Anti-embolism socks place pressure on the legs to increase circulation. In doing so, they reduce a person’s risk of blood clots. A doctor may recommend them for someone who is unable to leave their bed.
Anti-embolism socks are made of stretchy material that slightly compresses the legs. The pressure is graduated, with each sock being tightest at the bottom by the foot and loosest at the top.
When a person must remain in bed following surgery, a doctor may prescribe the socks to prevent the formation of a blood clot. Research indicates that this item of clothing significantly reduces the risk of a blood clot in a deep vein in the leg, also called deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
The socks can cover just the calf or also the thigh, and a doctor will recommend the appropriate sock for an individual. It is important that people wear their socks correctly to avoid complications, such as pressure sores.
Read more to learn about what anti-embolism socks are, how they work, and more.
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Anti-embolism socks apply graduated pressure to the legs. Manufacturers list the pressure of the socks in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg), which is a unit of pressure.
Standard anti-embolism socks apply 18 mm Hg of pressure at the ankle, and this reduces to 8 mm Hg just below the knee.
Most socks are made with latex-free material comprising 82% polyamide and 18% elastane. This makes them both stretchy and secure.
They are available in a range of sizes and lengths. The fitting process involves measuring the circumference of the ankle, calf, or both. Thigh-length socks necessitate an additional measurement at the thigh.
Doctors often prescribe anti-embolism socks for people who have had surgery. They help prevent DVT, which is the formation of a blood clot in a deep vein in the leg. DVT is more common in people who are immobile.
Sometimes, practitioners use the socks as a preventive measure in people who have an increased blood clot risk.
DVT is serious because although it is a clot in the leg, it can affect the rest of the body. In some cases, part of the clot may break off and travel to the lungs, where it can block blood flow. This obstruction can cause serious complications and may be fatal.
However, although DVT is dangerous, it is also preventable. According to a 2016 study, experts believe that anti-embolism socks reduce the risk by 40%.
A 2014 scientific article explains that because the pressure in anti-embolism socks is highest at the bottom and lowest at the top, these items help the blood flow toward the heart. In doing so, they prevent blood from pooling at the feet or seeping sideways into superficial veins — those near the surface — in the leg.
The squeezing action of the socks can also make the veins a bit narrower, increasing the speed of blood flow.
There are two lengths of anti-embolism socks: calf length and thigh length.
People sometimes use the terms anti-embolism socks and compression stockings interchangeably, but these are actually different products with different uses. Anti-embolism socks are suitable for individuals who must remain in bed, while compression stockings are best for people who have more mobility.
Compression stockings exert stronger pressure on the legs, so people should not use them in place of anti-embolism socks. Instead, they are an appropriate choice for individuals with varicose veins or lymphedema.
Some compression products are available over the counter. These include flight socks, elastic support stockings, and athletic compression socks. These items usually provide less compression than anti-embolism socks, and the pressure is typically uniform rather than graduated.
It is important to follow the doctor’s instructions regarding how many hours of the day to wear anti-embolism socks and when to put them on.
People can put them on by:
- reaching inside the sock and grabbing the heel
- turning the sock inside out
- placing the foot in the sock, making sure that the heel is in the correct position
- pulling the sock up the leg
- smoothing out any wrinkles
The socks’ compression effect can make putting them on difficult. In some cases, a healthcare professional may put them on for an individual.
Anti-embolism socks are safe with correct use, but if a person uses them incorrectly, they can cause problems.
According to one 2014 study, improperly worn socks can cause excessive pressure in some areas. This can lead to skin breakage, especially in older adults.
Sometimes, socks can become bunched, rolled, or folded when a person puts them on incorrectly. Research states that this restricts circulation and acts like a tourniquet, which reverses the graduated pressure. As a result, the socks no longer work properly and can cause blood to pool in the ankles and lower legs.
Anti-embolism socks are also not safe for everyone. They are not appropriate for people with certain conditions, such as:
- congestive heart failure
- excess fluid in the lungs
- inflammatory skin disease
- nerve damage
- congenital limb abnormalities
- extreme swelling of the lower leg
- severe obesity, when expert fitting is not possible
Anti-embolism socks apply compression to the legs and can prevent blood clots in a person unable to leave their bed. Standard anti-embolism socks apply graduated pressure ranging from 18 mm Hg to 8 mm Hg.
Doctors often prescribe the socks for people who must remain in bed after surgery. They may reduce a person’s risk of DVT by 40%.
Wearing anti-embolism socks incorrectly can hinder their function. In addition, possible complications of the socks include skin breakage that can lead to pressure sores. People should always follow the advice of a doctor when using these socks.
Anti-embolism stockings are used for patients who are recovering from surgery or who are non-ambulatory for any reason. The stockings encourage normal function of the venous and lymphatic systems of the leg and prevent complications related to pooling blood from arising. Before you apply a stocking, begin by gathering your supplies and washing your hands. Then, follow these steps for proper and safe application of the elastic stocking:
- Greet your patient, and explain what you are going to do. This gives the patient an opportunity to assist you with the procedure, and reduces anxiety around medical procedures.
- Check the size of the stockings to ensure they are the correct size for your patient. You will also want to ensure the patient does not have a latex allergy, as elastic may contain latex.
- Assist the patient in lying down on his or her back, also known as the supine position.
- Make sure the patients feet are dry. You can apply talcum powder if they are not dry.
- Gather the fabric of the stocking into your hand, and place it onto the patient’s foot.
- Continue to roll the stocking upwards until the upper edge of the stocking reaches just above the patient’s knee.
- Examine the stocking to ensure there are no wrinkles in the fabric, as this may be uncomfortable for the patient. Check the fit at the toes and heel, to verify correct placement of the foot.
- Assist the patient into a comfortable position if he or she wishes to move. Remove your gloves and dispose of them safely. Repeat the hand washing procedure to avoid the spread of disease.
While your patient is wearing the elastic stockings, you will need to regularly monitor them to ensure that all extremities are receiving adequate circulation. Check the patient’s toes for signs of decreased circulation such as coldness, slow refill, or discomfort. If the patient complains of numbness, tingling, or loss of feeling in any extremity, report it to the nurse immediately. Remove stockings every eight hours to allow for adequate circulation. Removal of the stockings should be done by the doctor’s order. Proper application of anti-embolism stockings is an important part of patient care, and can prevent life-threatening complications from occurring.
Expert Tip:
Putting on anti-embolism stockings can be a nerve wracking experience, especially for new CNA’s! Some people have a “thing” about feet and this makes it difficult to properly work with the stockings. Others are afraid of putting too much pressure or pulling on the patients legs too hard when putting on or taking the hose off. These are common fears; and you would be right in thinking that you have to use gentle force when doing this skill. They can be very difficult to get onto your patient if you are fearful of jumping in there and actually exerting any force to get the job done! If you are having trouble mastering this skill, don’t feel bad. Even I have issues with it after 12 years. In fact, putting any type of socks on even my children is hard for me because it is simply awkward!
To ease your troubled mind and help you do well on your skills test, go to Wal-mart and buy yourself a pair of TED hose. Begin by putting them on your own feet and legs, then move onto other people’s feet and legs! Grab onto your spouse, your kids, your parents and your friends – anyone who will allow you to play with their tootsies! The more you do it, the more comfortable you will be with it. Work on whatever your main issues are. For many of us it is getting the hose on without leaving wrinkles behind. Trust me when I say that this is something we have all struggled with and overcome. You will overcome it too- just practice! Also remember that they instructor giving the skills test is not against you. If you make a mistake or two, simply stop, tell what your mistake was and continue on from that point. Take a deep breath and pretend you are alone.