How to Use a Stocking Aid

Compression stockings may be prescribed following surgery, for varicose veins, for swollen legs and feet and to prevent the recurrence of venous ulcers. Due to the nature of compression stockings, they are harder to pull up than normal socks and stockings. Many users are elderly and infirm, and a patient may have trouble putting them on by himself. A compression stocking aid can sometimes help these patients use compression stockings independently.



Traditional stocking aids are also available which are helpful for people with arthritis and other infirmities to put on their ordinary choice of footwear.

Instructions

Using a Stocking Aid with Compression Stockings

• 1

  Hold the stocking aid in your lap and pull the stocking onto the stocking aid, getting the toe as close to the end as possible. Compression stocking aids tend to have a fuller frame than traditional stocking aids, so make sure the stocking is pulled up evenly all the way around the frame.

• 2

  Hold onto the handles and let the stocking aid fall gently to the floor as near to your foot as possible.

• 3

  Put your foot inside the stocking aid and into the stocking as far as you can, with your toes as close to the end as possible, then using the handles, pull the stocking aid upwards, using it to guide the stocking onto your foot.

Using a Traditional Stocking Aid with Ordinary Stockings or Socks

• 4

  Put the sock or stocking onto the frame whether collar shaped, gutter shaped or otherwise. Stocking aids for ordinary footwear tend to be a bit more basic than those for compression stockings, but work on the same principle.

• 5

  Place the stocking aid on the floor, and put your foot into the frame, ensuring your toe is as close to the toe of the garment as possible.

• 6

  Pull the stocking aid upwards with the handle or handles to guide the stocking or sock onto the foot and over the ankle.