5 Tips and Tricks to get those tight compression socks on easier

Those who know the struggle, I am here to help!

Are compression sock benefits worth the fight every morning?

As a straight forward answer - YES!

Medical Knit compression socks, specifically the ones that are measured for you have great benefits for circulation and controlling edema (swelling). Compression therapy can be used for vericose veins and spider veins, be beneficial on flights and long drives, and can be a great resource when standing still or sitting all day at work. Compression socks are tighter than the average sock, but the fight to get them on and off doesn’t have to be a battle. Incorporating even one of these techniques will make wearing your socks a more enjoyable experience - leading to greater compliance and better health benefits!

Tip #1 - Dry Feet

We have all done it: we get out of bed after hitting snooze for the 5th time, rushing to get in and out of the shower, and maybe our feet are still a little damp before putting our socks on. This makes things about 10 times harder (not backed by science) to get your socks on as they seem to stick to every inch of your foot and ankle.

Starting with a dry foot allows the sock to travel much easier on the skin! Whether it’s the damp foot after that rushed shower, or maybe a sweaty foot after a workout - it is best practice to dry your feet completely before attempting to put on your socks!

Tip #2 - Do Not Bunch

This is the one thing I see most often and tends to cause the most amount of trouble. You bunch up your sock like you would for that 20 pack of socks from Costco, but with a compression sock you are just doubling, tripling or quadrupling the compression - making it extremely hard to get it up and over your heel. We want to avoid as little overlap or bunching as possible, and a good alternative to this is the inside out method.

Tip #3 - Flip Partially Inside Out

It seems weird to re-learn how to put on socks after the age of 3 or 4, so if your reading this it can be our little secret. It will also give you the knowledge to say “want to see a party trick” the next time your friend or family member is struggling with their compression socks.

First we want to put the sock on our hand like a sock puppet, making sure our hand is at the end of the toe box and we can locate the heel.

Second Step: We want to pull the top of the sock inside out until we can almost see the heel. This creates a “half sock” look, keeping it on our hand.

Step 3: Grab onto the toe box where you’re fingers are in the “sock puppet” and pull the sock off your hand. Make sure the sock stays in a half inside out position. From here locate the heel and make sure it is at the bottom - this is where the bottom of your foot will go. (Some sock heels are harder to find than others, so keep a close eye on it)

Final Steps: We can put the sock on by holding the sides of the open end with your thumbs, and pulling the sock until it is up and over your heel (at your ankle). From here the hard part is done! Take the top of the sock - pull towards you up the leg so it starts to look not inside out - and pull until you are 1-2 fingers below the crease of the knee.

Your Sock Is Now On!

Tip #4 - Get Your Socks Properly Measured

For the best fit and a proper medical knit compression level, getting them measured by a sock fitter can save you a lot of headaches down the road. These socks tend to be more expensive than the ones you can get at the drug store or amazon, but the benefits you get from them well outweigh the price tag.

This also means that you know the sock wont be to tight or cut off circulation, by measuring the ankle, calf, and length of the leg (more measurement if the sock is longer) we are able to pinpoint you’re correct size!

Tip #5 - Use Accessories To Help Get Them On + Off

There are lots of helpful devices out there to help get the socks on and off, help get wrinkles out of the socks, and pull the toe box so it’s not uncomfortable at your toes.

1. Rubber gloves - These are a great addition to your compression sock tool kit, the rubber glove allows you to grab onto the sock with ease. This is great for getting it on and off, but also to re-arrange the sock without getting a finger nail through the sock

2. Donner - These kinda look like a metal cage, but work wonders to get the socks on. You put the sock in the device, it holds it open for you, and you just slide the whole foot through. The only adjustment you need to make is fine tuning placement!

One example is the Medi export butler https://www.medicanada.ca/products/medi-export-butler/

I hope some of these tips and tricks help you, or someone you know who seems to be struggling day in and day out with putting on compression socks. If you would like to get measured for a pair of compression socks book an appointment online with Full Stride Orthotics. We will measure, help you choose a sock that’s right for you, and of course fit the sock to ensure proper fit and go over these tips and tricks in person!