Uses

Easy To Put On Compression Socks For Elderly

If you have been using compression socks, you are aware of the tightness these socks have due to their function. Imagine yourself needing to use a pair of compression socks at the age of 70 or above — with arthritis and weak and painful joints.
Anybody can wear compression socks, but seniors will surely benefit most from wearing compression socks. As people get older, their health deteriorates due to the fact that physiological and psychological health declines over time. This is the reason why older people are prone to health issues and chronic illnesses such as hypertension, arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, and circulatory problems.

1. How Do Compression Socks Help the Elderlies

You can only imagine how tough it is when you’re in your late 60s. Past that age, continuous care and assistance may be necessary even with simple tasks and activities. This is the reason why it is essential to be able to live life as less complicated as possible.
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Benefits of compression socks

In their sunset days, the elderly deserve all the physical assistance and support they need. Compression socks will do these things to them physically:
  • Enhance their blood circulation.
  • Lower the risk and prevent edema.
  • Help with lymphatic drainage.
  • Reduce pain in the legs and feet.
  • Eases symptoms of varicose veins,
  • Provide extra support to their legs and feet.
  • Boost recovery from surgery.
  • Prevent blood clotting

2. What is the Proper Way to Put On Compression Socks

It might be a bit challenging for seniors to wear a pair of compression socks since it can strain your hands or feet as they put them on. However, there are ways to wear a pair of compression socks properly.
  • Sit on a stable surface where balance won’t be lost.
  • Place the foot on the other leg.
  • Do not bunch up the socks but rather pull them inside out until the middle of the foot.
  • Slowly slide in the foot and pull the sock upwards.
  • Smoothen the socks making sure there are no wrinkles all over.
It is also important to note that for the elderly, it would be best to apply lotion or skin moisturizer on the legs to prevent the skin from reacting to the fabric.

3. Tricks to Putting On Compression Socks

There are other ways to quickly wear compression socks, especially for those seniors who might find it laborious to pull up the socks, sleeves, or stockings upwards. That trick is — plastic bag!
Yes, as simple as any plastic bag can help not just the elderly but any person for that matter. So here are easy ways to put on compression stockings using a plastic bag.
  • Get a grocery bag, or any big plastic bag, and a pair of scissors.
  • Lengthen the bag and cut the bottom end for an opening.
  • Put the plastic bag inside one sock with the cut opening all the way to the end. Make sure that the handles of the plastic bags are sticking out.
  • Place the foot inside the plastic bag and sock.
  • Hold the handles while gently pulling it up towards the legs.
  • When the sock is on your legs, smooth it out, make sure there are no wrinkles, and pull the bag out of the socks.
  • Simply remove the plastic bag from your legs, and you’re done!
Another trick to putting on compression socks with the use plastic bag is:
  • Place the bottom end of the plastic bag between the big toe and the second one.
  • Make sure that the plastic bag is under the foot.
  • Gently slide the foot into the compression sock pulling it up to its length.
  • Smooth the socks making sure there are no wrinkles.
  • Grab the plastic bag and slowly pull it out.
With these tricks, you can also try putting some talcum powder on your legs and feet so that the socks can glide on smoothly.
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4. Possible Side Effects of Compression Socks for the Elderly

There are guidelines on how to wear compression socks properly to avoid the side effects it can cause to an individual, especially if that person is a senior. Here are the possible adverse effects of compression socks
  • Skin irritation, redness, and itchiness.
  • Foul odor from sweat.
  • Improper blood circulation due to incorrect size.
  • Indentations or marks on the skin if the socks are not smoothed out.
  • Inflammation of the ankles and joints
These are just some of the most common side effects of compression socks are not worn correctly. There may be more that can also be of health risk to an elderly who is using compression socks. Protocols and instructions should be followed precisely to avoid such issues for the wearer.

Plastic Bag Trick for Compression Stockings & Socks Application | OT Dude Occupational Therapy

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