Don the stockings before getting out of bed in the morning.
To prevent distention of the veins, stockings should be applied before the legs are placed in a dependent position. Stockings should be used preventively before the discomfort associated with venous pressure and edema occurs. Knee-high stockings should end 2 inches (5.1 cm) below the knee to avoid popliteal pressure, which limits venous return. Stockings apply uniform pressure. Elastic bandages may slip or develop wrinkles, creating uneven pressure and constriction; edema may result.