use lotion on your legs, ensure that it dries up before you start putting the stockings on.
- Use a little cornstarch or baby powder on your legs. This will help the compression stockings slide all the way up the legs.
- Wear rubber dishwashing gloves and use your hands to smooth out and adjust the stockings
- Use the stocking donner gadget to slide the thigh high compression stockings over your feet. Donners are sold both over the internet and at medical supply stores.
Taking Care of Compression Stockings
As far as possible, ensure that you wash the stockings every day. Use water and mild soap before rinsing and air drying them. This means that you might want to consider buying 2 or more pairs to make washing them easier.
It is also highly recommended that you replace the thigh high compression stockings every 3 to 6 months. This way, you will ensure that they continue maintaining their support over your legs.
Overall, if you feel like the thigh high compression stockings feel too uncomfortable on your legs, call your doctor or primary health care provider. Ask them whether there are different types of stockings out there, and if they are likely to work better for you. However, you should NEVER stop wearing the stockings without first talking to your doctor.
