Practical Information About TED/Compression Hose
How to Order and Put on TED Hose and Compression Stockings
Jun 30, 2009
Special stockings can prevent DVT, but many people do not wear them, purchase ones that do not fit, or cannot get them on. Avoid problems by reading this article first.
Learn about the purpose of TED hose and compression stockings, barriers to wearing them, helpful hints before ordering them, and how to put them on.
Purpose of Special Stockings
- A doctor may order T.E.D. hose(anti-embolism stockings) if you are in bed the majority of the time: Compression starts in the calf and remains constant or decreases in varying degrees up the leg depending on the manufacturer and style.
- A doctor may order compression stockings(compression support stockings) to increase venous blood flow in the legs if you are out of bed: Compression usually starts in the ankle or forefoot and decreases as it goes up the leg.
Risk Factors for DVT
According to a study cited in a 2004 edition of Journal of American Geriatric Society, these special hose help to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or blood clots, by 50%. According to this study, six factors put people at risk for DVT, including:
- Limited mobility
- Increased age of 75-years-old and older
- Acute heart failure
- A chronic buildup of fluid in the legs (edema)
- Leg paralysis or numbness
- History of blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism) or deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Barriers to Wearing Compression Stockings or TED Hose
If these stockings have so many great benefits, why do people not wear them?
- Many find them uncomfortably hot in warmer weather.
- Cost may be prohibitive, although some health insurance companies may cover at least a portion of the cost and you may be able to list the cost as a medical expense on your taxes. Some companies offer a discount if purchasing in bulk. Requirements may differ depending on whether these are purchased as a prescription or over-the-counter.
- They do not look attractive to some people, although some manufacturers offer a variety of colors and styles.
- Many people find them difficult to put on.
Before Ordering TED Hose
- Your doctor should determine the type of hose you need
- Check with your physician regarding on how long you should wear special hose in a 24-hour period and in the long term.
- If you have allergies, check to ensure that materials used are not those to which you are allergic.
- Measure your leg according to manufacturer directions to achieve a proper fit. This usually involves measuring around the ankle, largest area of the calf, largest area of the thigh, and the length of the leg below the knee or gluteal fold, depending on the length of hose you are purchasing. Click here if you would like to see one manufacturer's detailed recommendations regarding measurements for compression stockings. According to a study cited in Materials Management in Health Care entitled Studies show compression stockings often misfitted, approximately 26% of stockings are not fitted correctly and stockings are used improperly 30% of the time. This study recommends using knee high stockings because they seem to be as effective as thigh length hose while being less likely to be misfit, and people were more likely to wear the knee high hose. Generally speaking, knee length hose should rest an inch below the knee, and thigh length hose should rest about two inches below the gluteal fold.
- Check the manufacturer’s recommended replacement frequency. Some offer automatic replacements at regular intervals to ensure that you are not wearing hose that are no longer effective.
- Check washing recommendations from the manufacturer.
Steps for Putting on TED Hose
- Put on the hose when waking up and before getting out of bed because legs will be less swollen.
- Inspect legs before putting on the hose. If you have open lesions, red spots, excessive swelling, or notice any other unusual finding, contact your physician for specific instructions.
- Inspect hose before putting them on. They should be clean, dry, and in good condition.
- Avoid putting lotion on your legs before donning the hose.
- Some manufacturers suggest wearing a pair of donning gloves, which can help you to grip the hose easier.
- A foot slip can make it much easier to put on hose with a toe hole. A foot slip is made of slick material and is placed on the foot first to allow the hose to slip more easily over the foot and heel. Some web sites suggest using a plastic bag if you do not have a foot slip.
- Hold one of the hose up and determine where the heel is located.
- Place one hand inside the stocking and pinch the stocking at the heel with the hand that is inside the stocking.
- Turn the stocking inside out to the heel while continuing to hold the stocking at the heel with the other hand.
- Carefully place the stocking over the foot and heel.
- Hold the stocking at the upper edge and smoothly pull the rest of the stocking up the leg.
- Remove the foot slip, if used, by pulling it out of the toe hole.
- Smooth any wrinkles.
- Repeat on the other leg, if applicable.
TED hose and compression stockings can help to prevent deep vein thrombosis, which is a potentially lethal complication of immobility or poor venous return in the legs. Equipped with the information above, you may be more likely to choose the most appropriate hose for your needs and find it easier to put them on.
The information in this article is not intended to provide medical advice and is for informational purposes only. Discuss health concerns with your physician before wearing special stockings.
The copyright of the article Practical Information About TED/Compression Hose in Seniors' Health/Medicare is owned by Katrena Wells. Permission to republish Practical Information About TED/Compression Hose in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
