Fitting
Place your hand into the top of the stocking and run your
fingers down to the heel. Pinch the heel with your forefinger and thumb. With
your other hand pull the leg section of the stocking inside out whilst
holding the heel in your fingers.
With the heel under your foot draw the
stocking foot onto your foot until it reaches the front of your ankle. Ensure
that the heel is in the correct place.
Gather the leg section of the stocking up and fold back over
the toes and gradually pull up the leg evenly. Avoid twisting the material,
pulling it at the edges, or stretching the stocking along its length.
Note: If you have overstretched the
stocking push it back down to the ankle, then pull it up again a little at a
time, not stretching it too far.
Check that the top band of the stocking is smooth and flat.
Under no circumstances is it to be rolled or folded over. Smooth out all
wrinkles by running your palm over the stocking.
Note: Below knee stockings should sit about
3cm below the crease in the back of your knee.
This process may be made
easier by;
Placing a plastic bag over your foot before
pulling the stocking on (this is only possible for open toe garments).
Wearing rubber gloves (used for washing
dishes) to help you grip the stocking.
·
For moist skin use talcum powder to help the stocking glide
over the skin.
·
Ask for assistance from a relative or a friend!
Also available are silky slips (instead of
plastic bags) and special frames to aid in putting stockings on. Your
orthotist will suggest these options should you require them.
Removal
The easiest method of removing a stocking
is to do the reverse of the way that you put it on. Many people have trouble
moving the stocking past their heel, as this is the tightest section, but
pushing your thumb down the back of your heel and easing it over your heel
will make it easier
General Care
Stockings are best washed by hand in warm
water with mild soap (eg wool wash) and rinsed in clear cold water. Do not
use bleach? Roll stocking into a towel and gently squeeze excess water out.
Dry in the shade or indoors. Avoid sunlight or direct heat. The stockings
must not be ironed or tumble dried. Do not hang stocking from toe or top as
it may stretch, instead lie it flat on a dry towel.
Stockings are best washed each evening
before bed and should dry by morning.
However it is recommended to have a spare
stocking to wear on alternate days.
Although stockings are quite strong be
careful of sharp finger nails and rings! To avoid damaging the stocking use
rubber gloves when putting the stocking on.
Stockings should always be worn with shoes
to protect the stocking and prevent you from slipping.
To increase durability, socks can be worn
over the top of the stockings.
Ensure that footwear is in good condition
on the inside since a defect in the shoe lining may increase friction and
quickly lead to damage of your stocking.
Please DO NOT repair the stocking yourself.
If a defect occurs contact your orthotist.
Over time stockings begin to stretch and
will no longer provide adequate support. At this time they will probably need
replacing.
We usually recommend that patients be
remeasured for subsequent / replacement pairs of stockings as your legs may
have less swelling or sizing may have changed.
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