Compression stockings for preventing venous skin ulcers

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Compression stockings for preventing venous skin ulcers

Specially fitted compression stockings are designed to help prevent blood from pooling in the legs and venous skin ulcers. They should be put on first thing in the morning before getting out of bed (before legs and feet swell) and removed only for bathing and sleeping at night.

Compression stockings are tightest at the foot with gradually reduced tightness as they move up the leg toward the heart (graduated compression). They are as thick as two pairs of regular panty hose and cover the leg from the arch of your foot to just below or above your knee; they are also available as a panty hose. You can buy compression stockings from a medical supply store with a doctor's prescription. They may cost between $60 to $100 a pair; panty hose style are more expensive. Some insurance plans cover them as durable medical equipment.

Compression stockings can be difficult to put on if you have arthritis or problems bending over. If so, you can learn a few tricks from your medical supply store's fitter, such as wearing rubber gloves to get a better grip or applying silicone cream to your legs before putting your stockings on. Also try a "stocking butler" that holds the stocking open, making it easier for you to step into it. However, some people find this device to be awkward—use one in the store before buying it.

Credits

Last updated:	November 23, 2005
Author:	Kathe Gallagher, MSW
Reviewed By:	Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine, Randall D. Burr, MD - Dermatology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Terrina Vail