How do I put on my stockings properly?
Putting on a compression stocking is not a complicated matter- as long as you know exactly how it is done! It requires some practice till you have acquired the knack and you can put your stockings on and take them off quickly.
It is important to note the following:
- Have your healthcare equipment supplier show you the exact technique and practise there and then!
- Always put on the stockings immediately after getting up in the morning, as the feet have not yet swollen at this time.
- Don´t use any lotions or creams beforehand which are not expressly suitable for the wearer of compression stockings (use eg Callusan or Memory Care Cream).
- If you take a shower beforehand, make sure you have dried your skin completely.
- Should the skin of the sole of your feet tend to be rough, sprinkle a little XXX powder on the sole.
- But the most important factor: use a practical pull-on/take-off (donning) aid that simplifies the whole procedure.
Here you see how it functions:
With Ofa Fit Flexi
Video which shows the usage of the Ofa Fit Flexi.
Stage 1
Take the Ofa fit donning aid from the packaging and spread the donning aid out in front of you.
Stage 2
Fold Ofa fit in such a way that the holes lie on top of each other. Ensure the green straps point outwards.
Stage 3
Slide the stick provided, starting on the wide side, zigzag through the holes so that both sides are connected with each other.
Stage 4
The end of the stick you finally push into the pocket designed for the purpose.
Stage 5
Now slide Ofa fit over your bare foot so that the side with the stick is under the sole of your foot. Please make sure your toes do not protrude and Ofa fit nudges against the toes. Don´t pull Ofa fit up too high, as the stick might otherwise loosen too early.
Stage 6
Take your compression stocking in both hands and pull it like a boot over Ofa fit (please do not roll up the stocking). The special rubber gloves provide a better grip and protect the sensitive material.
Stage 7
Once you have put on the stocking so that heel and the rest of the foot feel comfortable and the stocking is at ankle level, remove the stick.
Stage 8
Then you grasp the strap and pull the donning aid out of the compression stocking.
Stage 9
Attention: In the case of compression stockings with an open toe, hold the front cuff tight before pulling on the strap.
Stage 10
Now you smooth out the rest of the stocking evenly and progressively up the leg without overstretching the fabric. Please make sure you do not pull the stocking at the cuff or at the grip top.
Important: With thigh length stockings the grip top should reach no higher than 3 finger widths below the crotch. For a perfect fit it must be ensured that the grip top ends below the bottom so that it does not fold over.
Stage 11
Use the gloves to distribute the fabric on the leg till the stocking is free from wrinkles and feels comfortable.
With open toe part
Stage 1
Slip your foot into the dressing aid until it is just above your heel.
Stage 2
Now put on the stocking so that the heel is in the correct position.
You will find this easy when using the Ofa dressing aid.
Stage 3
In order to take the dressing aid off, roll the front foot part backwards.
Stage 4
Then pull the dressing aid out by pulling it forwards over the tips of your toes.
Stage 5
The front foot part should then be rolled forwards again and the stocking smoothed upwards evenly without stretching it.
Spread the stocking over your leg until all creases have been removed.
Information:
It is considerably easier to put on your open-toed compression stockings using the enclosed Ofa dressing aid which is made of rayon.
Without Ofa fit
Stage 1
Turn the stocking inside out
up to the foot part.
Stage 2
Smooth the foot part over your toes and then over your instep.
Stage 3
Pull the leg part over your heel carefully but avoid pulling up the compression stockings by the stocking cuff or grip top.
Stage 4
Now smooth out the rest of the stocking evenly without stretching it.
Stage 5
Smooth out the stocking evenly on the leg until all wrinkles have been removed.
With Ofa Fit Expert
Video which shows the usage of the Ofa Fit Expert.
