Compression socks are one of the few socks that require measurements to get the correct size. Everyone’s body is different which means that it is important to measure the circumference and length of your leg to get accurate compression and the perfect fit. In previous blogs, we discussed plus sizing in compression socks and gave a list of the fan favorite plus size compression socks, stockings, and leggings. That leads us here to talking about petite compression garments.

You will need a petite size if your lower leg measures less than 16 inches from the bend of your knee to the floor. It is important to remember that different brands have different sizing. Correlate your measurements to the size chart of the brand and product you are looking at before ordering. When measuring for your compression garments, be sure to measure first thing in the morning before any swelling has the chance to occur. 

Remember that many compression socks are unisex, so you may see a photo of the opposite gender when shopping online. View a complete list on men's petite and women's petite. Ready to look at some of the best-selling petite size compression socks? Keep reading to learn more about our petite garments. 

Juzo Soft Knee High

Do you want a super soft compression sock? This knee high is made from extremely soft and elastic fibers. Juzo FiberSoft technology wraps every elastic fiber with soft protective threads, which leads to greater ease of application, increased durability, and the ultimate softness and comfort. This knee high has a silicone top-band that keeps the sock from slipping and rolling throughout the day. Choose from 6 colors, 5 sizes, 3 lengths, and 2 compression levels. Thigh high options are available in the FiberSoft!

Therafirm Core-Spun Short Support Socks

Looking for a casual and comfortable petite compression sock? Don't stress, we got you! Therafirm Core-Spun Short Support Socks are designed for those who are petite. Core-Spun socks feel like a soft, comfortable, everyday sock, but have the added benefits of compression. Enjoy these benefits when you’re lounging, running errands, or traveling. Shop from 5 sizes, 4 colors, and 4 compression levels.

Sigvaris 412 High Tech Knee High

Want to add some pizzazz to your sock drawer? This is the perfect pair to do so! Sigvaris 412 High Tech Knee Highs are made with high tech fibers for thermal control, odor control, and moisture management. With an Achilles tendon protector, vibrations will be reduced on vulnerable ligaments. There are also toe protector fabrics incorporated to protect your toes from blisters! Choose from 8 bright colors and 12 sizes.

DuoMed Advantage Compression Pantyhose

Looking for a petite size pantyhose that is comfortable? DuoMed Advantage Compression Pantyhose provide opaque coverage and support to treat symptoms of swelling, vein disease, and help to fight blood clots. With the soft, luxurious feel, DuoMed will keep you feeling comfortable and rejuvenated all day long! Shop from 3 colors, 10 sizes, 2 compression levels, and open or closed toe.

Jobst Relief Petite Thigh Highs

Do you feel more comfortable in thigh high compression socks? Jobst Relief Petite Thigh High socks are made for both men and women from smooth, breathable fabric. A silicone top band keeps the thigh highs comfortably in place all day. Choose from 2 colors, 4 sizes, 3 compression levels, and closed toe or open toe.

CircAid Juxta Fit Essentials Standard Lower Legging

In need of a petite compression wrap? CircAid offers two length options! This leg wrap is designed for lymphedema treatment. The Juxta-Lock Band System allows for easy application and adjustment to assure the proper compression. This garment has a SILVERtec lining that is anti-bacterial and anti-odor. Choose from 2 lengths and 8 sizes.

Feel confident and comfortable in compression garments by measuring to find your correct size. You can visit the petite section for men and women on our website. Interested in reading about our plus size garments? Check out "A Stocking for Every Body" blog. If you need help with sizing, please take a look at the size chart for the product you are looking at. You can also go to our size finder to get a list of the garments that will fit you according to your measurements. Lastly, do not hesitate to call our customer service experts. They are always here to help you with the common goal in mind of feeling good and looking good.

Resistance band training is fabulous for older adults. It's slow, controlled, and can improve flexibility, balance, coordination, and strength while protecting the joints. 

There is even evidence that resistance training can help with arthritis and joint pain - more reason to move with these gentle yet effective exercises. 

Other benefits for seniors of using resistance bands: 

• They are light and are therefore easy to carry 
• They can be used anywhere: in a park, at home, with no need for a gym 
• Often the exercises can be done in a seated position, therefore useful for those with limited mobility 

 If you don't have resistance bands yet, click here to learn more. 

Here are our top 5 resistance band exercises for seniors. Enjoy! 

Overhead arm raises 

These exercises will help you strengthen your arms and shoulders. You'll be able to reach high objects more efficiently, and you'll enjoy greater flexibility in your upper body. 

• Stand with your feet hip-distance apart, and wrap your resistance band under one foot. We'll start with the right foot. 
• Ensure the resistance band is securely underneath the heel of your foot so that it doesn't snap up during the exercise. 
• Hold the other end of your resistance band in your right hand. Bring your arm up so that your elbow is pointing towards the ceiling. Your hand should be just behind your neck. 
• Slowly straighten that arm above your head while keeping hold of the resistance band. Pause at the top and then bring the arm back down and repeat on the other side. 

Variation while seated:  

• Wrap one end of the resistance band around the leg of a desk or table or another stationary object.  
• Using one hand or both hands together, hold the other end of the band.  
• Raise your arms above your head. 
• Pause at the top. Slowly bring your arms back down.  
• Repeat as needed. 

Watch this video to help you through the steps. 

 Variation while standing:  

• Stand on the middle section of the resistance band with your feet hip-distance apart.  
• Hold one end of your resistance band in each hand.  
• Keeping your arms straight (but without locking your elbows), raise your arms until they reach shoulder height.  
• Pause at the top and bring them back down. 

Use this video to help you through the exercise. 

Bicep curls 

This exercise will help you carry groceries as well as small children.  

• Standing in the same position as Variation 2 of the above exercise, keep your elbows close to your sides as you raise your hands to do bicep curls.  
• Pause when at the top, then release back down.  
• Repeat.  

Here’s a Bicep Curl video.  

Sitting knee extensions 

This exercise strengthens your leg muscles as well as the tendons around your knees. You'll be able to tackle stairs with greater flexibility and strength. 

• Tie one end of the resistance band round the leg of your chair.  
• Tie the other around your ankle (just above the joint). 
• Straighten the leg with the band, moving slowly and without locking your knee when you get to the top.  
• Pause and then bring that leg back down again. 
• Repeat reps as needed, then do the same thing on the other side. 

Use this video to watch this exercise in action.

Seated hip

This is a great exercise to keep your hip joints flexible.  

• Sit on a chair with the resistance band looped around your left thigh, and the ends tucked firmly underneath the heel of your right foot. 
• While keeping your back straight and your legs bent, lift that left knee as high as possible. This is a small movement but a powerful one.  
• Pause when your knee is as high as it will go, then lower it slowly back down. 
• Repeat as needed, then do the same on the other side.

Watch how to do this exercise with a video.

Neck workout

This exercise is good for toning up your neck, which can get stiff. You can do this neck exercise either seated or standing. 

• Wrap your band round the back of your head (a bit like a reverse headband).  
• Hold both ends of the band in both hands, with your arms bent and your hands just above your head.  
• Your elbows should be shoulder-height, with your forearms together. 
• Very slowly, while holding tightly to the band, straighten your arms while keeping your elbows high. You'll feel the resistance in the back of your neck. Important: Make sure your chin is slightly tucked in and that your head is straight. Your gaze should be straight in front of you. 
• Pause when the band is at its tightest point, then gently bend your arms again.  
• Repeat. 

You can see how to do this neck work out at the 8:40 mark. 

To find out more 

For general guidelines on resistance exercises for seniors along with more exercises, check out this page. Happy exercising! 

Barbara Fernandez is a freelance health and lifestyle writer and voiceover artist. She writes about all aspects of health and fitness, wellness, and nutrition. 

Strength training is essential for senior citizens to maintain a healthy lifestyle. A strong body is one that encourages independent lifestyles through improved mobility and stability. Building up and maintaining consistent body strength keeps bones healthy, prevents falls, and even reduces the pain of arthritis. Before beginning an exercise regimen at any age, it is helpful to consult the family doctor or an expert in fitness.

Benefits of Strength Training in Senior Years

Strength training at any age is important for staying fit, but it is especially vital for those in their senior years who want to remain independent and free of chronic conditions. Senior strength training can reduce symptoms related to such chronic diseases as arthritis, obesity, osteoporosis, heart disease, and diabetes. Utilizing a full range of motion trains the muscles in controlling the body while it is moving. Start slow and let results snowball as you progress. Perform movements that do not hurt and are even fun to act out. Stepping, squatting, jogging, hopping, walking, lunging, and skipping are all ways to move more.

In North America, slips and falls are among the leading reasons for injury and death among senior citizens. Strength exercises improve balance and boost confidence while moving about. By taking the time to exercise and to do some strength training, you are helping your body be strong in the face of the worst possible scenario. Beyond avoiding fatal falls, physical fitness assists in living a longer and healthier life.

Independence is important for anyone, but especially older adults who do not want to have to change their ways of life. Those that exercise regularly do not rely as much on others. With regular strength training, you can maintain the ability to walk about, bathe without assistance, cook for themselves, dress without aid, and independently use the restroom.

Beginning a Strength Training Regimen

Once you turn 50 years old, your body loses muscle strength at a rate of 1 to 2 percent per year. After 60, this goes up to 3 percent. Strength training assists in regaining the lost muscle. Exercise also slows the aging of cells. It goes beyond making seniors feel young and actually disengages the aging process of the chromosomes. Thus, you should strength train twice a week at minimum.

Lifting weights can seem daunting to someone who is just getting started. Weight lifting is just one way to increase strength, however. Instead, seniors should begin with bodyweight exercises. People who rush to lifting weights can sacrifice form and ignore biomechanics. Start with squats, lunges, dips, shoulder presses, step-ups, push-ups of some variety, and bicycle crunches. The push-ups can be on your knees or toes or against a wall or counter top.

From that point, you can begin to add weight with resistance bands or dumbbells. Also, strength work should be performed on nonconsecutive days. Cardio or walking should take up some time on the days in between to assist with recovery. This basic routine of fitness is important as it keeps the joints moving smoothly and helps maintain proper gut flora to help digestive machinery do regular work.

At-Home Exercises for Senior Strength Training

There are two easy exercises that active seniors should focus on. The first is the squat. Squats are valuable because they maintain a strong trunk and legs. They will provide confidence and power to stand up from a chair or a couch. Aging people lose strength in the butt and legs, causing difficulties in daily living. Squats fight against this loss.

The second main exercise is the push-up. Particularly for those at risk of falling, the motion of pushing upward is vital. If you strengthen your upper body and arms, you maintain control of your motions even on the floor. Combining squats and push-ups offers a well-rounded beginning to strength training for seniors.

To have a long, healthy, and independent life, strength training is essential. It boosts the immune system and the mood, both of which can suffer as aging proceeds. Strength training for seniors prevents accidents and makes those that occur less dangerous. Follow these guidelines to get started as an active, more healthy you.

Mia is a devout fitness instructor, mother, and writer. She loves sharing her knowledge through blogging, teaching, and writing. 

If you’ve watched all the videos on properly putting on, or taking off your compression socks and you’re still having trouble, this blog is for you. Let’s face it – putting on and taking off compression stockings is a challenge. Don’t let your frustrations win out and give up, try out some of these tips, tricks and tools to help you get your socks on and off easily.

Let’s start with how to get your socks on. This video demonstrates three different ways to put your compression stockings on – the heel pocket method, wearing donning gloves, and using a stocking donner:

The heel pocket method is a great way to get on stockings made from a thick fabric or socks that provide a high level of compression (over 20 mmHg). Don sheer or less firm compression socks with donning gloves to protect delicate fabric from snags and runs. Donning gloves are great for anyone with limited hand mobility, arthritis, or have weak hands or fingers - it gives you a better grip on the fabric. Gloves are the easiest, cheapest and most effective tool available to help you put your compression socks on.

Wearing pantyhose? Here’s a helpful video on putting on compression pantyhose.

The Best Donning Gloves:

Donning gloves are a great assistant for getting socks on, as well as off. The Jobst donning glove is unique because it is actually a cotton mitt with the palm and fingers dipped in a latex solution to grip onto support hose. It is a loose fitting glove which can be easier to put on for people with limited hand mobility. On the downside, there are no ridges or nubs on the latex which limits its ability to move stockings up the leg. We have heard from customers that this glove wears out too quickly.

If you are sensitive or allergic to rubber (latex), try the latex free Juzo donning gloves. These gloves work well for protecting the fabric, but do not have any nubs to help grip the garment. If you want something that will get a strong hold on the sock, try these: Sigvaris Latex Free Donning Gloves.

The Medi glove has textured fingers and palms for additional gripping power to help you get the compression stocking over your foot and heel. Then you can use your palms to slide the hose up your legs rather than pulling. The Sigvaris glove is our highest-rated glove and features very pronounced ridges that makes it easy to don stockings and armsleeves. Here’s what our customer’s have to say about Sigvaris gloves:

“My donning gloves are my best friend in the mornings. I would not be able to get my socks on without them. I also use them to remove my socks in the evening. Great product. I have tried other gloves and have to go back to the Sigvaris brand.”

“These are the best donning gloves that I and/or my patients have found for compression stockings of all materials and compression amount. I have been working with patients who have Lymphedema and are required to wear high amounts of compression. It’s a struggle to get them on even when you have the strength and mobility, so these gloves are a great aide for everyone. The price is very reasonable compared to other compression stockings manufacturers.”

The Best Stocking Donners:

If you have trouble bending over or crossing your legs, stocking donners do the work for you. Donners come in regular and wide-calf sizes, as well as some for putting on armsleeves and pantyhose. Long story short – there’s a donning device to make anyone’s life easier! Stocking donners require patience and practice and are most useful for individuals who have trouble bending at the waist. Since there a lot of donners to choose from, we’ll cover our customer’s favorites.

Sigvaris launched the SIMON donning and doffing aid in 2018 – and it has been getting amazing feedback from customers. The SIMON is convenient for a number of reasons – its long arms are perfect for anyone with limited bend at the waist or strength in their hands and arms. Unlike many of the bulky donners on the market, it can fold down for easy storage or travel. It can be used for knee highs, pantyhose and thigh highs – it can also be used to help take your stockings OFF. This is available in four different sizes – based on your calf measurement. Check out the video below to see just how magical it is:

Here’s what our customers have to say about the SIMON aid:

“Very satisfied. Ordered it because I couldn't get thigh highs support hose on. Makes putting on both the thigh high and knee high stockings and quick and easy task.”

The Jobst and Medi stocking donner’s have the classic fixed style that our customers have been using for years. Simply stretch the stocking over the frame and step into the sock until your foot is on the floor. Slowly lift the handles to work the stocking up your leg. Both Jobst and Medi offer donners designed specifically for larger calves. Here’s how it works:

Once you master using the Juzo Slippie Gator, you’ll be incredibly happy with it. This tool is especially useful for customers who have a lot of trouble bending over to touch their feet. Using a leg sleeve with handles and a rubber foot pad, you’ll be able to quickly and comfortably pull your stocking on in minutes. Like the Doff ‘n Donner, the Gator can be used to put stockings on and take them off.

A healthcare worker told us, “I bought the Juzo Slippy Gator to try with some of my clients. Most people I work on can’t bend over, much less pull compression socks up. The Gator is a great tool and has moved two of my clients to independently donning their socks.”

Watch this video to learn how to use the Juzo Slippie Gator:

The Easy-Slide for Open-Toe Stockings is only available for open toe socks and stockings, but it is simple to use and makes putting open-toe socks on a breeze. It’s getting rave reviews from customers and therapists alike.

“This device makes placing compression stockings on my patients a breeze. No more pinching, no more struggling to place the stockings on the patient. Saves me quite a bit of time in my busy day.”

This video shows you how the Easy-Slide works:

Going somewhere? The Magnide Easy-Slide for Closed Toe Stockings is washable and easy to transport. This is one of the easiest closed toe stocking donners available. Here’s how it works:

The Juzo Slippie and the Easy-Slides for open and closed toe use slippery and durable “parachute” nylon fabric that you put on your leg and pull the stocking over. Using your new favorite donning gloves, work the stocking up the leg and pull the donning aid out from the top of the stocking or through the open toe. If you wear closed toe stockings, make sure you are using a donning aid designed specifically for closed toe style stockings.

Tips and Tricks:

Once the stocking is in the right position, use the palms of your hands to smooth out any wrinkles. Your stocking is applied correctly if the toe is in the toe box, the heel in the heel box and their are no wrinkles around the ankles or leg. Ideally, your knee-high should end about one inch below the crease in your knee. Never pull the stocking up the calf or thigh by just the top of the garment.

If you have swelling or edema, it is best to don your stockings early in the morning when you get out of bed. Our legs start to swell while we are standing and the compression stockings applied early will keep the swelling down throughout the day.

Before you put your compression socks on, apply baby powder, corn starch or Alps Fitting Lotion to help the stocking glide up your leg more easily. As an added bonus, this lotion protects sensitive skin and makes dry, chapped skin feel silky and smooth.

Help! I can’t get these compression socks off!

Now let’s talk about how to get your stockings off. Taking compression socks off can be as difficult as putting them on, especially when dealing with a higher compression, full length pantyhose or the heat of summer. First you want to grab them from the top of the stocking where the fabric is, NOT the top band. Grabbing them by the top band can cause them to rip so be sure you are holding the fabric of the stocking. Once you have a grip on the sock, slowly fold the stocking down your leg, similar to peeling a banana. Then, you should be able to slip it right off your foot. Here is a helpful video on how to take your compression socks off:

Stocking Doffers:

The gloves we mentioned above under Donning Gloves, not only help you get your stockings on, but can help you take them off as well. Same for the Sigvaris SIMON, and Doff N’ Donner, both of these aids assist in getting your stockings on and OFF! The Medi Butler Off works like a shoe horn in reverse, slide the horn into the top of your stocking and gently push down. As a bonus, it makes a great, long handled shoe horn too! Here’s what our customers have to say about the Medi Butler Off:

“Ingenious. Makes everything possible.”

“For me, this tool is the perfect length. A convenient handle for my hand. And the best for last, is that HOOK on the back,to push the stockings off. I feel like I have help now,(I just love that little hook!)”

The Sigvaris MELANY donning and doffing device for compression stockings is excellent for those with limited mobility. No more gripping the foot or extreme bending efforts are required when donning and doffing stockings. Height-adjustable grips adapt to body size. One customer said: 

"Neat product. I've used it for over a year. The socks go on easy and off even easier. Be sure to get the donning gloves also. They do make a difference"

Do you have another tool that helps or tips and tricks to share? Let us know in the “Comments” section. Check out all of our donning and doffing aides at lebontadipio. If you are still struggling or have questions, give us a call at (+31)262843975.

TREATMENT

Rest:

Try to stay off your feet for a while. The less stress you put on your ankle, the better. With most pain and injury, giving your body a break and a little TLC is all it needs to heal. For more serious injuries or ongoing pain, you may want to look into daily or weekly regimens to help manage and treat your pain.

Ice and Elevation:

At the end of the day or when you have the time, prop your ankle up above heart level with pillows or on the back of the couch. Putting ice on your ankle for about 20-30 minutes a few times a day will help reduce the swelling and pain. For an injury, the swelling should go down in a couple of days and depending on the severity, the pain should subside within a week or two at the most.

Ankle Braces:

If you are experiencing pain, it is important not to push yourself. The more stress you put on your ankle, the longer it will take to heal and you will increase your chances of it becoming a more serious complication. It is important to support your ankle with an ankle brace or wrap to help it heal, prevent injury and get relief.

MalleoTrain Ankle Brace by Bauerfeind

To reduce ankle pain and swelling, try out the MalleoTrain ankle brace. It has won several awards for design and functionality.

This knit brace has two cushions on the inner and outer ankle bones that massages the ankle joint as you walk and helps to support and stabilize your ankle.

If you are injured, have osteoarthritis or recently had surgery, this brace will help you get relief. The MalleoTrain ankle brace is available in three different colors and is great for everyday wear.

PREVENTION

Make sure you are wearing comfortable and supportive shoes, especially when you are exercising or plan on doing a lot of walking.  If you notice tenderness in your ankle or you have been more active than usual, take a couple of minutes to stretch.

If you have suffered from an ankle injury in the past, it is extremely important to make sure your ankle is supported. If you are exercising, try wearing a foot sleeve or an ankle brace to protect and prevent injury.

If you’re looking for a foot sleeve to wear everyday or while exercising that isn’t bulky, check out the Medi Protect Seamless Ankle Support. It can be worn under your normal socks or shoes and is safe to wear overnight. It is made from a lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric and helps to relieve symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis, Achilles Tendonitis, swollen feet, heel spurs and chronic arch or heel pain.

If you have tried numerous remedies to reduce the pain and swelling and have had no luck, make sure you see a doctor immediately, especially if you can’t put much weight on your ankle.

BROWSE ANKLE BRACES AND WRAPS

If you have tips on relieving ankle pain or have questions about prevention or treatment, comment below!

First things first, comfortable shoes are a must. Forget the cute flats with the pointy toes and ditch the heels for shoes with arch support. Invest in shoes that provide shock absorption and stability to keep your ankles from rolling. Shoes with an open toe box help to alleviate pressure. You can also use shoe inserts for comfort and protection. If you have arthritis in your ankles, start wearing shoes that protect your heel and prevent you from rolling your foot inward.

A lot of the time, injury can be a factor in developing arthritis. When you sprain your ankle, the ligaments are stretched. Depending on how bad the strain is, the ligament fibers can be damaged or even completely torn. Ankle fractures may also contribute to arthritis. To prevent ankle pain and injury, take it easy instead of pushing yourself. If you are injured, make sure to rest, apply ice, keep the limb elevated and wear compression socks to reduce swelling. If you do not experience swelling, apply heat to relieve soreness.

Wear ankle braces or compression socks to reduce ankle swelling, joint stiffness and pain. If you have swollen, weak or injured ankles, try wearing an ankle brace or wrap. Choose from top of the line ankle braces and wraps by manufacturers like Therafirm, Juzo, Mediven, Solidea and more to find the best product for your condition. If your arthritis makes it hard for you to get your compression stockings on, consider trying the Sigvaris Select Comfort line. These socks are designed for easy donning, which is ideal for those with arthritis or limited hand strength. Sigvaris Select Comfort includes knee highs, thigh highs and pantyhose for men and women in 20-30mmHg and 30-40mmHg compression levels. You can also use the Jobst Stocking Donner to get your socks on without the hassle. This is ideal for those who have a hard time bending at the waist or have a hard time getting the sock on their foot. If you have arthritis in other areas of the body, here are some other awesome products for all types of arthritis. The Therall products are very popular because they use heat to provide soothing relief to painful areas.

Try to walk on flat, even ground instead of gravel or sand to avoid ankle pain or injuries. When you are sitting down, keep your feet flat or use a foot rest. Sitting with your feet pointed behind you or crossing them is bad for your ankles because it puts pressure on them, which can cause stiffness and discomfort. It is important to strengthen your ankles with exercises. Use a resistance band to strengthen your shin and foot muscles, which support your ankles for stability. You can also go for a swim to strengthen your ankle muscles without experiencing as much pain.

First, you pre-position the stocking over a wide circular metal frame. You begin the donning process by using your leg muscles and gravity to step into the stocking until your foot is flat on the floor. Next, grab hold of the donner’s handles and pull up, pulling the stocking up your leg. It sounds easy to use, and really is, but figuring out how to use the device can be difficult. Now you can watch a short 1 minute video demonstration.

There are 4 different stocking donners available. The Jobst Stocking Donner is the most basic and priced at $26.95. If you have average sized legs and a moderate amount of mobility this donner should work for you.

Individuals with big legs will need the Medi Big Butler. The big butler has an extra wide frame to accommodate wide calves and is priced at $59.95.

The Vario Donning Butler by Medi has adjustable height handles. Perfect for people with difficulty bending or limited mobility.

Finally there is the Medi Double Butler, which is made for stepping into both legs of pantyhose.

Whichever butler you choose, they all work in the same way and after watching our video you’ll be donning your stockings like a pro.

Pete@lebontadipio
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