That's a hard one to answer in print. We offer our patients a physical demonstration. We turn the hose inside out but with the foot tucked to just above the heal. You insert your foot into this folded over section until your hose is over the ankle then pull up remainder of hose in short sections with a firm stretch. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYwiGPDneo0 In this video they do not fold the hose down to above the ankle, so try both ways.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

The compression strength is decided by a clinician. Speak with him or her about the correct way to apply the hose. They can better guide you in person.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

This is where proper hosiery fitting and instruction is important. Some individuals cannot tolerate compression due to arterial insufficiency. You can find pictorial instructions on the Sigvaris website or elsewhere. Have you seen a professional provider?

Published on Jul 11, 2012

The easiest way to put compression stockings on by yourself is to first roll your stockings the old fashioned way (like putting on pantyhose); meaning, work from the top until there is about 8 inches of stocking left before the ankle starts.

1) Lie down on your bed.
2) Place the silk slipper on your foot (most open toe stockings come with this) and using rubber gloves, place the sock over your foot.
3) Do not pull stocking up your leg until your heel is in place.
4) Slowly unravel the rolled stocking, pulling it up as you go.

At the end you can use the palms of your hands to work the stocking up your leg to take up all of the extra slack. Do not pull on the stocking band located at the top of your leg because it will tear at the seam. In my experience, the maximum tolerated compression for most people is 30-40mmHg.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

The stockings are applied from the feet up and the open area is just what is says: open over the toes. There are several ways to apply them. You can fold them, place over the foot and then pull them up; or, if you cannot do this, then you can get a donner from any surgical supply store to assist you. The best strength to wear is not necessarily the maximum strength. My experience is that you need to wear the compression that is the most comfortable, otherwise you will not wear them. Usually 20-30 or 30-40 mmHg.

Published on Jul 11, 2012