Acceptability and practicability of elastic compression stockings in the elderly: a randomized controlled evaluation

Compression stockings are the cornerstone of the treatment of chronic venous disorders, but practical acceptability is an important limitation in the elderly.

To evaluate the practicability of compression stockings in elderly patients.

Twenty women aged 68-85 years without major disability were asked to put on, wear for three hours and take off Solegg® and Solegg® Fine compressive stockings (15-20 mmHg) in random order on different days, and to rate through questionnaires the difficulties and discomfort they experienced in comparison with their usual non-compressive stockings (controls).

Foot and heel insertions of the compression stockings, as well as their removal, were found significantly more difficult, whereas comfort when they were on was higher. In the whole, the compression stockings were found to be more agreeable than the controls.

Difficulties regarding putting on and removal of the compression stockings remain significant but are counterbalanced by a better comfort when they are on.