This leaflet contains important information about wearing your new lymphoedema compression garment.
Compression garments can help to reduce and control lymphoedema. Compression puts pressure on the tissues in the legs which prevents fluid build-up. The support also helps the muscles pump the fluid away from the leg and encourage lymph drainage.
Important Things to Remember About Compression Garments
- You must only wear the compression garment that has been specifically measured and fitted for you by your lymphoedema practitioner
- The best time to put on your garment is first thing in the morning when your leg swelling is likely to be reduced. Always check your garment for ladders before putting it on.
- When putting on your stockings firstly get the garment over your foot and then work your way up towards the knee, do not pull at the top of the garment.
- Always ensure that the foot and toe parts are in the correct place
- Always ensure that there are no creases in the stockings, and they are pulled up correctly. If the garment feels uncomfortable, gradually increase the amount of time you wear it for, with the aim to wear all day.
- Do not wear the stockings overnight
- When travelling on long journeys make sure you wear your garments for a few hours before the journey, during the journey and for several hours after.
- Do not wear if skin is fragile or damaged or skin is leaking lymph fluid
- If you are concerned that you may have cellulitis or a skin infection, you should not wear your garments and should seek further advice from the lymphoedema practitioner.
- Compression hosiery should not cause you any pain or discomfort. It is important that if you experience any symptoms of pain, numbness or pins and needles that you remove your garments immediately and contact the lymphoedema practitioner on 0191 445 2320
If you have any urgent concerns or require assistance out of hours please contact your GP, out of hours service or your local walk in centre. Or you can call 111 for over the phone advice