Anti-embolism (TED) stockings

Why do I need to wear TED stockings?

Thrombo-embolus deterrent (TED) stockings can also be known as compression stockings or anti-embolism stockings. This means that they help to reduce the risk of you developing a clot (also known as a thrombus, or embolus) in your lower leg. The clots are known as DVT or Deep Vein Thrombosis.

The anti-embolism stockings improve the return of blood in your leg veins when you are less active. This means that when you are in hospital and not moving around as much, or you are recovering from an illness or surgery, they help to prevent blood clots and complications.

What is Deep Vein Thrombosis?

DVT is the name given to blood clots that can form in the veins of your leg either after surgery or due to long periods of bed rest.

If the clot becomes loose, it can break away and travel through the veins to the heart and lungs and potentially block a major blood vesell.

This is known as a pulmonary embolism (PE), and can be very serious and can potentially lead to death.

There are three major factors which can cause a DVT to happen:

• Changes can occur in the way your blood clots for several reasons. This can sometimes be due to surgeries, medication, cancer, or the contraceptive pill.
• When you are less active or when you lie or sit in the same place for long periods of time your blood flows through the legs slower, which can cause a clot to form.
• Risk factors such as smoking and high blood pressure can damage the blood vessels meaning you are more likely to form a clot.

How do TED stockings work?

TED or anti-embolism stockings have been clinically proven to reduce the occurrence of DVTs.

The stockings are made of stretchy but firm elastic and they compress (squeeze) gently along your ankle, mid-calf, and thigh.

The compression has the effect of speeding up the circulation of the blood in your veins. This makes clotting less likely.

It is important that the stockings fit your leg firmly. You will be measured for the correct size while you are in hospital by the nursing staff using a tape measure.

How do I put on the stockings?

You should:

• Insert your hand into the stocking as far as the heel.
• Keep your hand inside, turn the stocking inside out to the heel.
• Put the stocking over your foot and heel. The centre of your heel should be over the heel pocket of the stocking.
• The toe opening will be under your foot, usually under your toes if the heel fits correctly, but sometimes the stocking is longer than your foot.
• Pull the stocking up and fit it around your calf and ankle.
• Pull the rest of the stocking up to its full length, and make sure there are no wrinkles.

The stockings can be worn on either foot. There isn’t a right or a left stocking.

These stockings can be difficult to put on. Therefore you might need help from a relative or carer to put them on.

Things not to do while wearing stockings

While wearing your stockings it is important that you do not:

• Roll the stockings down while wearing them. This is because they are designed to be tight, and rolling them down can stop blood flowing properly around your leg.
• Apply ointments or oils to your leg unless told to by a healthcare professional as these can damage the elastic.
• Cross your legs when sitting or lying down as this can slow the blood flow down.
• Leave the stockings off for more than 30 minutes.
• Wear the stockings if they are wet.
• Wear a pair of stockings that haven’t been fitted and measured for you by a healthcare professional.

Things to do while wearing stockings

While wearing your stockings it is important that you do:

• Check for skin problems daily before you bathe or shower.
• Check your stockings daily to ensure they are fitting properly and maintain good elasticity (stretchiness).
• Change your stockings every 2 to 3 days.
• Remove your stockings before having a bath, shower, or wash.
• Keep well hydrated to help improve blood flow.
• Use a simple water based moisturiser. Ask your healthcare professional or pharmacist for advice if need be.
• Report any new pain or discomfort in your feet, legs or skin caused by the stockings.
• Report any swelling of your leg to staff while you are in hospital, or to your GP practice if you are at home. This is because your legs might need to be re-measured for new stockings or your use of the stockings might need to be checked.
• Let your doctor know or contact the department where you were given the stockings if you notice itching or a rash. You may be allergic to the elastic fibres in the stockings.
• Make sure you are wearing slippers or shoes when moving around as the stockings can be very slippery on hard floors.

How do I look after my stockings?

If your doctor or nurse has told you to carry on wearing your stockings at home remember to:

• Put on clean stockings at least every 3 days (or earlier if the stockings are dirty). The ward will have provided you with a second pair of stockings if you need them.
• Wash the stockings by hand, or in a machine at no more than 40°C, and do not use bleach.
• Spin or air dry your stockings, but do not tumble dry, hand wring, or iron them. If air drying the stockings you are advised to dry them flat, as the weight of the water can pull the stocking out of shape.
• Avoid using greasy ointments or oils on your skin as this can cause problems with the elastic as mentioned before.
• Only use the stockings for yourself, as the correct size is given to you depending on your leg measurement. The stockings should not be passed on to other people and you should not use other stockings.

Can all patients wear TED stockings?

You should not be offered TED or anti-embolism stockings if:

• You have recently had a stroke.
• You have peripheral arterial disease (narrowing or blockage of the arteries leading to your legs).
• You have peripheral neuropathy (damage to the sensory nerves).
• You recently had a skin graft.
• You have eczema or fragile skin on your legs.
• You have an allergy to the stocking material.
• You have fluids on your lungs caused by heart failure.
• Your legs are very swollen.
• A good stocking fit cannot be achieved.

Please tell a doctor or nurse on the ward if you think that any of these might apply to you.

Contact Numbers

To contact the ward where you were given the stockings please call the North Tees and Hartlepool Hospital switchboard;
Phone: 01642 617617

You can also contact your GP during normal surgery hours for advice.

If you need advice out of hours contact NHS 111 for advice by;
Phone: 111
Website: www.111.nhs.uk

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

Patient Experience Team (PET)

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Team is here to try to resolve your concerns. The office is based at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. Our contact details are:

Telephone: 01642 624719
Freephone: 0800 092 0084
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm
Email: [email protected]

Out of hours

Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.
Telephone: 01642 617617

Patient, Public and People with Lived Experience

We are looking for patients to share their experiences of healthcare and to join our Involvement Bank. Working with the patients, carers, families and the general population we support in making decisions about their care can lead to better health outcomes, increased patient satisfaction and a better overall experience. We want to listen and work with you in shaping the future of your healthcare services. To find out more about the Involvement Bank go to our website or contact us at:

Website: www.nth.nhs.uk/about/community/people-with-lived-experience
Email: [email protected]

Data protection and use of patient information

The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.

Telephone: 01642 383551

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet feedback

This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team at:

Email: [email protected]