How to Properly Wear Compression Socks After a Hip Replacement Surgery?
Compression socks are used for more comfort, to perform well in sports, and to prevent different medical conditions. These are designed to gently put extra pressure on the legs, a little more than the typical socks, to improve the blood flow. Compression socks like knee-high compression hose, compression pantyhose, and others are simple but critical in healing after hip replacement surgery.
As the socks are available in varying lengths and sizes, the doctor will suggest the most appropriate option for the patient.
Types of Compression Socks
The three main types of compression socks are listed below:
Anti-Embolism StockingThese socks are specifically designed for bedridden patients and provide gradient compression. It prevents the risk of deep vein thrombosis, a condition in which a blood clot is formed in a deep vein.
- Graduated Compression Stocking
This sort of compression sock has the highest compression level at the ankle and gradually decreases towards the top.
Knee-high compression hose ends just below the knee and helps reduce the possibility of lower leg swelling. On the other hand, the socks which extend to the thigh and waist prevent blood pooling in the legs and suppress the risk of developing orthostatic hypotension.
There is also a choice of color for the socks and a feature of open or closed-toe in graduated compression stockings.
- Non-Medical Stocking
A user doesn’t require a prescription for this type of stocking. These exert less pressure than medical stockings and offer uniform pressure to help relieve aching and tired legs.
These are easily available at the local stores and pharmacies.
Compression Socks Pressure Grades
Compression socks vary in strength based on the materials and weave.
Below-mentioned is the four most common pressure grades of compression socks.
- 8–15 mmHg — light support
- 15–20 mmHg — medium
- 20–30 mmHg — firm
- 30–40 mmHg — extra firm
The doctor usually prescribes firm stockings after hip replacement surgery.
How do Compression Socks Help?
Retention of the blood in the veins may cause several problems like swelling, vein inflammation, skin color changes, blood clots, and even varicose veins. Thigh-high compression hose and other compression socks prevent the blood pooling by enhancing the blood flow back to the heart.
Less movement after the surgery also raises the risk of clotting that the use of these socks could easily handle. Another issue is swelling caused by venous insufficiency, which results in the leakage of fluid from the capillaries to the tissues. It can lead to the development of edema. The excess liquid is absorbed by the lymphatic vessels and capillaries by squeezing the legs using compression pantyhose. This successfully reduces the swelling and helps prevent developing it again.
How to Wear Compression Socks Safely After Hip Replacement Surgery?
An average recovery time for hip replacement surgery is 6–12 weeks. However, by carefully taking precautions, this period can be reduced. Thigh-high compressions hose and other similar stockings help make the healing process faster.
But after the surgery, it is difficult for the patient to wear the stocking and might need external help.
- By Assistant or Caregiver
Keeping the leg straight, the caregiver should put the sock in the toes of the patient first and then roll it up to the leg. The knee-high compression hose should end two-finger width below the knee. It is also recommended to smooth the fabric using palms to free it from wrinkles, folds, and bunching. Otherwise, it can obstruct the blood flow and cause problems instead of healing.
For the same reason, do not cuff the top of the stockings.
- By Sock Aid
Using this donning and doffing aid, the patient can easily use the socks. This metal frame has hand-holders and a central place for a hose.
Slide the sock over the stirrup to the heel pocket. Then place the foot inside the hose and pull the frame upward. In this way, the patient can quickly wear the stocking. And remember to keep wearing the socks as per the physician’s advice.
Precautions of Using Compressions Socks
The socks are worn as per the physician’s instructions as the patient has to use it for a longer period. This duration varies for the patient to patient depending on the health condition. Therefore, using it with proper precaution is necessary.
At first, the patient might feel uneasy but then becomes used to it soon. But there might be some problem in case of any severe or constant pain. Ask for help and ensure that the patient wears the compression pantyhose appropriately and moves to the journey of regaining health comfortably.
