Compression Stocking Quality: Application and Removal Devices
What Makes a Good Compression Stocking Product
Before demonstrating technique, the presenter discussed what defines good compression product quality, noting that flat knit stockings achieve a degree of compression that ordinary elastic stockings cannot, while remaining easy to remove using a remover appliance for patients with arthritis or limited bending.
Assist Devices for Application
An assist device placed over the stocking, using pushing and pulling motions, allows easy application without significant hand strength, a technique especially useful for patients recovering from surgery who need consistent daily use of compression garments.
Postoperative Use After Total Knee Replacement
A patient two months after total knee replacement demonstrated her technique using a liner with 15 millimeters of built in foot and ankle compression, a rubber pad for heel adjustment, and a calf sleeve fastened with hook closures similar to a bra instead of Velcro.
Removal Techniques for Limited Mobility
Removal begins by releasing the hooks and pulling the liner down in a single layer over the heel, and for patients unable to bend over further, a shoehorn like device inserted against the skin facilitates full removal of the stocking or liner.
