T.E.D Stockings Instructions

As a result of a heart or circulatory condition, a doctor may recommend you wear anti-embolism stockings when lying in bed or reclining with legs elevated. T.E.D. stockings are a type of anti-embolism stocking that help deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which are blood clots in the legs due to damaged veins. T.E.D. stockings keep pressure on the legs, preventing blood from clotting, especially helpful for patients after hospitalization with a risk of developing DVT during inactivity. T.E.D. stockings are available in knee length and thigh length. They are easy to put on and care for.

Putting on T.E.D. Stockings

• 1

  Remove stockings from packaging. Choose thigh length or knee length T.E.D. stockings as desired. Both help reduce venous stasis below the knee; the thigh length is designed for more comfort.

• 2

  Insert your hand into one stocking until you reach the heel pocket.

• 3

  Grasp the heel pocket center and turn the stocking inside out to the heel area.

• 4

  Place the heel in the center of the heel pocket. Carefully pull the stocking up and around the ankle and calf. The knee-length stocking should be about 1 to 2 inches below the bottom of the knee. The thigh-length stocking's stitch change, which is where the fabric sheerness changes, should be about 1 to 2 inches below the bend of the knee, and the top band should rest just below the buttocks.

• 5

  Smooth out the stocking. Repeat steps with the second stocking.

Caring for T.E.D. Stockings

• 1

  Check the state of the stockings. Washing them helps make them last longer by removing body secretions from the threads of the elastic. Oils, lanolin and other substances make elastic deteriorate. Consider washing them if they are dirty, need refreshing, or have come in contact with oily substances.

• 2

  Wash stockings by hand in warm water and detergent or put them into the washing machine with similar fabrics such as synthetics or cotton, but not wool. Do not use too much bleach.

• 3

  Dry the stockings by hanging them up to dry or placing in the dryer at an average temperature which does not exceed 250 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 to 20 minutes.