5 signs it’s time to replace your compression stockings

Your compression stockings work hard every day to improve your circulation, reduce swelling, and relieve heavy legs. But like everything else, they wear out. Keeping stockings that are too old is like running in shoes without soles: they just don’t do the job anymore.

Here are 5 telltale signs:

The elasticity is gone.
Your stockings slip, roll down, or fall off at the ankle or calf during the day.

Why this is a problem: Compression needs to be gradual and consistent. If the stocking doesn’t stay in place, the pressure isn’t evenly distributed, and the therapeutic effect disappears.
The fabric has become thin or transparent.
Hold your stocking up to the light. If you can see through it, especially at the heel, toes, or calf, the fibers are stretched and worn.

General rule: Opaque stockings that become semi-transparent have lost 50% or more of their compression.

They’re easier to put on than before.
New compression stockings are always difficult to put on. That’s normal.

If you suddenly find them easy to put on, that’s a bad sign: the elasticity is gone. You’re no longer getting the prescribed millimeters of mercury (mmHg) pressure.
You’re experiencing less relief.
Your legs are heavy, swollen, or painful again at the end of the day, whereas your stockings used to help.

Note: Before blaming the stockings, also check if your medical condition has changed. But 9 times out of 10, it’s wear and tear.

It’s been more than 6 months of regular use.
Even with perfect care, the elastic fibers wear out.

*LG Medical Comfort Pro Tip: Always buy 3 pairs to rotate. Wash one pair while you’re wearing the other. This triples their lifespan and you’re never caught without clean stockings.