How to put on your closed toe Scholl stockings or socks

If you have difficulty in getting your compression hosiery over your foot you may wish to try using open toe stockings and a Scholl Fitting Socklet.

Scholl Fitting Socklets are available free of charge. Please telephone our Consumer Relations Department on 0800 074 2040.

Like many things in life, putting on your compression stockings or socks is just a question of getting the right knack, but there are a few hints to note before you start:

Always put your stockings or socks on first thing in the morning, as your legs may become swollen as the day progresses
Make sure that your fingernails are smooth as rough edges could cause snags and ladders
Remove any jewellery which could catch as the stockings or socks are put on

Now follow the instructions below:

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Step 1

Put your hand and arm down the stocking or sock as far as the heel pouch. Grasp the heel pouch between your finger and thumb.

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Step 2

Still holding on to the heel pouch, withdraw your arm, turning the stocking or sock inside out, but leaving the foot section tucked in.

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Step 3

Turn back the opening to the foot section about 1” (2.5cm), then put the thumbs of each hand into the opening and stretch outwards.

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Step 4

Slip the stocking or sock over your foot as far as is comfortable, with the seam of the stocking toe at the base of your toes. Turn back the fold you made at the opening and fit the heel pouch snugly over the heel.

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Step 5

Gather the stocking or sock into folds of about 2” (5cm) until you reach your ankle.

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Step 6

Working in sections from the ankle, pull the stocking or sock up the leg a fold at a time. Do not force it or tug it.

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Step 7

Once you have fully extended the stocking or sock, take it back down to your ankle.

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Step 8

Then hold the top and, with a twisting motion, take the stocking or sock back up your leg again. This will give a better fit and will help to keep the stocking or sock in place.

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Step 9a

Fitting knee length stockings or socks

Knee length stockings and socks should always come up to the bend in your knee.

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Step 9b

Fitting thigh length stockings

Ideally thigh length stockings should cover your leg to above the highest visible varicose vein.

If you are not wearing hold-ups, once in place secure each thigh length stocking with at least two suspenders.

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Step 10

Gently smooth away any tight areas or wrinkles with the palm of your hand.

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Step 11

To make sure your toes are comfortable, gently pull on the tip of the stocking or sock to create a little extra room.

How to take off Scholl stockings, and socks

Peel your stockings off gently. Do not roll them or pull them.

Hints and tips for putting on your Scholl Compression hosiery

Look after your skin

Applying moisturiser to your legs every night will help you to put on your stockings, socks or tights in the morning, as it is easier to ease them over smooth, well cared for skin.

Watch out for sore patches

Before you fit your stockings, socks and tights take note of any patches on your legs that are sore. Ease the garment over these patches particularly carefully, both when putting your hosiery or socks on and when taking them off. This will help to prevent the sore patches breaking down into ulcers. If any of the sore patches become ‘weepy’, contact your doctor or nurse for help.

If your stockings, socks or tights seem too long

The stretchy material of your stockings, socks and tights makes it possible to take them too far up your legs. If they seem too long, take them back down to your ankle and refit, being careful not to pull them up too much.

NEVER fold your stockings or socks over at the top, as this will make a tight band around your leg, reducing the flow of blood and making your legs swell.

If your stockings or socks seem too short

If they seem too short, take your stockings, socks or tights back down to your ankle and refit, pulling them up firmly but without tugging. There is plenty of stretch in the material, which should help them to fit.

If you are finding it difficult to grip the hosiery or sock firmly enough, try wearing lightweight household rubber gloves which can stop your fingers from slipping.

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