Anti-varicose socks: how to choose and use them properly

Human limbs, arms and legs are the most mobile parts of the body. They are constantly under pressure. Most of all, the legs can withstand the load - the weight of our body. In addition, they are constantly in an upright position. In this position and at a certain weight, blood flow increases, while the pressure on the walls of blood vessels increases.

And if we take into account that due to harmful environmental factors, our malnutrition, overweight, the elasticity of blood vessels decreases, it becomes clear that this leads to their stretching. Nodes are formed. And then the first signs of varicose veins appear - the so-called asterisks on the skin, heaviness and swelling of the legs. The next stage is already a specific disease - bulging nodes, veins. All this is accompanied by painful sensations.

compression stockings for varicose veins

Anti-varicose socks: types

To cure varicose veins, you need to radically change your lifestyle, reconsider your diet and pay enough attention to the problem of stress. And of course, consider wearing compression, anti-varicose knitwear.

Its products can be divided into the following types:

  • tights - the most comfortable type, but when dressing requires some effort;
  • socks - recommended for pregnant women and for those whose veins above the knee are not affected;
  • golfs - very comfortable to wear for men;
  • wedge - recommended for those whose varicose veins affect a small part of the legs;
  • elastic bandage - is the most affordable type, but the disadvantage is the inconvenience of use.

It is worth noting the fact that it is recommended to wear such medical orthopedic wardrobes after surgery. Attention! After the operation you should not wear socks, they should be selected by a specialist.

What are compression tights and tights against varicose veins?

Specialized orthopedic compression products are made from compression socks. Their goal is strictly medical. This type of clothing supports blood vessels and prevents them from stretching, improves microcirculation. According to the conclusions of physicians, today such socks are quite effective method of combating the disease, as well as its prevention.

A bonus to such compression tights or socks is the prevention of blood clots. Compression jersey products are made of porous, viscous material in its structure, which provides a breathable effect in hot weather. Such products use materials with increased evaporation properties and maintaining the water balance of the skin.

Compression socks: impact characteristics

Characteristic of the action of such socks is that they create an additional frame that supports the veins and prevents them from stretching. In addition, compression of the tissues of the lower leg protects our legs from fatigue, muscle pain and swelling and prevents blood stasis.

The pressure in the compression socks is distributed from the bottom up as follows:

  • on the ankles - the maximum, ie up to 100%;
  • knees - reduced to 70-75%;
  • on the thighs - about 50%;
  • in the groin - up to 20%;
  • there is no pressure on the thighs and abdomen.

In this way, the rate of blood flow from the veins of the legs increases.

Anti-varicose compression stockings are preventive and therapeutic. Once you have decided to buy anti-varicose socks or tights, decide for what purpose you need them: for prevention during pregnancy and after childbirth, for the treatment of varicose veins. Prevention can be chosen in pharmacies according to your size. They do not need a certificate.

The situation with medical treatment is quite different. It is more difficult to choose them. They must have a medical certificate and the doctor must select them according to your parameters and stage of the disease. The phlebologist will assess the stage of the disease, the condition of the veins based on ultrasound data. The size should be chosen very carefully, as the pantyhose hardly stretches. Too big will not be effective, and small size is inconvenient, inconvenient.

If you are diagnosed with a disease, but you do not have the opportunity to seek medical advice about buying compression socks, then first buy preventive socks and only then be guided by your feelings and the body's reaction to one or another type or size.

According to the international standard there are 4 classes of compression socks.

  1. The first compression class is 18-22 mm Hg. Art. - with an initial degree of damage to the superficial veins, the appearance of spider veins. Such socks significantly reduce pain at the end of the working day and relieve swelling.
  2. The second compression class is 23-32 mmHg. Art. - damage to the deep veins. In addition to pain and swelling, night cramps also occur. Recommended for thrombophlebitis of varicose veins of moderate severity. Doctors recommend wearing such tights at all times.
  3. The third compression class is from 33 to 45 mm Hg. Art. it is bought only on the prescription of a phlebologist. Doctors recommend wearing such tights in deep vein thrombosis and other serious cases.
  4. Fourth class of compression - exceeds 50 mm Hg. Art. - It is recommended to be worn in case of lymphatic flow disorders and to eliminate swelling.

Attention!

  1. Do not confuse ordinary elastic tights with compression tights. The density of curative and preventive measures is measured in millimeters of mercury, not in dance.
  2. Medical tights have a wearing period. No more than 6 months. Washing and daily wear makes them unusable.
  3. High quality compression stockings against varicose veins are not cheap.
  4. If you are unsure which brand to buy tights or socks, buy them with RAL marking - meet international quality standards.

How to wear medical anti-varicose compression stockings for women

There are rules on how to wear compression stockings, which are different from wearing ordinary items of clothing.

  1. Get dressed as soon as you wake up in bed.
  2. You need to do this correctly and very carefully without twisting or stretching the fabric too much.
  3. The upper part is carefully assembled into an accordion.
  4. Then, inserting the palms into the sock itself, gently pull the sock over the foot, while not forgetting the correct location of the heel.
  5. Very slow straightening, pull the shin.
  6. Then, also carefully, gradually pull them over the thighs, lifting the torso slightly.

Anti-varicose compression stockings can be worn both for the treatment and prevention of venous diseases. At the same time, before buying such underwear, be sure to consult, because self-medication can have negative consequences for your health. Good luck!