How compression hosiery works

Compression hosiery works by applying a firm continuous graduated pressure to the muscles and veins in your legs. When your calf muscle contracts e.g. during walking, your hosiery will “give” and then return to its original position. By doing this your hosiery is able to assist your body’s own natural mechanism for returning your blood back to your heart.

People with diabetes may also have some degree of peripheral neuropathywhich could cause problems if the stockings become too tight.Care should be taken when applying hosiery over bony prominences andthin legs to avoid damage to the skin and circulation.Your hosiery should not cause you any pain or discomfort. In the unlikelyevent of this happening please remove your hosiery immediately and seekadvice from your pharmacist, nurse or doctor.

Recommendations

Patients should be assessed and measured for hosiery by a trained healthcare professional to ensure that the correct size and class of hosieryis prescribed or recommended. Two pairs of stockings are normally prescribed and all patients should be reassessed every six months for new hosiery.  Prescriber’s guides are areavailable free of charge to health professionals by contacting us at 1-660-263-0909.

Observe your skin regularly for signs of damageandcontact a healthcare professional if:

• The stocking appears to have become too tight.

• The leg is more itchy, hot or painful than usual.

• Sensation diminishes in the toes or if they become cold or change colour.

• There are signs of leakage or new ulceration.

How to put on your hosiery

Your hosiery will provide strong support and improve the blood flow in your legs. Because they need to feel firm on your legs, your hosiery may take a little longer to put on than ordinary stockings or socks. If you use a regular moisturiser on your legs, this will help to keep your skin in good condition.

How to remove your Activa hosiery

• Hoisery should be peeled off gently, DO NOT roll the stocking to remove.

Looking after your Activa hosiery
• If cared for correctly, your Activa hosiery will give the recommended level of compression for up to 100 washes.

• Activa hosiery can be hand washed at a maximum of 40°C, do not use bleach.

• Do not tumble dry, do not dry clean or iron, dry away from direct heat.

• Care should be taken to ensure hosiery is not damaged by callouses,rough skin or nails.

• Check footwear being worn for any signs of damage which could lead to premature wear of your hosiery.

Contra-indications
• People with diabetes unless under medical supervision

• Significant arterial disease (ischaemia) according to vascular assessment

• Congestive cardiac failure as compression can lead to cardiac overload

• Known sensitivity to the fabric of the stocking

Warnings and precautions

If you have had or believe you may have had any problems with your veins then it is important that you seek advice from a trained health professional before wearing any compression hosiery. Use with caution where diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis are present as there may be microvascular disease.

The following guide shows the easiest way to apply your hosiery. It is important that you continue to wear your hosiery as prescribed by your Nurse or Doctor.

1 - Slip your hand down the inside of the stocking.

2 - Gently grasp the heel area and pull the stocking inside out. This will leave the toe region still tucked in.

3 - Fold back the edge about an inch/2-3 cms so you can easily slip your toes into the front of the stocking.

4 - Unfold that inch as you get your toes and heel into the right position.

5 - Gently pull the rest of the stocking over the foot, heel and ankle.

6 - Pull the stocking up your leg in stages but do not force it!

7 - Below knee stockings have to be pulled up to the bend at the back of your knee. If it is a thigh length stocking it has to be up to the middle section of your thigh.

8 - It is best to use at least 2 suspenders on thigh length stockings.

9 - On all hosiery make sure that your toes are NOT restricted.