Why T.E.D. Hose?

T.E.D. Hose stockings are long, tight fitting "socks" that keep mild pressure on the legs to prevent blood from clotting. They prevent blood from sitting idle in the legs, which can lead to clots. T.E.D. hose stockings should be worn during inactive times after surgery, on airplanes, or often if the patient has a history of poor circulation.

T.E.D. Hose are special stockings that are designed to reduce the risk of developing blood clots in legs. Blood clots can form in anyone. However, having joint replacement surgery increases the risk of developing clots in the legs.

There are two reasons for the increased risk. First, the nature of the surgery to the legs increases the risk of clots forming and secondly, people are less active after surgery. This inactivity slows the circulation in the legs and can create a condition that may lead to blood clot formation. T.E.D. hose help to improve this condition by assisting blood flow and decreasing swelling.

T.E.D. hose are sized to fit the individual patient and are placed on the non operative leg prior to surgery. The day after surgery you will have your bulky dressing removed and a T.E.D. hose will be placed on the operated leg.

Wearing T.E.D. Hose

T.E.D. hose should be worn continuously for 6 weeks after surgery unless instructed otherwise by your physician. The stockings may be removed once daily for up to one hour for bathing and skin care. A second pair of hose should be given to you while you are still in the hospital.

When wearing the stockings, special care should be taken not to allow them to bunch up or bind behind the knees or around the thighs. The hose should be kept as smooth as possible.

Putting the stocking on can be difficult in the early days after surgery. When you are still in the hospital, the Occupational Therapist will provide you with the tools that will aid you in putting the stockings on easily and safely.

Laundering the T.E.D. Hose

Laundering helps to prolong the wear of the stockings by removing body secretions from the elastic fabric. The stockings may be washed in a washing machine in cold or warm water in mild detergent. Avoid chlorine bleach. They may be dried in a dryer for 15 to 20 minutes on low heat. Or, they may be hand washed and air dried if this is more convenient for you.