Do’s and Dont’s
A Prescription For Healthy Legs and Feet…
Proper care of your legs and feet is essential if you are a diabetic or have poor circulation. Consider the following tips if you have not already…
- Use a diabetic foot cream daily which has antibacterial and antifungal properties as well as sufficient moisturizers to keep skin supple
- Have a Podiatrist trim toenails
- Talk to your Doctor about prescription medication for toenail fungus
- Buy proper fitting shoes
- Treat cuts, blisters, and abrasions seriously and immediately
- Keep feet clean and dry, and wear absorbent socks
- WEAR COMPRESSION HOSIERY DAILY!!!
When Not to Wear Compression Stockings!
DO NOT WEAR IF YOU HAVE AN ACTIVE BLOOD CLOT!
The added pressure from the compression acts like a flood blowing out a beaver dam in the river and may cause the clot to break loose and travel to your heart or lungs. Take your medication, wait until an ultra-sound/doppler of your leg shows the clot is dissolved and then get clearance from your doctor to wear your stockings.
DO NOT USE IF YOU HAVE AN OPEN OR WEEPING WOUND!
Only a Doctor can tell if it is appropriate for a patient to wear compression hosiery with specific types of ulcerations or wounds. Please check with your physician before you wear your stockings to determine if it is safe!
DO NOT WEAR WHILE LYING IN A PRONE POSITION!
This will increase your blood pressure because your heart is no longer fighting gravity. If your head is higher than your heart, then you may keep the stockings on!
The Perfect Fit
1) The stockings must not be too tight or they could potentially worsen your problem and cut off the circulation.
2) The stockings must be the correct height so they do not bunch up behind the knee (If you are using knee high or longer stockings).
3) Your stockings should always feel comfortable! They should never hurt!